How it Works

Publishing procedure

  • Submit a book proposal (click here) If your manuscript is selected you will have the option of publishing it with Universal Publishers or one of our associated imprints. If you accept our offer, simply complete the Submission Form and Publishing Agreement submit them with the final revision of your manuscript.
  • Once the submission is complete and the final manuscript is accepted the publishing process can begin. The ebook and cover layout are posted for author approval about 4 weeks after we receive all the materials, depending on how well your manuscript is prepared.
  • Upon approval of the ebook, a galley copy of the paper edition is printed for final review. Once approved by the author the files are sent to our reproduction and distribution facilities in the US and UK.
  • Promotion can begin when you see your book listed as available at Amazon.com (usually about 9 weeks from the initial submission).

How to prepare

Manuscripts should be submitted as a single file. It should be formatted exactly the way you want it to appear in print with all front matter, back matter, title page, table of contents. Leave a blank page for the publisher and copyright information on the back of the title page. Adjust the font size and line spacing to get the desired number of pages. (Let us know if you need help formatting your manuscript.) Submitting your manuscript in Acrobat PDF format will speed the publication process and ensure that no formatting changes occur during the setup process.

An author’s priority should be consistency. Have the manuscript read and corrected for spelling and grammar. The structure of the manuscript should be clear, with well organized chapter headings and subheadings. We recommend using a guidebook such as the Chicago Manual of Style. Our standard trim size is 5.5"x8.5" with 0.7" margins all around. Use multiple fonts sparingly. Simple fonts usually work best. Be sure to embed all fonts when submitting in PDF format. If in doubt, use 11 or 12 point type and single line spacing. Indent the first line of each paragraph. Use italics instead of underlines. Do not use bold type except for headings. Avoid distracting headers or footers. Center page numbers at the bottom or outside edge.

Simple layouts may be submitted in MS Word format. More sophisticated layouts should be submitted in PDF format. Include tables, figures, lists and index as necessary. Although the ebook edition may be rendered in color, colors in the print edition are transformed to shades of gray. Sometimes red appears almost black when printed in black and white, so be careful when using color for figures and charts. Graphics contained in the book or submitted for cover art should be at least 300 dpi at actual size. Print on demand technology uses laser printer technology. It is best for text and line art, but clear, high contrast photos and images reproduce well for instructive purposes. Print your manuscript for review on a laser printer before submitting the final edition for publication. POD will not enhance your images. Don't expect photos to look any better in the final edition of your book than they do when printed on your laser printer.

Think about how you envision the book cover to look. Collect any photos or graphics that might be useful. Our experienced cover artist will create an original cover design for $100, or you may have your own designer prepare the cover art according to our cover art specifications.

Only submit the final edition of your manuscript with the materials for publication. Be sure to have several people carefully proofread the entire manuscript. Once the ebook proof of manuscript is posted only one round of minor changes and corrections is done. The manuscript may be returned to the author for editing if extensive changes are required. Once the ebook proof is approved for publication by the author any changes to the book are costly and time consuming.

What we do

  • Prepare manuscript for publication in paperback and ebook formats.
  • Setup cover art.
  • Assign ISBN and UPC price barcodes.
  • Create on-line presentation page for internet sales and search engines.
  • Setup for print on-demand at facilities in the US and UK.
  • Register title with Books-In-Print, Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com web sites.
  • Arrange for distribution through major bookselling channels.
  • Process orders, collect money and fulfill orders.
  • Pay quarterly author royalties.

Timeline
(Publishing process takes 6 to 9 weeks depending on how well the manuscript is prepared)

  • First week
    Confirmation of all materials required to begin the publishing process (see Submission Form.)
  • 2nd to 3rd week
    Setup book interior (arrange for typesetting if necessary.)
  • 3rd to 4th week
    Setup cover design (arrange for cover design if necessary.)
  • 4th to 5th week
    Post PDF proof for author's final review.
  • 5th to 6th week
    Receive author's approval of ebook galley for print edition.
  • 6th to 7th week
    PDF files are sent for set-up at regional reproduction and distribution centers.
  • 7th to 8th week
    Final edition setup complete. Author receives sample copy.
  • 8th to 9th week
    Listing appears at Amazon.com. Book available through Ingram Book Company and retail booksellers. Publication process complete. Title is ready to promote.

Save time & money. Submit your manuscript in Acrobat PDF format.

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