Every way to publish, compared honestly.
Most authors are never told how the publishing business really works until after they sign. Here is what to look for, whoever you publish with.
The five paths at a glance.
| Sankofa | Traditional | Self-publishing | Hybrid or vanity press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to the author | None for accepted books | Typically thousands of dollars | You pay for every service | Often $1,000s, sometimes sold as a package |
| Who chooses the books | We do, selectively | Often anyone who can pay | You | Often anyone who can pay |
| Royalty | 60% of defined net receipts | Varies widely, often higher than traditional | You keep most of each sale | Varies, often with add-on charges |
| Copyright | Yours. We license, we do not own | Varies by contract | Yours | Varies, read carefully |
| Time to publication | About 8 to 10 weeks for a standard text | Often a few months | As fast as you work | Often a few months |
| Agent required | No. Submit directly | No | No | No |
Descriptions of other models are general industry patterns, not statements about any particular company. Terms differ from contract to contract, so always read yours in full and consider independent advice.
The quiet realities of traditional publishing.
Traditional publishing has produced great books and we respect it. But many authors only discover these points after signing:
- Royalties are commonly a small percentage of list price, and an advance must usually be earned back before royalties are paid.
- Most books get little marketing. Publicity budgets tend to go to a few lead titles, and the rest are expected to find readers largely on their own.
- Rights can be tied up for very long periods, and getting them back can be slow, especially when a book is still technically in print.
- Sales are reported only once or twice a year, and royalties can be held back against expected returns from bookstores.
- Getting in at all usually requires a literary agent, and many strong manuscripts are declined without feedback.
- Publication can take a year or two after acceptance, and cover, title and even edits may be decided without you.
When the author is the customer.
Some companies present themselves as publishers but earn most of their income from author fees rather than book sales. When the fee is paid up front, the company gets paid whether or not the book finds readers, and the incentive to choose carefully or to sell the book disappears.
Not every hybrid press is dishonest, and some are transparent and good at what they do. Ask any of them: what is the total cost, what exactly do I receive, who holds my rights, who pays for printing, and what do I earn per copy?
Total control, total responsibility.
Self-publishing lets you keep most of each sale and decide everything. It also means you commission and pay for editing, design, formatting, ISBNs, distribution and marketing yourself, and coordinate all of it. It suits authors with time, budget and appetite for the business side.
Independent, selective, and on your side of the table.
- No publishing fee for accepted books. We invest in the books we choose, so we choose with care.
- You keep your copyright. We hold an exclusive license for an initial 5-year term, and rights we are not using stay with you.
- You earn 60% of defined net receipts, with a statement every quarter and no advance to earn back.
- A human response within 7 calendar days as our target, and no agent needed.
- Available to bookstores, not dependent on bookstores. Print-on-demand and direct sales keep waste and risk low.
We do not promise sales, reviews or bookstore placement. Nobody honest can.
If your book can make a difference, we want to read it.
Submitting is free and takes about ten minutes.