An author looking for help with a book usually has a finished manuscript, some savings set aside and a nagging worry: what if I pick the wrong company? For a book publishing company or author-services firm, that worry is the real competition. It matters more than price, more than turnaround time and more than how polished your website looks.
Fall is a common time for authors to start the process, often hoping to have a book ready for holiday gifts or a spring launch. Here's how to earn their trust before the first call.
Why trust decides which book publishing company gets hired
Browse the publishing and printing category on Listings Junkie and you'll see dozens of companies offering writing, editing, design, publishing and marketing. Many of them use similar names and similar promises. From an author's side, they can blur together.
Authors also hear stories about companies that took a lot of money and delivered very little. So they arrive cautious. They're looking for reasons to trust you, and also for reasons to cross you off the list.
The companies that stand out are the ones that are specific, transparent and honest about what a book can realistically do.
Say exactly what you do, and what you don't
"Full-service publishing solutions" tells an author almost nothing. Spell out your services in plain words:
- Editing, and which kinds: developmental editing (the big picture), copyediting (sentences and consistency) or proofreading (final errors)
- Cover design for print and ebook
- Interior formatting for print and digital editions
- ISBNs and copyright registration help
- Distribution to online retailers, bookstores and libraries
- Marketing support, with specifics
- Ghostwriting if you offer it
It's fine to specialize. In fact, it can be a strength. Book Formatting Gurus describes itself as a specialized formatting and interior design company. An author who only needs formatting knows immediately that this is the right kind of shop to call.
Be clear about rights, royalties and ownership
This is where authors are most nervous, and where clarity wins the most trust. Answer these in writing, on your website and in your contracts:
- Who owns the copyright? Authors want to hear that they do.
- Who is listed as the publisher, and who owns the ISBN? Explain what that means for them if they leave.
- Who receives royalties, and how? If the author keeps all royalties, say so plainly. If you take a share, explain how it's calculated.
- What files does the author get at the end? Final print files, cover files and ebook files.
- How can the contract be ended, and what happens to the book if it is?
Contracts and rights can be complex, so it's wise to suggest that authors have an attorney review any agreement before signing. A company confident in its terms won't mind.
Explain pricing and timelines
Authors don't expect every price on your homepage, but they want to understand how pricing works.
- Offer clear packages and list exactly what each includes.
- Show how payment works: deposit, milestones and final payment.
- Give a realistic timeline for each stage. Editing, design, formatting and distribution each take time, and authors plan launches around them.
- Name any optional add-ons up front. Nothing frustrates an author more than surprise upsells halfway through.
Show real books and real people
Nothing builds trust like evidence. Show:
- Covers of books you've worked on, with the author's permission
- Where those books are sold, so authors can check for themselves
- Your actual team, with names, photos and relevant experience
- Short author stories in their own words, about what working with you was like
Avoid stock photos of generic people holding generic books. Authors notice, and it makes you look like everyone else.
Promise only what you can deliver
No company can guarantee a bestseller, a set number of sales or national media coverage. Promises like that may get a click, but they cost you trust with careful authors, and they lead to angry reviews later.
Honest language stands out. Authors Dream, for example, opens its listing by explaining the difference between a book that's finished and a book that's ready to publish, which has been through structural review, editing and honest feedback. That kind of plain talk tells an author you'll be straight with them.
Our guide to how small businesses build trust online covers more ways to show credibility without overselling.
Answer the questions authors ask
Put a clear question-and-answer page on your website and a short version in your listing description. Common author questions include:
Do I keep my rights and royalties?
How long will the whole process take?
What's included in each package?
Can I approve the cover and edits before anything is final?
Where will my book be available?
What happens if I'm not happy with the work?
For help writing a description that answers these concisely, see our guide to writing a business description that wins customers.
Handle reviews like a professional
Authors read reviews closely, and they read your replies even more closely. Thank happy authors by name, if they're comfortable with it. When someone is unhappy, reply calmly, acknowledge the problem and offer to resolve it privately. Our article on responding to customer reviews walks through it.
Stand out by being local
Many publishing service companies sell nationwide, but local relationships can still set you apart. Think about:
- Local writing groups and workshops, where you can teach a free session on editing or self-publishing
- Public libraries, many of which host author events
- Independent bookstores, some of which host signings or carry books by local authors
Independent shops like A Novel Idea Bookstore in Lincoln, Nebraska, which describes itself as an independent bookseller of used, rare, out-of-print and new books, are worth getting to know. Ask local booksellers what they look for in a book by a local author, and how authors usually approach them. Being known and respected in those circles brings referrals no ad can buy.
Being listed in your own state helps too. Authors often browse pages like New York publishing listings or Texas publishing listings looking for someone nearby.
Frequently asked questions
What should a publishing services company include in its listing?
The specific services you offer, who owns rights and royalties, how pricing works, realistic timelines, examples of real books and current contact details.
Should a book publishing company publish its prices?
Many authors appreciate at least a starting price or clear package descriptions. It filters out poor fits and builds trust.
How do we stand out among many similar companies?
Be specific about what you do, show real books and real people, explain rights clearly and avoid promises you can't keep.
Should we tell authors to have a lawyer review the contract?
Suggesting it is a sign of good faith. Publishing contracts involve rights and money, and authors should feel free to get professional advice.
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