Frequently Asked Questions
General
Can I make changes to my book after it has been published?
Yes, however this depends on the publishing/distribution method being used. For example, with Print-on-Demand, files can be updated so that future copies include the changes. However, if a book has already been published, there may be costs associated with replacing files depending on the distributor being used.
What happens if I want to publish through KDP myself?
KDP can be a suitable option for authors who mainly want to publish on Amazon and are less concerned with having their books in physical bookshops. We offer stand-alone services which support authors who choose to self-publish independently, including KDP Set-Up, formatting, marketing and Amazon Analysis.
What is the difference between publishing through Rowanvale and managing several stand-alone services myself?
With stand-alone services, you choose which individual services you want and manage the overall project yourself. This means that you have independence, however you also need to make more of the decisions and coordinate different services yourself. Publication packages provide a more detailed and coordinated process, with a central Project Account Manager overseeing the project.
Amazon
Does my book need to be on Amazon before an Amazon Analysis can be completed?
Yes, an Amazon Analysis is designed to examine an existing Amazon listing and provide feedback and suggestions for improvements. If you need help getting your book onto Amazon and setting it up correctly, the KDP Set-Up Services may be more appropriate.
How long will it take for my book to become successful on Amazon?
There is no set timeframe, as this depends on a wide range of factors, including the current book-buying climate, genre preferences, Amazon's algorithms, use of KDP promotional tools and how often keywords and categories are updated.
Distribution & Retail
Will my book get into bookshops and supermarkets?
Our hybrid options include sales-agency representation, which helps get your book into key accounts such as Waterstones, Blackwell's, WHSmith and supermarkets. However, we cannot guarantee that your book will be stocked on physical shelves, as this depends on the individual retailers and other factors.
Do the sales agencies actively pitch books to retailers?
Yes, Compass actively pitches represented books to retailers such as Waterstones. Its sales representatives meet with bookshops across the UK and Ireland, as well as buyers at the head offices of major chains.
How does the book distribution system work?
For hybrid publishing, the distributor can distribute books to physical bookshops globally, but it is ultimately up to each individual bookshop whether it wishes to order physical stock. If a bookshop orders, the distributor handles fulfilment and related processes where the distributor is involved.
Is my book guaranteed to appear on physical bookshelves?
Sales agencies actively pitch books to retailers. However, whether the book will appear on physical shelves depends on how appealing they find the book, its suitability for their customers, other books available at the time, PR and endorsements.
Do I need to approach the sales agencies myself?
No, at Rowanvale we have direct contracts with the sales agencies and will handle communication with them. Authors therefore do not need to contact the sales agencies separately. However, authors may need to provide endorsements and plan PR which can be used when pitching the book to retailers.
Marketing
Can the Marketing & Aftercare Team help me organise book signings or events?
Yes, our Marketing & Aftercare Team can help authors organise in-person events, including interviews, as well as online promotional activities.
Can the Marketing & Aftercare Team get me newspaper coverage?
The Marketing & Aftercare Team can help with promotional activities and support authors with their own efforts. However, contacting media and journalism contacts to arrange publicity is the role of PR companies. We work with PR companies for this type of higher-level publicity support.
Do I have to pay separately for advertising?
Advertising with external companies such as Facebook Ads needs to be paid for directly by the author.
