Getting your book published
How do I get my book published?
Writes Hill Press considers manuscripts based on merit and an author’s reasons to publish. You’re welcome to contact Lynn to start a discussion. Please include a synopsis and word count with your enquiry, a letter outlining why you wrote the book, what outcome you would like, who your readership is, and if appropriate a note about similar books in print.
The process takes time and effort; a typical schedule is 12 to 18 months to ensure the manuscript is well edited and proofread, the design is professional and appropriate, an index is written, and the printing options and processes are managed. Authors work closely with Lynn at all stages.
Once your book is published you will need to be involved in promoting it through a book launch, book signings, social media and book reviews. Writes Hill Press offers support and advice in this process.
Writes Hill Press is a hybrid publisher, so costs are underwritten by the author or their funding agency. For information about the likely outlay please see ‘How much does it cost to get a book published’. Overall, it can range from a few to several thousand dollars. So it's important to do your research on cost-versus-quality comparison and budget to ensure you have the resources to publish properly.
How much does it cost to get a book published?
The cost to publish a book with an hybrid publisher depends on variables such as the extent and complexity of the manuscript, the services required, publishing method and number of books printed. In 2023 it may range from $4,500 to $25,000 +gst to meet editorial, book and cover design, typesetting and printing costs. The final product could range from a slim paperback volume of poetry to a highly-illustrated, indexed, 400-page hardback book with a jacket.
The up-side to this arrangement, in comparison with traditional publishers, is the majority of sales revenue is returned to the author.
What does an editor do?
Editors help authors improve their writing to make it the best it can be; they are essential to the publishing process.
Editing is not merely proofreading or spell checking. There are a number of other editorial stages: substantive or structural editing, line editing, and copyediting. The level of editing your manuscript will require depends on your skill as a writer and whether you previously engaged a professional editor. The Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) website has information on the likely fee for this service.
During the editorial process Writes Hill Press may, if necessary, provide feedback on how your writing could be developed and refined, and on what does and doesn’t work.
Subsequent to this developmental stage, and as needed, your manuscript will go through the process of improving the overall structure, flow and clarity; correcting grammatical errors, punctuation, and other technical issues; ensuring consistency; and finally spellchecking and proofreading. Writes Hill Press also offers a fact-checking edit.
Is it worth it to self-publish a book?
When you self-publish, you take on the sole responsibilities of producing, marketing and distributing your book. It may be a good option if you want complete control over the content, design and marketing, and its major advantages over traditional publishers are that it can be quicker and you’ll reap greater profit.
However, you’ll be responsible for the costs of publishing and marketing your book, as well as distribution, which can be disadvantageous if you have no experience in these areas.
Working with a hybrid publisher you have a professional team member on your project, with editorial, design and print-management expertise. The costs and rewards are about the same, but you will also be able to access marketing and distribution support. The whole process is a team effort and your book will be added to the publisher’s list.
Get published with Writes Hill Press
Writes Hill Press knows how to help you get your book published. Lynn Peck has been helping authors publish their stories since 2011. She enjoys creating beautiful, easily read books. Her ‘trade’ runs deep in her veins right back to her great-great-grandparents. She is a professional member of the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd).
Get in touch to get your book published.
Testimonials
“Lynn, people just love the look and feel of [You’re Telling Me!]. They exclaim over the cover and say how beautiful, and they compliment me/us on the feel, the layout, the photos, the quality of the printing and the general presentation of the book. You have done a great job! Thank you for your skill and care.”
“For years I’ve been keen to see Dad’s WWII escape stories published. It’s been great working with Writes Hill Press to achieve this. Lynn Peck and Julia Millen were creative and professional and my whole family is delighted with the production of the book, North to the Apricots: The escape stories of Sergeant Bruce Crowley DCM.”
“I am very pleased with the service provided by Writes Hill Press. I asked them to prepare a pdf and web copy of an anthology of poetry (Gazing to Sea) that I wrote in 2018 and 2019. Lynn made valuable editorial suggestions and provided informed input on formatting and design. We worked together very effectively in preparing the final copy, which only required two iterations. I like the fonts that she recommended and, now that the book is in print, I am delighted with its attractive appearance.”
“After greatly admiring the readability and layout of The Ascott Martyrs, published by Writes Hill Press for the wife of a colleague, I commissioned Lynn to publish my reminiscences as a civil engineer, Engineering in changing times. I had previously released a private edition without professional input and after I had been encouraged to openly publish it, I approached Writes Hill Press. The transformation of my private issue book through the editing and layout process was amazing and I unreservedly recommend Lynn and her team to anyone looking for a publisher.”