How the process of taking your idea and turning it into a printed book works:

So, I have an idea, and I’ve decided to go with you. What happens?

Get prepared to go to work. The first thing that will happen will be a thorough examination of your material.

Will it need an editor or writer?
Will we need to hire people to illustrate the work?
And, of course, the crucial question: when will we want the book?

Books are published all times of year. But, if it’s to be launched in a seasonal community like Martha’s Vineyard or Cape Cod, we want to make sure it’s here where the tourists arrive or at Christmas, when the bulk of books are sold.

Once we decide when we want it, I develop an intensive timeline to make sure we can actually get it done by the deadline. The timeline records every phase of the project, and assigns the oversight work to the appropriate people. The timeline shows every deadline, and it’s unforgiving: miss a deadline, and the timeline advances.

As we go forward, you are either actively engaged in each phase of the book or you are approving what I’m bringing you. Nothing is done without you signing off on it, from the hiring of the talent to make it look and read correctly to the selection of images and words.

How long does all this take?

It depends on the phase. If you have a manuscript ready to go, it can take as little as 4-6 months. If the book is heavily illustrated or we need to research and write it, then it can take a year or more.

Once we get the book, what happens?

My publication contract ends with the arrival of the book. After that, we set up a different agreement to handle storage, marketing and fulfillment. This is all carefully spelled out in my agreement with you.

But the things I do as part of the contract include placing your book in my catalog and on my website, listing the book with Amazon and with a national distributor, and including the book in my blog discussions. I have a network of independent bookstores with whom I deal, and I have sales reps who visit those stores with your book in their hands.

Bookstores and individuals order through me, and I in turn give you the money as it comes in.

If you’re selling the book, then what do I do?

You are my marketing partner. I expect you to be available for signings, and to actively seek your own opportunities to sign books. I expect you to make every effort to sell your own book – from drawing up a data base of potential people to send marketing material (those outside my own reach) to hosting events yourself.

I expect you to be creative and thoughtful, to think of web opportunities, to constantly be pushing your sales. Remember, the books belong to you, not to me; if you don’t push them at every opportunity, then I can’t sell them.