Frequently Asked Questions
Why Book Publishing?
You dream the dreams. You tell the stories. Your visions are meant to be seen. You just need an experienced partner to help you along and supplement the specialized skills required to see your dream to completion. The dream happens once you write, but MBP wants to help you show it to the world! We’ll help you throw your pebble in the pond but the ripples it makes are entirely from you.
How can I publish my book?
There are more ways to publish a book today than at any other time in history. There are several publication types that MBP services can help with such as digital downloads, traditional printing, & e-books. However, our mission and specialty are independent publishers and self-published authors distributing their work through the Amazon/KDP print-on-demand platform.
What is different about Self-Publishing?
By self-publishing your manuscript, you maintain full control of your work including the editing, cover design, and even marketing strategies. The story remains 100% your original vision. You control how the story is represented in the marketing materials.
MBP has various packages available from which you can select the one that works for you. You can also utilize our services a la carte rather than a package. MBP can work with every kind of budget to give you the best result within your means.
How much does it cost to have a book published?
Can I publish on different publishing platforms?
Yes, MBP will assist you in choosing the platform best for you to publish on. We will also make sure your manuscript and cover are correctly formatted per the guidelines of the platform you choose for publication.
Do you design books for Amazon/KDP?
Yes, the great thing about self-publishing is that you can upload to any printer or distributor you choose, including Amazon/KDP. The great thing about self-publishing with MBP is that you maintain full control of your work and own your final files.
Do I need book design if I’m publishing on KDP?
Yes, you need to have your manuscript typeset as a correctly formatted PDF before uploading it onto Amazon/KDP. We also recommend a custom cover design to ensure your book stands apart on Amazon’s busy digital shelf. Independent publishing doesn’t have to look like amateur publishing. On the world’s largest marketplace, MBP has the skills required for your book to compete with the best of traditionally published books.
What Type Of Books Do We Publish?
MBP writes, edits, and publishes all genres of books, e-books, and even audiobooks. Past client projects have included fiction, non-fiction, user-input books, children’s books, and low-content books.
What is the difference between a publisher and a printer?
A printer only deals with printing your book. They prepare files on an assembly line. A publisher takes the time and care to consider and balance multiple aspects of your book, including editing, design, legal, marketing, and distribution. For example, Ferrari and Fiat are both Italian-designed and manufactured automobiles and they will both get you from point A to point B. However, the hand-assembled Ferrari is a far superior end product and experience compared to the assembly line Fiat. Monkey Business Publishing is a publisher. At our core, we are a book design company and the production value of our efforts will be a far superior end product.
How long does the process take?
Typically, a project can be completed in 4-6 weeks. A typical project includes book cover design, page design, typesetting, and basic proofreading. Extensive editing, delays in feedback during reviews, and additional services will extend delivery times. Even our most intense projects are usually delivered in under 2 months. If you have a specific timeline that must be met, be sure to disclose it before signing the service agreement.
Do you proofread my book while you are designing it?
What is an ISBN number? How do I get one?
We do basic proofreading when we complete your page design and typesetting. During basic proofreading, we inform you of any typos, incorrect punctuation, formatting inconsistencies, or other simple errors we find. If you need an editor, that service is available but not normally part of a basic package. Do not rely on us as your editorial professionals, unless that add-on service is included in your service agreement. We do not correct continuity, plot, tone, or grammar during basic proofreading.
An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a series of numbers that is created and assigned to each format of a book, which the publishing industry uses to track sales around the world. You can go to myidentifiers.com to purchase yours. If you are producing a print book as well as an eBook, you will need to purchase a separate ISBN for each "format." We are happy to assist with this process as an add-on service for your project. To register your book with the Library of Congress, visit loc.gov/publish/prepubbooklink/MBP can assist you with these as an add-on service.
After you receive a quote for your project, you receive a copy to print, sign, and return. Your signed quote will be your service agreement. Payment terms are 50% down to start, with any remaining balance due before the final files are transferred.
MBP has a template copyright page we can include in the front of your book along with any changes you want made to it. The copyright page usually includes your ISBN number(s) and Library of Congress Control Number. It is also a good place to add your contact and ordering information.
How do I pay you? Is there a contract?
Do I need a copyright page?
Will I own my book design files?
At the completion of your project, we supply you with the final PDFs. These files are ready for upload, printing, or eBook publishing through any platform you choose.
Where do I get photos/artwork for my cover?
We utilize public domain images when possible. Using public domain images is very limited in what is available. If nothing is available in the public domain, we can purchase a stock image that you approve. If we purchase your stock image, that add-on cost will need to be included in your service agreement. We don’t add additional fees over the cost for your specific image.If you want a specific illustration or photograph for your book, there will be additional costs involved. We have internal designers that can create graphics and illustrations that authors or publishers can’t provide. However, that add-on service will need to be included in your service agreement. If you have a specific photograph required for your project that you are unable to provide, we can schedule a photo shoot to get that photograph for you but just as with custom graphics and illustrations, that add-on service will need to be included in your service agreement.
Does MBP store my backup files?
I have images to include in my book. How do you want that final content delivered as we start the design process?
MBP does not guarantee archived project files and is not responsible for lost or corrupted files after your project is complete. We supply you with the final PDFs for safe keeping and for future use.
All high-resolution (300 dpi) images provided need to be in a separate folder when you deliver your content to our designers. To indicate the placement of these images, please include image placement instructions directly in your manuscript. These instructions need to be bold, italic, and in brackets, such as: [insert img02-28.jpg here]
If captions are to be included, type the corresponding caption after the image file name inside the callout brackets.
