Frequently Asked Questions
Support and Contact
- Why should I publish with Rowanvale Books? What makes you different from other companies?
- What is self-publishing and why is it beneficial?
- Do you work with authors internationally?
- Can I call or pop in to the office to discuss my book?
- I don’t know much about publishing. How much support will I get?
Submitting a Book for Publication
- What format do I need to submit my manuscript in?
- Do I need a literary agent to self-publish a book?
- What does the free editorial feedback involve?
- Do I need to register my work for copyright protection before I send you a sample?
- What is the deadline for my manuscript being complete?
- Would you expect a follow up book?
- Why do I need to provide a synopsis for editorial feedback?
- Why do you need me to send a sample of my manuscript?
- Can I have editorial feedback even if my manuscript isn’t finished?
- Do you accept controversial subject matter?
Payment
- How much is it for me to buy additional copies of my book, after my 20 complimentary author copies have sold out?
- Can I withdraw from publication at any point?
- Can I proceed with publication, although I have not made the initial payment yet?
eBook and Paperback Publication
General
- Why should I publish with Rowanvale Books? What makes you different from other companies?
- What is an eBook?
- What is an ISBN and does my book need one?
- Do you have many retained authors?
- How much control will I have over the publication process?
- What are the advantages of publishing in paperback format?
- What are the advantages of publishing in eBook format?
- What is the deadline for my manuscript being complete?
- What happens on publication day?
- How long will publication take?
Editorial
Design
- I really like the particular style of an illustrator I have seen. Are your Designers able to replicate this style?
- Who owns the copyright of any illustrations produced?
- Can I use a cover design or illustrations produced elsewhere?
Marketing
- What are the benefits of me having an author website?
- When will my Marketing Advisor get in touch?
- Will my Marketing Advisor help me get much exposure?
Distribution
- How does print-on-demand (POD) technology work?
- What is ‘sale or return’?
- How much is it for me to buy additional copies of my book, after my 20 complimentary author copies have sold out?
- Am I allowed more than 20 complimentary author copies of my paperback initially?
- Will my books be sold on Amazon?
- How long will you sell my book for?
- What international distribution do you offer?
- How is the RRP of a paperback book calculated?
- How is VAT applied to books?
- I have heard that there could be a compromise on quality when using the print on demand service, is this true?
Legal
- Will I get the files if I decide to terminate my contract?
- Will my name be fully published?
- How much control will I have over the publication process?
- Do I need to register my work for copyright protection before I send you a sample?
- Who owns the copyright of any illustrations produced?
- Do I retain the rights over my work?
Book Store Customers
Royalties
- Is there a threshold for royalty payments?
- How often will I receive money from my book sales?
- Where does the other 35% go?
- What rate of royalties do authors receive for sales via their 20 complimentary copies?
- What rate of royalties do authors receive for paperback sales via retailers?
- What rate of royalties do authors receive for paperback sales via our online Book Store?
- What rate of royalties do authors receive for e-book sales?
Marketing Advisor Service
- Do I have to assign rights over to my Marketing Advisor?
- What type of support do the Marketing Advisors provide?
- Can my book be returned to me at the end of the Marketing Advisor Service?
Cover Design and Illustration Services
- I really like the particular style of an illustrator I have seen. Are your Designers able to replicate this style?
- How are the final illustrations sent to me?
- Can I purchase a couple of illustrations initially and then purchase the remaining illustrations, once I know I am happy with the illustrator’s style?