Publishing FAQ’s What Authors Need to Know

The honest answer: longer than you think, and that's a good thing. At Bold Story Press/Xander Press, the publishing process typically takes 12 to 18 months from signed contract to publication day. That timeline often includes developmental editing, copyediting, proofreading, cover design, interior layout, and the pre-publication marketing and promotion work.

Rushing a book to market is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes an author can make. We build in the time each book needs.

There isn’t any need to copyright your manuscript prior to sharing it with others.

You actually own the copyright the moment you write it — no registration required. That said, registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office (copyright.gov) before publication gives you stronger legal protection if you ever need to enforce your rights in court.

For most authors working with a reputable publisher, the bigger protection is choosing who you share your manuscript with carefully. We treat every submission with strict confidentiality.

The manuscripts that always grab our attention share a few things in common — and surprisingly, perfect prose isn't always at the top of the list.

First, a clear and compelling premise. We need to understand immediately what the book is, who it's for, and why it matters now. If you can't explain your book in two sentences, that's a signal the story concept may need more work.

Second, a distinct voice. Readers don't just buy books — they buy the experience of being inside someone's perspective for hours. Voice is what makes a manuscript feel alive on the page, and it's the hardest thing to teach.

Third, emotional truth. This is especially important for memoir and narrative nonfiction. Readers can feel when an author is holding back or performing. The manuscripts that move us are the ones where the author was willing to go to the uncomfortable places.

Fourth, a defined target market. "Everyone will love this book" is a red flag. The authors who've done their homework know exactly who their reader is — and that specificity can have a huge impact on a book's success rather than limiting it.

And finally, an author who is invested in the book's success. A great manuscript from someone who disappears after signing is harder to champion than a good manuscript from someone who wants to share the passion they feel about their work, and treats publication as a partnership.

All authors market their books — even those published by the Big Five. The question isn't whether you'll be involved, it's how well-prepared and supported you'll be.

At Bold Story Press/Xander Press, we provide a comprehensive marketing plan and handle many of the heavy-lifting elements: Amazon optimization, press kit materials, Facebook ads, and a custom launch strategy.

But your network, your platform, and your willingness to show up for your book matter enormously. The authors who sell the most books are the ones who are genuinely excited to talk about them. We help you do that with confidence.

In traditional publishing, an advance is money paid upfront against future royalties — meaning you don't earn additional royalty income until your book "earns out" that advance, (think of it as an interest-free loan).

Also in traditional publishing, royalty rates typically range from 8% to 15% of net sales depending on format, and most traditionally published books never fully earn out. At Bold Story Press/Xander Press, our hybrid model works differently: authors invest in professional publishing services and in return receive significantly higher royalty rates — often 60% to 70% of net revenue — and they keep creative control.

You know exactly what you're getting, and you actually see royalty income.