General Questions

General Questions

• What is self-publishing?
• Why self-publish?
• What sets your self-publishing services apart?
• What types of books do you publish?
• There are so many options. How do I know if BookSurge and self-publishing are right for me?
• In what formats will my book be available?
• Do you publish full-color books?
• If I self-publish my book, can I still obtain a "traditional publishing" contract?

What is self-publishing?

Self-publishing can have many different meanings. An author who chooses to publish entirely on his or her own takes on all responsibilities associated with publishing a book, including obtaining an ISBN, editing and formatting the book's interior and cover – all tasks that without the help of a professional can be challenging and, at times, overwhelming.

An author who chooses to self-publish with BookSurge gains access to a team of professionals who are experts in their areas of the bookmaking process, whether it be editing, graphic design or marketing consultation. An added benefit of publishing with BookSurge is our print-on-demand technology, which allows for just one book or hundreds of books to be printed profitably – eliminating the need for large print runs, warehousing and inventory.

Why self-publish?

Authors choose to self-publish for various reasons. Perhaps you simply want to see your work in print or preserve your story for future generations. Perhaps you wish to create a business around your book, becoming an authorpreneur. Or maybe your goals are to obtain a contract with a traditional publishing house, in which case self-publishing is an ideal stepping stone. You can present acquisition editors with a completed, professional book rather than simply a manuscript and you can show them sales data, solidifying the market potential for your book.

What sets your self-publishing services apart?

BookSurge is not a publisher in the traditional sense of the word; rather, we empower authors to become publishers of their own literary works by providing top-of-the-line services and tools for success.

BookSurge provides authors access to the world's largest online sales channels and coordinates tools for visibility such as Amazon.com Buy X, Get Y book pairings and programs such as the Content Acquisition Program (CAP), which provides participating author's book sales and marketing data to acquisition editors at large publishing houses.

BookSurge maintains in-house book manufacturing capabilities for retail, wholesale and author book orders. With leading-edge print facilities, we are able to constantly improve and innovate the ways books are made, as well as ensure delivery of the highest level of quality to all of our customers. BookSurge customers' trade paperback books are offered with in-stock availability on Amazon.com.

What types of books do you publish?

BookSurge publishes books of all genres, offering unprecedented opportunities for all authors. Whether you have a full-color children's book, technical manual or novel, BookSurge has tools to help you reach your definition of success.

There are so many options. How do I know if BookSurge and self-publishing are right for me?

Self-publishing requires a great deal of author involvement, including time, effort and money. Being a self-published author empowers you to create – and achieve – your own success. The BookSurge professional, experienced publishing consultants are ready to help you determine which publishing path and the related products and services are right for you.

In what formats will my book be available?

All BookSurge publishing packages include making your book available as an on-demand trade paperback. For an additional fee, you may also choose to make your book available in hardcover format. Hardcover titles do not carry the same availability options as trade paperback books.

Do you publish full-color books?

Yes. With state-of-the-art printing equipment, we are able to offer a variety of color printing options, including full-color interiors, exceptional grayscale and high-quality full-color cover printing. Full-color interior books may be published using both print-ready Adobe PDF file and manuscript submissions. Full-color interior books must have a minimum of 24 pages and a maximum of 250 pages.

If I self-publish my book, can I still obtain a "traditional publishing" contract?

You may effortlessly transition into a traditional publishing deal. We will only need 30 days written notice to remove your files from our system.