Book Production
In addition to our publishing activities, we undertake to produce books for individuals, societies and other small publishers. This service began some years ago when we were approached with manuscripts which we felt worthy of publication but which, for one reason or another (usually because the likely print-run was too small to make it commercially viable) we were reluctant to take on under our own imprint.
Self-published books produced by us and published in 2011
WILD FLOWERS OF SARK – beautiful full-colour book for Sark-based author Susan Synnott
TOILERS OF THE SEA – a new edition of Victor Hugo’s classic, produced for Guernsey bookseller Alpha Wearing
THE KEY IN THE DOOR – a selection of poems for Bradford on Avon author Sheina Bowen
DITTON: The Story of a Kentish Village, by Alan Dodge – for Ditton Heritage Centre
JOURNEY ROUND JERSEY’S PARISH CHURCHES – a fourth title in Robin Pittman’s ‘Journey’ series, the previous three of which have been published by Seaflower Books.
HUGH LATIMER: An Introduction – for Wiltshire author James Alsop
BLUE CLOGS: The Lives and Times of the Heap Family of Caldershaw, Rochdale – family history for author Derek Heap
LA CHAIRE: beyond the garden gate: An historical novel for Jersey author Colin Lever
THE READY SALTED POETS: A PACKET OF POEMS – for Bradford on Avon Poetry Workshop
Why not Self-Publish?
There is absolutely no shame in self-publishing a book in which you have faith (even better if an independent third party offers encouragement). Yet it is the case that, whilst a particular book may command a definite market, that market may be too small to make publication a worthwhile proposition for a commercially-driven publisher.
We can help you Self-Publish
We only take on books which we feel have a real chance of earning their keep and, indeed, of showing a profit. We would certainly tell you if we thought your desire to get a particular title into print were misguided.
Much of a publisher’s expenses is created by the effort put into promotion and distribution. If you have a captive market for your book and you are able to do the legwork yourself in a market which probably no one knows better than you, then self-publishing can be the way forward.
Perhaps your book is illustrated – most types of illustration reproduce well with modern printing technology. We establish the book’s format, typeface and presentation of text and illustrations in consultation with you. We send you sample pages until we settle on what is required. We then produce a first draft in as complete a state as possible to allow you to get a clear idea of the appearance of the finished book. At this stage you can make any amendments and corrections which may be necessary. It’s back to us for a second draft and then we’re ready for the printer.
We arrange for your book to be printed locally at excellent rates. In addition, we can advise on marketing and distribution, copyright and all the other questions which may arise in the course of completing your project.
Print-runs for such books vary from 50 to 1,000. Yes, even print-runs of 50 can be cost-effective these days, with the use of digital printing rather than traditional printing from plate.
How much will it cost?
A great deal less than the price you’ll be quoted by vanity publishers – that is an absolute certainty! You will most likely be pleasantly surprised at how little capital is necessary to get your book into print. Our basic rate for Book Production is between £1 and £2 per page, though we will charge more if your manuscript comes as a print-out only and not on computer disk, but we often charge less if the job is quite straightforward. We can give you a written quotation for the cost of printing and binding. It may be a possibility that you can get it printed more cheaply elsewhere, but we very much doubt it.
What our service offers
We can do everything for you (except write your book!) We prefer you to produce your manuscript on computer disk in simple word-processed format (any computer/ word processing language will suffice), together with a printed-out copy. Alternatively, we can work direct from a hard copy providing it is clear and correct, though this is more work for us and more expense for you.
Where do I go from here?
Get in touch with us. There is absolutely no obligation on your part – we never charge ‘consultation fees’ or any such nonsense.