fREQUENTLY aSKED qUESTIONS
hOW DO i SUBMIT AN IDEA FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION?
Michelkin Publishing only accepts submissions of works that are already completed. If you’ve already finished work on your project and you’re ready to find a publisher, just visit our Submissions page and fill out the form. If your work meets what we’re looking for, we’ll request a full manuscript. If not, we’ll explain why and give you a chance to submit again when changes have been made.
Do you work with first-time authors?
Absolutely! In fact, we LOVE to work with first-time authors. We love the excitement of helping an author put his or her first work in print. One of the missions of our company is to give first-time authors the opportunity to get their name and their work out there.
Do you work with established authors with a following?
Definitely! Established authors are welcome too. We do want you to understand, however, that we operate somewhat differently than a mainstream publisher. We provide one-on-one attention to each project and let you make a majority of the editorial decisions on your work. Additionally, we need to see works that are truly original in concept and/or style.
Are you a vanity press?
We are NOT a vanity press. A vanity press is basically a printing company that charges writers to publish their books under the guise of a publishing contract. They are not selective (in fact, they'll publish anyone willing to pay for it). Finally, they are a huge ripoff.
We do not charge to publish books, we have a selection process, and we pay our authors fairly. We are different from most mainstream publishers, but we work with you legitimately to publish your work if it fits with our mission and catalog need.
We do not charge to publish books, we have a selection process, and we pay our authors fairly. We are different from most mainstream publishers, but we work with you legitimately to publish your work if it fits with our mission and catalog need.
Why do you allow authors to make such a large portion of the editorial decisions?
We know how much work authors put into their work. We don’t feel it’s right for an editor to come along later and remove whole sections without including the authors in those decisions. Our editors work with our authors if we see a section or piece of plot that doesn’t seem to be working. If our editors feel strongly about a change, they have the authority to override the author’s decision in extreme cases or where there may be legal issues. However, we believe in including the authors in major editorial decisions.
I'm an agent, do you accept agented submissions?
We do. However, the process is a little different for agented submissions. Agents should email our acquisitions editor directly for submission procedures.
I don't see the genre of my project listed on your submissions page. Does that mean you're not accepting that genre right now?
No. We try to include every genre in our submission form, but sometimes we miss a few, especially if they’re genres that aren’t very common. You are still welcome to submit to us. Just check the “Genre Not Listed Here” checkbox on the submission form so we know your genre wasn’t listed.
My book contains vulgar language/adult situations/gore/religious matter/political ideas/etc. Will you still publish it?
Michelkin Publishing has a very open mind when it comes to content. We know some publishers avoid publishing material with this type of content for fear of offending someone, but we believe freedom of speech and creative license are part of a free society. As long this content contributes to the story and isn’t just there to cause a ruckus, we have no problem publishing this type of content. However, authors should be cautioned that content that may be offensive to some people may affect your book’s sales. The interesting thing, though, is that sometimes this offensive content can actually make a book sell even more copies.
How do you pick the cover of my book?
We design all of our book covers in house. We try to create a cover for your book that captures the story without giving away too many details. We typically try to include authors in the design process, but final decisions will be made by the Michelkin Publishing editing and design teams. We love to hear authors' ideas for book covers early in the process, so don't be shy!
If i'm Offered a contract, will my book be published in print and digital format?
In most cases, yes. However, there may be certain genres or projects that might do better as only an e-book or only a print book. If we make an offer, the contract will stipulate the planned format and any rights included in the contract
Do you pay an advance to authors who are offered a publishing contract?
Typically, no. To be honest, we are such a small company that are unable to pay an advance on royalties. Most small publishers face this same dilemma and it is typically only the "Big 5" publishers who are able to pay large advances. Occasionally, however, if we have a submission which we believe merits a more competitive offer, we will provide a modest advance if possible.
How long will it take before I start getting Royalty Payments?
The distributors we work with to sell our books have a 60-90 day lag time between when a book is purchased and final payment is made. This is due to both processing times and the possibility that a customer might return a book they don’t like. We issue quarterly royalty payments based on payments received during that quarter.
How will I be Paid?
Payment methods are spelled out in the publishing contract. However, payment is typically made by check or an electronic funds transfer service like PayPal, Google Wallet, or electronic funds transfer. Authors receive a quarterly statement showing the sales of their book and any payment amounts for royalties
Do you withhold taxes from my royalty payments?
No, not unless we are notified by the Internal Revenue Service that we are required to do so. At the end of the tax year, we do provide authors with the documentation required by the IRS. This is typically at 1099-MISC form. However, it is your responsibility to make any tax payments in a timely manner.
For authors or illustrators outside the US, we work to be sure any payments are documented legally according to the regulations of the both the United States and the destination nation.
For authors or illustrators outside the US, we work to be sure any payments are documented legally according to the regulations of the both the United States and the destination nation.
I read one of the books your company published and i'm interested in purchasing film/television/licensing rights. Who do I contact?
We’re glad you enjoyed one of our works enough to compliment it in this way. For information on purchasing rights to any of our works, please email our publishing division or call us at 575-914-2255.
I'm a member of the press/a blogger interested in interviewing one of your authors/illustrators or doing a review of one of your books. Who do I contact?
We’re glad you enjoyed one of our works enough to compliment it in this way. For press or blogger requests for any of our works, please email our publishing division or call us at 575-914-2255.
Do you market my book or do i?
The marketing of your book is a shared responsibility. We share press releases, utilize social media, and market your book to the industry as a whole. We ensure the industry knows about your writing. However, as the author, you have to get out there and share your story directly with readers. No one is better at explaining a book than its author, so we want you to be part of the process
My question wasn't answered by any of those above.
Unfortunately, we aren’t able to answer every question in a short FAQ list. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have. Just email our customer service team and we’ll get back with you as soon as possible.
