Frequently Asked Questions about Independent/Self-Publishing

What is independent publishing?
A book that is published outside of traditional publishing companies either by the author, a business, organization or family group is independently published.

What is self-publishing?
The author of a self-published book acts as the publisher by assuming and financing all the duties and responsibilities of a publisher.

What is traditional publishing?
A traditional publisher purchases a manuscript from the author, paying the author through royalties (a percentage of the book’s sales) received on the book. The publisher pays for the editing, production, promotion, and distribution of the book and holds the rights on the book for the term specified in the contract between the publisher and the author.

What is a subsidy publisher?
Subsidy publishing is offered as a joint venture between the publisher and the author so that it is not truly traditional publishing and not truly self-publishing. The author and the publisher share production costs, but the percentage shared varies from company to company. Some subsidy publishers actively promote, market, and distribute the book; other companies expect the author to do this or at least to help do this. Some subsidy publishers pay royalties on the book’s sales, other companies claim that all the profit will belong to the author. However, if no royalties are paid by the publisher, it is often expected that the author will buy all the books or at least a large quantity of them. Since subsidy publishing has no clear definition, no industry regulation, and no watchdog organization over it, this type of publishing requires the greatest amount of caution and research before entering into a contract or agreement.

What is a publishing service provider?
A publishing service provider is not a publisher but will assist authors in publishing their books. The author pays the provider for his services, but maintains a good deal of control over the project, retains all rights, and receives all profit from the sales of the book. A provider will not use its name as the publisher and will not procure an ISBN or register the book using its name. The number of services offered by these companies varies with every provider.

What does the term “holding the rights” to a book mean?
The term “holding the rights” signifies the party that has the legal authority over the book, i.e., to make decisions to keep the book in print, translating the book into other languages, and giving permission for portions of the book to be copied or used for other purposes. The party who holds the rights is stipulated in the contract agreement between the publisher and author and will revert to the author at the end of the contract agreement. The party who holds the rights is not necessarily the same party that holds the copyright. (see question #7)

In whose name should the book be copyrighted?
The copyright should be in the author’s name in most cases, even when published by a traditional publisher. Often the copyrighting application is completed by the publisher but in the name of the author. For self-publishers and independent publishers, the copyright should definitely be in the author’s name.

What is an ISBN?
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a 10-digit number that identifies book products published internationally. It is absolutely necessary to purchase an ISBN for any book that will be sold or distributed. The book’s publisher must purchase the ISBN. These numbers must be purchased in blocks of 10, 100, 1,000, and 10,000. Applications to obtain an ISBN may be completed online. For more information go to www.isbn.org.

What does it mean to promote, market, and distribute a book?
Promotion is the term given for all publicity of a book whether before or after the book is produced. Various forms of promotions could be advertisements, mailings, etc. Marketing connotes the entire plan of selling a book, from promotions, to contacting buyers and actually selling the book. As soon as a book is accepted for publication, a marketing plan should be developed and implemented. Distribution involves the various ways a book is sold, whether through bookstores, catalogs, or online distributors such as Amazon.com.

Is Perez Print Productions a publisher or a publishing service provider?
PPP is a publishing service provider. We assist publishers: self-publishers, independent publishers, and small or new traditional publishers. Our services include, copy-writing (for specialty publishing projects), copy-editing, exterior and interior graphic design, typesetting, proofreading, printing, shipping, marketing, and promotions. We are also able to offer consulting services regarding all aspects of publishing and invite every new client to make use of an initial free consultation.

For more information and the answers for all other questions, click here to download How to Publish Your Own Book: A Step-by-Step Manual.