From manuscript to launch day

Sixteen steps in four phases. You make the call at every one, and you talk directly with the people doing the work.

1

Apply and qualify

Steps 1 to 4 are free and happen before any commitment.

  1. 01
    Step 1

    Application

    A two-minute form about you and your manuscript.

  2. 02
    Step 2

    Manuscript review

    Colin reads it. We're looking for strong writing, compelling storytelling, a clear message, value alignment, and a book that can sell.

  3. 03
    Step 3

    Call with Colin

    Twenty minutes on your goals, audience, and timeline.

  4. 04
    Step 4

    Custom proposal

    A written plan and a full number for your book specifically.

Skip ahead and applyPhase 1 of 4
2

Editorial

An editorial plan first, then line and structural editing and a final proofread. Your voice stays yours; the manuscript gets tighter.

  1. 05
    Step 5

    Editorial plan

    We build out the editorial scope for your manuscript.

  2. 06
    Step 6

    Line and structural editing

    Your voice stays yours. The manuscript gets tighter.

  3. 07
    Step 7

    Proofreading

    Final pass before production begins.

Skip ahead and applyPhase 2 of 4
3

Design and production

The book takes physical shape: cover, interior, registration, print, and distribution, with you approving each one.

  1. 08
    Step 8

    Cover design

    Built with you, to trade standard, so your book gets picked up.

  2. 09
    Step 9

    Interior formatting

    Typeset for print and converted for EPUB and Kindle.

  3. 10
    Step 10

    ISBN, barcode, and copyright

    Registered in your name.

  4. 11
    Step 11

    Print setup

    Offset with top North American printers, or print-on-demand for shorter runs.

  5. 12
    Step 12

    Distribution setup

    Amazon, Ingram, and global distribution.

Skip ahead and applyPhase 3 of 4
4

Launch

Everything that gets the book into readers' hands, and what we do after launch day.

  1. 13
    Step 13

    Creative assets

    Book trailer, author website, and launch materials, as scoped in your proposal.

  2. 14
    Step 14

    Marketing plan

    Launch strategy and 30, 60, and 90 day deliverables, as scoped.

  3. 15
    Step 15

    Final proof approval

    You sign off on the physical proof.

  4. 16
    Step 16

    Launch day

    Books in hand. Then we stay in your corner, from launch day up to twelve months depending on the plan.

Start with step one: apply
Phase 4 of 4

No surprises in the math

You'll see the full investment and the royalty math before you sign anything.

Projects typically start at $4,995
Quoted individually after we've read your manuscript. The number depends on editing depth, print option, and what's built around the launch.
Three to five payments
20% down begins the process. The rest is spread over the length of the project, and flexible payment plans are available.
Printing quoted separately
Reviewed on the kickoff call. Offset runs usually start at 500 copies; print-on-demand has no minimum.
100% of the net profit on your first 1,000 copies
Yours on every copy, through every channel, until you've sold 1,000. Your publishing agreement spells out the terms after that.

Questions authors ask before applying

If yours isn't here, put it in the application. Colin answers every one on the first call.

What is hybrid publishing?

The author invests in production and the publisher supplies a professional team and process. Compared with traditional publishing, you keep control, keep your rights, and earn far higher royalties. Compared with self-publishing, you get a book that meets industry standards without doing every job yourself.

Zion follows the IBPA hybrid publisher criteria.

Does my manuscript need to be finished?

To start the publishing process, yes. To apply and have a call with Colin, no. If you're close to finished, apply now and we'll talk timing.

How do you decide what to publish?

Every submission is reviewed. To be accepted it must show strong writing, effective storytelling, clarity of message, marketability, and alignment with our values. We don't publish every manuscript.

How much does it cost?

Projects typically start at $4,995 and are quoted individually after we've read your manuscript. 20% down begins the process, and the rest is split into three to five payments over the length of the project. Printing is quoted separately once the book is ready.

Do I keep the rights to my book?

Yes. You retain full copyright ownership and control over your content and future editions.

What are the royalties?

You keep 100% of the net profit on your first 1,000 copies sold. Your publishing agreement spells out the terms after that.

How long does it take?

Four to seven months on average from signed proposal to launch, depending on the editing needed and the print option. We've delivered a book in under 90 days when an author had a hard date, but most projects don't need that.

Will my book be in bookstores?

Your book will be available through Amazon, Ingram, Barnes & Noble online, Books-A-Million online, and other retailers depending on the print option you choose. We help with local bookstore outreach. Placement in national chains is never guaranteed by any publisher.

Will I earn my investment back?

No publisher can guarantee sales. Our job is to position the book and your platform so it has the best possible chance, and because you keep 100% of the net profit on your first 1,000 copies, every early sale goes toward your investment.

What kinds of books do you publish?

So far: memoir, non-fiction, theology, devotionals, planners, and children's books. If yours isn't on that list, apply anyway and we'll tell you honestly whether it's a fit.

Step one takes two minutes.

Tell us about your manuscript. You'll hear from Colin within 72 hours.

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