FAQ
Getting Started
What are the acceptance criteria for Piper Publishing?
Our editorial team reviews and accepts submissions that meet our acceptance criteria. Please review the guidelines below before submitting to help ensure your manuscript meets our criteria: - Must be a complete, nonfiction, English-language manuscript - Must be well-crafted, original, and unique - Must include permissions and/or citations as appropriate - Source files must be an editable, unflattened .doc or .docx file and adhere to the following: - 12-point type - Single-line spacing - One-inch margins - Include sequentially numbered pages - Include your working title, name, and email address at the top of the first page - Images must be provided as JPG or PNG, and at least 150 DPI. - Illustrations, charts, and graphs are preferred in a vector format (AI, EPS, PDF)
What do I need to get started?
You need a completed manuscript (or one that is very close to complete), a Title and subtitle, art files for all illustrations/charts, ideas for your cover design. Piper Publishing guides you through the entire process and has multiple documents to help get you started.
Does the base publishing package include everything I need to publishing my book?
Yes, the base publishing package includes everything you need to publish your book from start to finish. It includes a paperback and and EPUB (your digital book file). A hardback version is available at an additional charge. The base package includes proofreading, cover design (front and back), interior layout, ISBNs, proof copies, and all other related services to get your book published and selling on your website and other outlets.
Publishing Process
How do I provide creative direction for my cover?
Piper Publishing will provide you with a mood board document that helps you create a mood board. Creating a mood board allows you to provide the designers with your brand colors and/or the desired color palette for your cover. It also allows you to provide images, inspiration and examples of covers you like and what you do not like. The more information you provide, the smoother the design process.
What are front and back matter?
Front and back matter are the additional contents to make your book complete. The Director of Publishing will work with you to answer specific questions and make sure you have everything you need to complete your layout.
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Front matter
Front matter is everything on the pages leading up to the actual content. This will include the title pages, copyright, dedication, acknowledgements (if desired at the front) and a table of contents. A common layout for front matter might look like this: - Half Title page - Blank - Full Title page - Copyright - Dedication (Optional) - Also by {Author name} - Acknowledgments (Opt.) - Blank - Table of Contents
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Back matter
Back matter should be after the end of the contents of your book. This material serves to prompt your reader to continue engaging with you and your work. Back matter consists of the following pieces: - Acknowledgments - Bibliography - Index - About the Author - Advertising for backlist or upcoming titles - Samples from a forthcoming title - Additional Resources and/or Free content offers - Connections to your social media, author website and/or newsletter
What is metadata?
Metadata is the information attached to your book. This includes the following: - The title - The author - The description - Author bio - Publication date - ISBN - Copyright info More data can contribute to the metadata for your book, but the list above covers most of the really important and usually included infromation.
Can I make changes to my interior once it goes to the layout process?
The layout process is completed using your final manuscript (after proofing has been completed). The manuscript should look like you want the interior of your book to look. The base package includes two rounds of revisions (major changes). Minor changes and tweaks are included free of charge. If additional rounds are needed for major changes, an additional fee may apply. If you make substantial changes before or during the layout process (before the first draft is complete), this will result in a delay in the timeline and could effect your launch date. The Director of Publishing will discuss this with you if the need arises.
Do I get to see my book in print before I give the final approval?
Yes. The base package includes a proof copy (a printed copy of your book with its cover) that will be sent to you upon approval of the digital interior layout version. We want you to see what your book looks like in print before we launch your book to the public. You can make any changes needed once you see the proof copy. You will not receive a second proof copy if changes are needed. You may order one at an additional cost. The goal is to find and correct all changes, mistakes, typos or any spacing issues you would like to change during the layout phase with the digital copies. This saves time and trees!
Marketing and Selling Your Book
How do I sell my book?
Piper Publishing believes in and advocates a direct sales method for selling your book. We will assist in setting you up on your website to sell your book direct to your audience. This means people will buy from your website where you collect the payment and fulfill the order. Piper Publishing has partnered with Lulu Press to print and ship your book worldwide to any customer. As a Piper Publishing author, you receive discounted printing costs from Lulu Press. The Director of Publishing will answer any and all questions about direct sales.
What ecommerce platforms are compatible for my sales?
Piper Publishing partners with Lulu Press for printing and fulfillment services. Lulu currently has integrations for WooCommerce, Shopify, and Wix. The Director of Publishing can outline your options if you choose not to use one of these platforms for your sales.
Can I sell my book on Amazon and other places?
Yes. In additional to direct sales on your website, Piper Publishing understands the desire and need to list on Amazon and other services (Ingram Spark, Barnes & Noble, etc.). Brick-and-mortar bookstores can order and stock your title at their discretion through Ingram. We will assist with direct listing on these services if desired or explore Lulu Press global distribution options.
How should I determine the price for my book?
When deciding on the price for your book, you’ll want to consider the print cost, distribution plan, and product specifications. We recommend looking at popular, published books within the same genre with similar specifications to get a sense of the price range consumers expect. For reference, an average business book sells for anywhere from $15.99-$29.99 for a paperback. Ebooks usually sell for $9.99.
Piper Publishing has numerous resources to help develop your marketing plan pre- and post-launch. We will provide documents with suggested strategies and marketing ideas. The Director of Publishing can also go over some best practices for book marketing. Once your book is published, we will share it on our Featured Author's page and through our social platforms. Additional marketing options can be purchased as add-on services to your publishing package. Check out our services and pricing page for more details.
Other FAQ
How do I request a revision?
For inquires related to creating a revision, special edition, or any other type of book edit, please contact us at support@piper-publishing.com
Can I order books at cost as the author?
Yes. If you use Lulu Press for printing and fulfillment services, you can order copies at cost in your Lulu Dashboard. The Director of Publishing can go over this process with you.
What if there is an issue with printing or shipping?
Part of your package and becoming a Piper Publishing author includes on-going support with your book sales. Contact us (support@piper-publishing.com) to request assistance. Make sure to detail the issue and/or assistance needed. We will work with Lulu Press and you to make sure all issues are addressed and remedied.
I have a question that's not answered here. What do I do?
We are happy to answer any questions whether you are a Piper Publishing author or considering our services. Please send ANY question to support@piper-publishing.com for additional help. We look forward to hearing from you and helping in any way we can.