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Answers to the most common questions about Melrose Books are below. If you need additional information please do not hesitate to Contact Us. Contents Introduction to Publishing Q: What methods of publishing are available? A: There are many different routes to chose from to get your book published. These include Commissioned Publishing, On-Demand Publishing, Self-Publishing and Royalty Publishing. Q: What is Commissioned Publishing? A: Melrose Books is a pioneer of Commissioned Publishing. We work on the basis of a shared partnership between publisher and author. If we feel that a manuscript has sufficient merit and can be promoted successfully we will make an offer of publication. The author commissions us to publish their book by bearing a cost towards the publishing process. We are responsible for all overheads. We are experts in producing high-quality books and can fulfil every part of the publishing process from editing through to design, production, marketing, sales and distribution. As we have a vested interest in the success of your book we do our utmost to maximise its potential. Our authors receive 50% or more royalties on each book sale. Find out more here. Q: What kind of Authors benefit from Commissioned Publishing? A: Commissioned Publishing with Melrose Books is ideal for first time authors and professional practitioners with a conviction in the quality of their work. Our method of publishing is perfect for those writing in a narrow field of expertise or writers whose writing is untested in the marketplace. Q: What is Royalty Publishing? A: Royalty Publishers include many big name comapanies such as Penguin and Random House. Royalty Publishers aquire rights to your manuscript and are responsible for all of the costs associated with publishing and marketing. They take all of the financial risk and as a result are extremely conservative in what they are willing to publish, only considering manuscripts with guaranteed commercial potential from proven authors in mainstream subjects. It is very difficult for a first-time author or an author writing in a niche field to get published with a Royalty Publisher. However, it is not uncommon for an author to be signed-up by a Royalty Publisher once they have some proven success with a book published by a company such as Melrose Books who produce high-quality books that maximise your potential. The royalties paid to the author by Royalty Publishers are usually as low as 5%. Q: What is On-Demand Publishing? A: On-Demand Publishers print a copy of your book to fulfil each sale they make, and hold no stock of your book. This is done on equipment similar to office laser printers. The resulting books are of a correspondingly low quality and will not be stocked in bookshops or libraries. Typically they provide no editorial or design services and little or no marketing beyond availability on their website. On-Demand Publishers will typically publish any book regardless of content because they have no interest in its eventual success. On-Demand Publishing is not an option for authors serious about having their work professionally published. Q: What is Self-Publishing? A: If you decide to self-publish you must be prepared to undertake every aspect of publishing your book yourself from writing, financing, editing, typesetting, layout, design, printing and binding, marketing, warehousing, copywriting, advertising, sales, distribution, accountancy and legal consulting. This is beyond the expertise and resources of most people and will probably end up costing you more in the long run. Most self-published books are of inferior quality and will not be stocked by bookshops. Self-Publishing wastes any potential success a book might otherwise have and will certainly not do justice to your work. Companies such as Melrose Books have the expertise and resources to publish your book at a fraction of the cost of Self-Publishing and will give you a realistic chance of success. 
Will you publish my book? Q: I have a manuscript or work in progress that I would like to publish, what do I do? A:
We would be delighted to assess
your manuscript for potential publication. You can submit your manuscript
online here or
send it by mail to: Q: Who decides whether to publish my book? A: The Commissioning Panel decides whether to publish a manuscript on the basis of its quality and content. You can submit your manuscript for consideration here. Q: What type of books do you publish? A: Melrose Books will consider manuscripts on all subjects. The decision to publish is made on the basis of the quality of the work. Q: Are there any subjects that you will not publish? A:
Melrose Books will not publish any books containing extreme
material such as pornography. Manuscripts Q: Does my manuscript need to be supplied in a digital format (e.g. CD-ROM)? A: We recommend you supply your manuscript to us in digital format such as floppy disk or CD-ROM. This reduces production costs. However, we can arrange to have your typed or hand-written work digitised. You can submit your manuscript online here. Q: Do you have any length requirements for manuscripts? A:
No,
Melrose
Books can publish books of nearly any length, although very short
or very long manuscripts may be uneconomical to publish. A: Melrose Books can publish books in hardback or softback form, typically in standard bookshop sizes. We will liaise with the author to meet any specific requirements they have. Q: Can I include illustrations and photographs in my book? A: Yes. You can include as many illustrations and photographs as you like, in B&W or colour. Our designers will ensure a professional lay-out is achieved. Q: Do you publish books in languages other than English? A: No. We currently only accept manuscripts written in English. Q: Do I need to proof-read my manuscript before I send it in? A: It is always advisable to get friends or collegues to read your work before you submit it. However, your manuscript will be read several times by our professional proof-readers and Editors to ensure it is error free.
Copyright Q: I have used quotes and excerpts witten by other authors in my manuscript, do I need permission from each author? A: Not nessessarily. You can use quotes from other sources without permission as long as they can be considered as "Fair Use". This depends on * 1.
The purpose and character of the work. Q: Do I retain copyright to my work once it has been published? A:
Yes, the author retains copyright of his work. Melrose
Books will register the published work with the necessary copyright
libraries. Q: Would I have to stay with Melrose Books for any subsequent editions of my book? A: No, although we hope you would chose to remain with us.
Book Production Q: How long would it take my book to be published? A: This depends on the size and complexity of the manuscript. The publishing process typically takes six to eight months from start to finish. You can see an overview of the production process here. Q: Who will edit my book? A: Once we have decided to go ahead with publication, your manuscript will be handed to your personal editor chosen for their experience in the field of your book. Our editors have long experience in book editing and will correct any errors and suggest style changes as neccessary. Q: Will I have the chance to proof-read the drafts of my book before publication? A: Yes, you will be sent proofs of your book for approval each time your editor suggests changes. This is a highly personalised process and you will liaise with the Commissioning Editor to ensure your requirements are met. Q: Who would design my book? A: Your book will be laid-out for print by our experienced production staff. We commission professional artists to design book covers and dust jackets.
Marketing and Promotion and Sales Q: Does book Marketing and Promotion cost extra? A: No. We believe marketing and promotion is a integral part of the publishing process. Therefore all marketing and promotion work is inclusive of the publishing cost. Q: How will you market my book? A: Melrose Books will formulate a strategy to promote and market your book. We Will identify your target readership and market the book accordingly. More marketing information is available here. Q: Can I conduct marketing myself? A: You are free to conduct any marketing activities you wish. Q:
How will you promote my book? A: Melrose Books uses many media forms to generate interest in your book, principally newspapers and magazines and broadcast media. More information on promotion is available here. Q: How will you sell my book? A:
Melrose
Books uses various methods of selling including sales to bookshops,
direct sales (i.e. mail order) and online sales. Additional information
is available here.
Cost and Royalties Q: How much will it cost to publish my book? A: It is very difficult to give a precise indication of the cost of publishing your book because it depends on the length and complexity of the manuscript, the book format and size of print run. However due to our long standing in the publishing industry and in-house expertise, we are confident in offering very competitive rates to our authors. Once you have submitted your manuscript and if our commissioning panel recommends publication, you will receive a full costing of the proposal. Q: What royalties can I expect from book sales? A:
Melrose
Books typically offers authors royalties of 50% of each books sale.
This is a much higher share than is offered by most other publishers.
You will receive royalty statements detailing your earnings. |
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