Many aspiring authors do not fully understand the difference between commercial book publishing companies and author funded traditional publishing companies.

Commercial book publishing companies, such as Random House or Simon & Schuster, are corporations that buy the rights to an author’s book up front and, therefore, receive the majority of the profit. After the book is released, each author receives a small percentage of the book’s retail price in royalties. Commercial publishers generally pay an up-front fee, or advance, for a book, which gives them control over the publishing rights, creative rights and distribution rights. Since the publisher has complete control over the book’s design and text, sometimes authors cannot even recognize the end product of their own work. Established commercial publishers also commonly use exclusive contracts, which give them sole ownership of the material.

Commercial book publishing companies usually do not accept unsolicited manuscripts or queries from authors. Instead, authors must find literary agents to represent them. It can be difficult for many first-time authors to secure an agent, and as with any industry, one must watch out for not-so-reputable agents. Agents must be paid as well; they may charge up-front fees or a percentage of any future profits. If commercial book publishing companies express interest in the author’s work, his or her agent will then look for the best deal, comparing advances and royalties.

Some self-publishing companies will also retain the rights to most of the work done on a book, even after charging a small fee for its design, printing and publication. However, through author funded traditional publishing companies, such as BookPros, authors pay up-front fees for all design, editing, printing and publishing services but still retain all legal rights to their book. As a result, authors earn 100 percent of the royalties for each book sold. Our authors also have input in their editing, layout, cover design, paper selection and publicity materials. BookPros authors have the advantage of a team of professionals to guide them, yet they retain creative control over their book. Additionally, a BookPros author’s agreement is nonexclusive, meaning that if an author’s book generates media buzz, sells well or creates a high demand for a sequel, he or she can sell the rights to a commercial book publishing company and print a second edition through them.

Each of our titles is supported by a publicity campaign provided by our nationally recognized media agency, Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists. Publishing through BookPros also establishes an author’s credentials as a published writer. With our high-quality design, printing, publishing and publicity services, an author can create a book that rivals that of any commercial publishing corporation while retaining the freedom to use the book’s publication to further his or her own literary aspirations.

For more information about BookPros' publishing and publicity services, please browse our website, visit our online chat to speak with a project consultant or give us a call at (512) 623-7270.