FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We get it, you have questions.
We have answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should not use our services?
People who don’t care about the quality of their book and want a quick, easy and cheap option.
Who SHOULD use our services?
Authors who care about quality.
Authors interested in fiction, non-fiction or children’s books.
Authors who want to have an impact in the world through their work.
Do I get all the profits from my book?
You keep all the money from your book sales. We don't take any fees, and all accounts will be in your name.
How do royalties work?
You retain 100% of the royalties for your book. While we don't take a share of the profits, there are some costs to consider: Amazon's fees and printing costs. For eBooks, Amazon takes 30% of your royalties, and you keep the remaining 70%. For paperbacks, Amazon takes 40%, the printer charges approximately $4, and the rest goes to you. We'll provide more details about hardcover options before you make a decision
Why don't you take royalties? Doesn't that align our incentives?
Actually, the opposite is true. The most effective way to get a great book that aligns with your goals is to use our service-based model. With this model, you pay a fee and retain all rights and royalties. This ensures that we're focused on helping you achieve your objectives, such as securing speaking gigs, finding clients, or building your influence. In contrast, a royalty-based model incentivizes us to prioritize sales, even if it doesn't align with your goals
Isn’t this self-publishing?
Yes, but perhaps not in the way you're thinking. The book publishing industry is a bit unique. When people ask, 'Is this self-publishing?' they often mean, 'Will it be unprofessional?' The answer is no, it's professional. You're hiring us to ensure your book is not only completed but also done professionally. Moreover, your book is published by an established publishing company. So, the answer to the self-publishing question is: 'No, it's not self-publishing.' However, this question used to be more relevant. Before self-publishing as we know it, there were only two options: traditional publishing and vanity presses. A traditionally published book, meaning one backed by a New York publisher, was seen as a sign of credibility. In contrast, books published through other means, like vanity presses, were often viewed as less credible.That's no longer the case.
Today, most books are published outside the traditional publishing system. Vanity presses have largely disappeared, replaced by hybrid publishing companies. These vary widely in quality, but many are highly credible and professional.
Do I own all the rights to my book?
Yes, you have full ownership of the copyright and reproduction rights for your book.
How much do you charge for copies? Will I be able to order personal copies at a discounted price?
You don't pay anything for copies. You can purchase copies at the printing cost. For print-on-demand paperbacks, Kindle Direct Publishing and IngramSpark print books for approximately $4 each when ordered through Amazon. You can also purchase these books at the same price directly from the printer, anytime after publication, in any quantity you desire. We don't make any profit on copies. If you need a larger quantity (1,000 or more), we'll connect you with a commercial offset printer who can offer better pricing. We don't add any markup.
Can you get my books into a bookstore?
That's a great question with a nuanced answer! The world of book publishing has its own unique quirks. While we do make your book available for order through bookstores nationwide via the Ingram database, it's not quite as simple as automatically appearing on shelves. Think of it this way: bookstores have limited space, and they often prioritize well-known authors or books with strong marketing campaigns. Typically, a book needs to demonstrate significant sales (around 25,000 copies) to pique a bookstore's interest. But here's the exciting part: in today's digital age, bookstore presence isn't the be-all and end-all of book sales. Most book buyers also shop online, so even without prominent shelf space, you can still reach a wide audience. For many authors, seeing their book in a bookstore is a thrilling milestone—and rightfully so! It's a tangible symbol of their achievement. However, it's important to remember that it's more of a "feather in your cap" than a primary sales driver.
Ultimately, we focus on strategies that maximize your book's reach and connect with readers, whether they're browsing online or in their favorite bookstore.
Who is the publisher?
The legal entity publishing is Calvin Antoine Publishing LLC: CAN Publish Books is an imprint of Calvin Antoine Publishing LLC. You don’t have to use either as your publisher. We can essentially create a new publishing company for you with any name you like. It’s completely up to you who the named publisher of the book is.
Who designs the book covers? Do I get to give feedback on that?
Get ready to see your book come to life with a stunning cover and interior design! Our talented in-house designers are eager to collaborate with you, ensuring your vision takes center stage. We understand that a captivating cover is essential. It's the first impression your book makes, and it needs to convey professionalism and intrigue. That's why we begin with a deep dive into your ideas and preferences. We'll discuss your vision for the cover, explore different styles, and gather all the details needed to create a design that truly reflects your book's essence. From there, our designers will craft a series of initial concepts for your review. You'll have the opportunity to provide feedback, suggest revisions, and ultimately give your full approval on the final design. It's your book, and we're here to make sure it looks and feels exactly the way you imagined
What marketing comes with the this package?
We'll manage a targeted Amazon Bestseller Campaign designed to maximize early sales, reviews, and rankings. This will establish a strong foundation for your book's long-term success. We'll also support your promotion efforts by creating social media graphics, crafting a book announcement email, gifting free copies, and developing a strategy to leverage influencer support. By the end of the first week, your book should have achieved Amazon bestseller status, experienced a surge in sales, received initial reviews, gained awareness among your network, and have a clear plan for future promotion. We also offer additional marketing packages.
How does payment work?
Our pricing structure begins at fixed price and is tailored to the specific requirements of your project. To facilitate a seamless engagement, we do offer a convenient payment plan consisting of four installments.
The mission is to create books that endure. We're not interested in producing something that merely gathers dust on a shelf. We want your book to be read, shared, and cherished for the next 50 to 100 years to come; that’s how long a good book usually lasts.
What makes your services different?
What truly sets our service apart is the collaborative journey. You'll be working alongside top-tier editing, ghostwriting, design and artistic talent – individuals at the top of their craft. The best part is that our streamlined process eliminates the usual hurdles, allowing you to focus on what matters the most to you.
All of the individuals we work with appreciate the structured environment we provide. It frees them from the typical freelance burdens: chasing clients, negotiating contracts, and managing project scope. All of this work translates to a more focused and fulfilling creative experience for everyone involved.
We can’t say this enough, but this framework truly benefits everyone in the process. Clear expectations, defined deliverables, and a managed workflow have ensured a smooth and successful outcome in every project we’ve worked on thus far. You get a professionally crafted book, all the collaborators receive fair compensation for their expertise, and we facilitate a seamless and rewarding collaboration.