PUBLISHING

How does the publishing process work?

First, we review the completed manuscript which has been submitted. In about nine (9) weeks, we will respond to advise whether the manuscript has attained the minimum required standard for us to publish or not. If it does not, you may choose to review in order to improve the quality as outlined by our competent editor.

Once it meets the required standard, however, and we agree to publish your manuscript, we will have a meeting to discuss your vision for the project. Suggestions to enhance or improve publication, cost, design, contract and timeline for the book’s production will also be discussed.

How do I submit a manuscript for publishing?

On the right sidebar of the publishing page click "Upload Now" under the section titled submit manuscript. There you will be able to complete the application form and upload your manuscript for review. This process will save you the time and money which may be involved with submitting harcopies. Once we have received the file, we will send you an email confirming that we have.

Do you have guidelines for submission?

Yes, please read and adhere to the Manuscript Preparation Guide before you send us the file. The Author’s Questionnaire is also to be completed and submitted along with your manuscript. It serves to help us better understand you even before we get to meet.

May I submit multiple manuscripts?

Yes. There is no limit to the number of manuscripts you may choose to submit, but they won’t be reviewed concurrently; so review of additional manuscripts will go beyond the nine week period. It is imperative therefore, that you indicate your priority project and we will be guided accordingly.

What type of books do you publish?

We do not exclude any particular genre.

Do you produce any other types of materials?

Yes. In addition to books, we also produce magazines, calendars, brochures and every other type of graphic based materials that the client requires.

Do you offer E-book publishing?

Yes, authors have the option to choose EBooks, printed copies, or both.

Why was my manuscript rejected?

Your manuscript may be rejected for one or more of several reasons, namely:

The story simply did not grab our attention.
The book contains libellous material.
We have already published something similar to your story.
Your book offers advice on a certain topic, but you lack qualifications in that area rendering a sense of inauthenticity which readers will pick up on.
The story was poorly developed or written overall.

How long is the review process?

The process usually takes nine (9) weeks.

My book was accepted for publishing, now what?

We will negotiate a contract with you outlining the terms of publication- including payment, royalties, marketing and timelines.

Will Pelican Publishers edit my book?

Yes, we offer all the services involved with publishing. We can edit, proofread, design and publish your book.

How long will it take to publish my book?

The process usually takes nine to fifteen (9-15) months. This timeline is based on different factors including: the size of the book (number of manuscript pages); the complexity of the subject- which has implications for editing; and overall quality of the manuscript submitted. If the book will be funded by the author, financial readiness may also have an impact.

We recognize that from time to time, there are urgent projects which may need us to forego our standard timing. We will accommodate these jobs, but they attract a ‘rush job’ charge as we may need to engage external parties to ensure the timelines are met.

How much influence do I have over the final outcome?

The author has a lot of influence over the final outcome. We work very closely with the author from concept to design to ensure that the author is equally pleased with the final outcomes. We understand the value of offering our professional advice, while allowing the author some latitude to make decisions about the work that he/she may be very emotional about. Together, we usually arrive at a mutually acceptable position even if we started out at far extremes.

How much will it cost to publish my book?

The cost of publishing each book is different as the cost depends on several variables including page count, book size, whether colour or black and white, etc. For a ‘working’ estimate, please visit the Services, Estimate tab on the home page and fill in the required information. Please note that the final cost will most likely differ from the estimate generated, which is to provide you with a rough guide of what price range to expect.

Will Pelican Publishers cover the publishing costs?

Occasionally we fund publishing projects. But as a rule, publications are funded by the authors or sponsors that they identify.

Do you offer advances to authors?

No, the author funds the production of the book, therefore we do not offer author advances.

Who owns the right to my book?

The copyright is fully owned by the author; however, subsidiary rights may be owned by author and publisher and is covered in detail in the contract, as it is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the terms of the contractual arrangement.

How is the retail price of the book determined?

Determining the retail price of a book is an art in itself as the cost may make the difference between a bestseller and a dust gatherer. Some factors to consider include production (think primarily printing) cost; book category and finishes.

Where will my book be sold?

Your book will be distributed to book stores islandwide and at our location at Pelican Publishers Limited. It will also be available for sale on our website and internationally established book seller sites such as Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Smashbooks, etc.

Can I also publish my book elsewhere?

For the tenure of the publishing agreement, Pelican only offers exclusive contracts, therefore, publishing with another publishing house is prohibited. We do offer 'self' publishing services whereby we undertake to execute the several disparate taks asociated with publishing you r book, without being formally engaged as your publisher, in that instance, you may publish elsewhere simultaneously.

Do I have to organize a book launch once my book is published?

No, the author decides whether or not he/she wants to have a book launch. Please note that if a launch is decided the author will have to fund the cost.