Author FAQs
(subject to change)

Are you an "author mill" or "vanity/subsidy" publisher?

No. We are a small press. Presently we use a combination of on-demand digital technology for the production of our print titles (as POD and/or short run) and use several formats for ebooks.

Do you offer an advance?

Yes, a nominal advance is frequently offered.

Do you require an exclusive contract? For how long?

Yes. For at least three years from the date of release.

Are any of your titles stocked in any bookstores?

While some of our titles may be/have been sold in "real stores," most titles will not obtain retail distribution.

Who prints your books?

On-demand (POD) titles will be printed by either Lightning Source and/or Createspace as either paperback or hardcover.

Who sells your books? Do you sell direct?

Our primary outlet for initial print book sales is through Amazon.com, however, titles that reach a pre-determined sales benchmark and/or those with a strong enough potential market/author platform are usually optioned for wider distribution (via Ingram). Ebooks are available through multiple outlets. (Note, because sellers can change their policies at any time, there is no guarantee that any work will be sold through any specific venue.)

Can print editions be ordered through or in bookstores?

If a title is optioned for wider distribution, it may be able to be ordered through bookstores. (see above)

How many books can I expect to sell?

Numbers sold will depend on many factors such as genre, audience, marketing, promotion, etc. but as a general rule, fiction works by unknown authors often do not sell in any great amount. New authors should also be aware that many titles need time to earn their readership.

How much do print books sell for?

Fiction print books will start around $12 (for 100+ pg.); however, the actual cover price of any finished book will depend on current production rates. Most fiction ebooks will range from $3.99 and up.

What will you expect from me as an author?

Do I have to send an overview regarding promotion when I query?

Yes--and if you haven’t thought that far ahead in your publishing plan (even if just in generalities and what-ifs) then you may want to take a step back and do just that before you submit anywhere. And keep in mind, just saying "I plan to try to sell some copies of my book at my local bookstore..." won't get it. Whatever you send should be based upon the kind of publisher we are, our distribution methods, and your target audience.

Can you give me an idea of what may work for promotion?

The more successful authors are those who are able to use the web to get reviews, interviews, blog tours, and group participation--not on-site book signings and traveling for shows--to get exposure. They spend time every week networking and/or doing something to promote themselves for they understand that it is only through word-of-mouth that they will have the most success--not by just buying advertising or other more traditional means. Successful authors know that marketing is an ongoing process, not a one-time thing. It's about building an audience, building a presence, and making the reading community interested in you (not just your book)--and any author who publishes today needs to understand that if they want to be successful, they will have to work for it. 

Will I have to promote my work?

Yes, however, there are plenty of ways to market a work with minimal cost. We advise an active, low-cost approach and assist in this effort through our promotional support program (below).

Will you help me promote my work?

Yes. All of our authors are provided with a free & low-cost promo tipsheet and a sample eighteen-month promotional plan to get them going in the right direction. In addition, we also send out a monthly newsletter which includes anywhere from five to twenty leads and/or opportunities every month.

What else might you possibly do to help me get attention for my title?

Depending on the potential of the work, the strength of the author, and whether or not there is already an audience in place, we may: send up to 10 pre-release printed ARCs to select professional reviewers/ contacts; prepare a bookstore mailing/flyer to send to stores in the author’s area; send press releases to papers in the author’s area; provide a sell sheet and media kit for the author; offer direct order options for bookstores to try to obtain shelf placement; and/or work in conjunction with the author on any other promotional ideas/plans they may have. 

Will you provide cover art?

A cover will be produced, either in-house or through one of our freelance artists. If preferred, the author may provide a cover graphic (that meets our standards & requirements) at their own expense. We will still perform layout.

Can I republish/self-publish the final produced work with another
publisher if I leave?

No. The author may only use/resubmit their original (unedited) edition for re-publication through another company once they are released from our contract.

Do authors have to buy a certain number of books from you in order to be published?

No. There is no "required purchase" clause in our contract nor do we "market to our authors."

Do you provide review copies?

On occasion, we do send printed ARCs to (very) select recipients prior to release. We also provide a PDF review copy to the author as well as to any other reviewer that requests one from us.

Do titles you publish get a Library of Congress Number?

Not at this time. [Note, a LCCN is not the same thing as an ISBN.]

My query/manuscript is under consideration at another publishing house/agent, should I submit to you?

Not yet. Please wait until you have heard from the other firm.

How do you pay royalties?

Royalties are paid on an annual basis and are calculated as a percentage of the NET amount received for each sale. Net is defined as being the amount of compensation received by BLP for each sale EXCEPT for direct distributor/retailer/vendor orders in which the Net is then defined as being the amount paid minus the cost of printed books. Fiction rates are posted. Nonfiction works may run slightly less depending on the amount of art, layout, and discounting required.

What is a reimbursement clause?

This clause gives us the option to request reimbursement from the author in order to cover the things that were paid for and/or provided in regards to the publication of their work if they choose to cancel their contract before the scheduled termination date.

The purpose of this clause is to not only protect the investment we make in a work in case the author "changes their mind" before we have the opportunity to earn back our interest, but to also discourage authors who may sign in order to get their manuscript "edited for free" only so they can cancel and subsequently self-publish (thus avoiding the costs involved with hiring an independent editor).

Any author who is committed to working with BLP for the designated period of time that the contract is in effect should be aware that they will not be charged any fees if the request is due to author non-renewal; non-performance of the publisher; and/or prior to any work being performed on the manuscript.