Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I am an author looking for a publisher. What do you charge to publish?

We are not a vanity press. We are a traditional, royalty-paying publisher. We do not charge fees to publish.

I am an author looking for a publisher. What publishing packages do you offer?

We are a traditional royalty-paying trade publisher. Our publishing process may include the following:

  • Substantive/Developmental Editing (as necessary)
  • Copy Editing
  • Formatting and Book Design
  • Proofreading
  • Cover Design
  • ISBN Registry
  • Library of Congress Copyright Office Registry
  • Product Formats (Trade Paperback, Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook – usually two or more)
  • Advanced Reader Copies through NetGalley
  • Global Print Distribution to Bookstore / Library Trade
  • Online Distribution to major eCommerce book retailers
  • Direct Marketing to Sunbury Press Readers
  • Marketing to the Book Trade through Distribution Channels
  • Direct Marketing to over 5000 Independent Bookstores in the USA
  • Category/Imprint-Specific Marketing Activities
  • Publicity to Key Targeted Media (Cision Publicity Platform to over 3 million in media)
  • Assistance with Book Signing Events, Author Central, Goodreads, Author Blogs, etc.
  • Monthly Sunbury Press Authors Newsletter
  • Online Author Training 
  • Foreign Rights / Translation Opportunities
  • Movie / Television / Other Media Opportunities
  • Wholesale Book Purchases (no minimum requirement)

I am an author looking for a publisher. How do you market your books?

We are a traditional royalty-paying publisher that does not charge fees to our authors or require any commitment to purchase books. We invest in publishing your book and are therefore motivated to sell it in the marketplace. So, to be clear, we are in the business of selling books to readers — directly, through retailers, and through wholesalers and distributors.  We use a variety of means to make customers aware of our books in a variety of channels. If your manuscript is selected for publication, we will work with you to develop a specific marketing plan for your book.

Video: How Sunbury Press Provides Enhanced Publicity and Marketing for Their Authors

Video: Elements of Impactful Cover Design for Both Print and eBooks

I am an author looking for a publisher. How quickly will my book be out in the marketplace?

If we select your manuscript for publication and you accept our contract offer, you'll be assigned an editor who will work with you on a schedule for publication. On average, books are released about six months after contract signing, though the schedules can vary due to author preference, seasonality, current events, market opportunities, editor's queue size, etc. The size, complexity and state of the manuscript can also have an impact on time to market. A typical range is three to twelve months.

I am an author looking for a publisher. How much money will I make?

We pay royalties four times a year. The amount you receive can vary greatly depending on the price of your book, the number of units sold, and the channels they were sold in. The average published book sells about 250 copies in its lifetime, grossing around $3000. At Sunbury Press, we are motivated to sell books and expect all our releases to perform above the industry average. We have found that no matter how much we promote your book, the most significant factor in how well a book does is how serious the author is perceived in the marketplace. It isn't easy to profit from a first book. Adding to your list of works over time will grow your sales geometrically as you gain an audience. Producing works regularly is also important to leverage each book’s peak performance.

Video: The Pareto Principle and How it Applies to Book Sales

I am a college student looking for an internship opportunity.  Do you have any openings? If so, how do I apply?

Sunbury Press and its various imprints are always looking for interns to help in a variety of functions.  At any given time, we are always looking for copy editing, graphic design, and marketing assistance. We have worked with for-credit and summer opportunities.  Please send your inquiry to info@sunburypress.com.

I submitted a manuscript to you a few months ago. How will I know if it has been accepted? 

We receive over 3000 proposals a year and publish 90 to 100 books per year. Our review process can take up to six months. Depending on the category, things may move faster or slower as we adjust to market demands. We always take the time to notify authors either way, so expect notification — eventually.

I am a freelance editor looking for clients. Do you have any openings? If so, how do I apply?

Sunbury Press employs editing staff and only uses contract freelancers when there is a temporary need.

I want to write a review of one of your books. How do I get a review copy?

If you represent a major publication or media outlet and wish to review one or more of our books, please get in touch with us for complimentary review copies at publicity@sunburypress.com. If not, please feel free to submit a review on Good Reads or Amazon.

I would like to discuss foreign rights with you regarding one or more of your titles. Who should I contact?

If you are an agent or foreign publisher wishing to publish one or more of our books in a language other than English or a country other than the USA, please get in touch with us at legal@sunburypress.com.

Can I drop by and see the books being printed?

Unfortunately, you cannot. Our books are printed as close to the end customer as often as possible. All books sold in the USA are printed at numerous locations in the USA, and our books sold in the UK are printed in the UK, etc.