The Patternmaker’s Crumpled Plan

by Barb Hunt

launching March 17th

Click HERE to purchase online

Payment for Invoice #20111201054  - $1550.92 ($1505.75 plus $45.17 for PayPal fee).

The link to Paypal will open up to the right when you hit the “Pay Now” button. Click on the “Check out with PayPal” button, and you will be taken to the Paypal website. To pay by credit card, once you are there, click the link as detailed below with the red arrow:

Self-Publishing Options

This document outlines the many options Piquant Press offers to authors who want to self-publish a professionally produced book. It is also designed to educate new authors on the essential steps of self-publication and options available for author promotion. The flat fees listed for self-published books are based on specific criteria that includes the number of pages, book dimensions etc. Please review the entire document to calculate approximate pricing based on the state of your manuscript and contact us with any questions or special requests. We can customize to any size.

One special note right up front: Any author publishing with us always retains the copyright to all of their material.

Book Design

-        The number of pages in a book is always a multiple of four. The pricing listed below covers any book that is between 36 and 96 pages.* The cover is never included in the page count.

-        Plan for eight of these pages to be used for the title page, copyright info page, table of contents, dedication and blank pages.

-        The interior is black ink. (Colour interior printing is available. Ask about pricing)

-        This quotation is for paperback book sizes of 5.5”x 8.5 or 6” x 9”. (Larger sizes are available. Ask about pricing)

-        We use only high quality 70 # white or natural paper stock. (Other bonds and colours are available. Ask about pricing)

* A note on number of pages: Using a 12 point typeface will allow roughly 32 lines per page. That includes blank lines, but most books have blank pages before chapter headings etc. Until the font size and layout is finalized, the number of pages can only be approximated. The rule of thumb is that more is better since small increases in the number of pages has little affect on the price. The consistent use of blank space in a book is a key element of design. Prose averages 275 words per page. Books longer than 96 pages or with different dimensions than those listed below, will require a current pricing quote from the printer.

Book Cover

-        Piquant Press will be happy to design a book cover for the author for an additional fee.*

*Piquant Press is known for the quality of its covers. Our graphic design team has over 20 years in book cover design. Although authors may have their own cover designer or provide elements they would like to include in a cover, Piquant Press reserves the right to refuse to publish a book with a cover or interior elements that are not, in our opinion, in the best interests of the author, the publisher or both.

How long does it take until you hold your self-published book in your hands?

1. Upon presentation of a manuscript, the author and editor maintain a dialogue about the content and other aspects of the project. This process is unique for each author and can take as long as three months, but averages about four weeks, depending on how much discussion is generated, editing needed and the urgency for completion.
2. A fully edited, print-ready manuscript requires about a business week of telephone and email discussions, concept presentations and cover layout adjustments.
3. Following approval of the manuscript by the author and delivery of the manuscript to the printer, it will take about seven business days to obtain a proof copy from the printer. Reviewing this proof copy is the last chance to make any changes. If the author decides to make substantial changes to the proof at this point, there will be extra charges over and above the initial quotation. These will be advised prior to proceeding with changes.
4. Once the final proof has been authorized by the author and delivered to the printer, the books are normally delivered to the author within 10 business days.
5. The overall collaboration averages 4 to 6 weeks.

Book Launch:

We would be honoured to emcee a Piquant Press book launch in a convenient location. The author will be responsible for any costs associated with this event such as room rental, refreshment and snacks.  However all the proceeds of the book sales, other than purchasing the books from Piquant Press, would belong to the author.

Recommended Retail Price

The cover price will be what the author chooses. Book prices vary considerably depending on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the size of the book, fame of the author, genre, projected audience and number of pages.  We can provide advice on this aspect, but it would be advisable for authors to research their proposed market by sampling at least ten competitor books to identify the market pricing.*

*Inserting the pricing barcode on the back of books is always included in our flat fees.

FLAT FEE PRICING

First print run – $9.00/book (plus shipping and HST) – Guaranteed price to January 31^st, 2011

(Minimum order of 50 books, *professionally edited):

This price is based on the author providing:

-        a professionally edited, black ink only, manuscript in a Microsoft Word or InDesign document

-        a cover image (if an author has one to be considered) in high quality (300 dpi) jpeg format

-        high quality copies of any black ink graphics to be included in the interior

-        a brief bio and a good quality author photo  for the back cover (if a photo is desired)

-        any reviews that the author would like considered for the back cover or interior. (These can be provided later in the process)

-        half of the agreed upon total fee. The balance is due upon delivery of the books.

For this price Piquant Press will provide:

-        the consultation required to create a book to the author’s satisfaction

-        an excellent, professionally designed book cover (front and back)

-        full interior design and layout

-        ISBN publishing numbers and CIP (CIP for orders exceeding 101 books) and any other identification requested or required for the publication, including price barcodes

-        A proof copy to be authorized by the author in advance of ordering the full shipment (please note that proof shipping costs are approx $25.00 per proof (+HST + travel if required)

-        a perfect-bound book in the quantity ordered*

-        a PDF e-copy of the book that may be sold online

-        a page on the www.piquantpress.ca website where the book (and e-book) will be available for purchase online**

* Piquant will print 10 additional copies at its own expense for ISBN and CIP cataloguing purposes and to use as promotion copies. These publisher copies will not be available for sale.

** Piquant also builds low cost websites for authors who wish to create a web presence and sell their own books online. We include Search Engine Optimization, social networking skill building (ie facebook, Twitter etc) and blogging capability in the web design package. Since we use WordPress technology to build author websites, we also train authors in just a few hours how to update their own websites. We guarantee that every author website will be fully functional on the day of the book launch if sufficient notice is arranged.

Additional Print Runs – $8.25/book (plus shipping and HST) – Guaranteed price to January 31^st, 2011

(This pricing is for second and subsequent orders between 30 and 100 books. For orders over 100 books we will obtain a current printer quote to reduce the cost per book.)

For additional print runs, the author will provide:

-        Full payment in advance

-        Authorization to reprint books (if no changes are required to the original template)

-        If changes to the original manuscript or book cover are requested by the author, the publisher will advise the author in advance of the costs to make these changes.

For additional print runs, Piquant Press provides at no additional cost:

-        Changes to the book to identify books as a second (etc) printing

-        Minor changes to the cover or manuscript that do not require an additional proof copy

-        Books delivered within 14 days of payment

What is Meant by “Professionally Edited”?

Every manuscript must be professionally edited.

Every author who self-publishes should hire an experienced editor to provide substantive and copy editing to ensure the grammar, punctuation, spacing and other essential aspects of language and grammar are ideal. Substantive editing involves reviewing a book for its effectiveness as a book (i.e., material that should be included in, or excluded from the book; the consistency and strength of the main theme(s); the optimal order of words and chapters to match the theme(s). An editor initiates discussions to raise perspectives that an author may not have considered or recognized in the work. It is an interesting and enjoyable collaboration, both for the writer and the editor, and approached by us in a careful, thoughtful manner. This process cannot be done quickly and is ongoing up to that exciting moment when the book is ready for printing.

The Publisher has edited 10 chapbooks, co-edited 2 anthologies, edited and published 2 books of poetry, where we are going by Kate Marshall Flaherty and The Cartographer’s Skin by Lara Bozabalian.  He has also performed the layouts and editing of several non-fiction books, the most recent being Reduce, Resize, Revive by Sandra Wright and Kim Fleming and Raise Your Vibration, Transform Your Life by Dawn James.  Piquant Press strongly recommends using James’ editing skills to fulfill this important element of publishing, although other appropriate options will be considered. Please visit www.piquantproductions.ca and www.piquantpress.ca for more information.

The author will be provided with a quotation for editing the manuscript once it has been reviewed by the editor.* James’ hourly rate is $50.00 + (HST). Authors should plan for an editing process that averages 4 to 8 hours.**

* There is no charge for the initial review to determine editing requirements.

**Editing references from previous clients are available upon request.

If, in the publisher’s opinion, a manuscript requires substantial editorial support, or the manuscript indicates that the author should develop the craft of writing more fully, the publisher will respectfully recommend that self-publication is not in the author’s best interest at this time. For more details on the manuscript review services we offer please visit www.inkslingers.ca.

Please contact us with any questions you may have. This process is often new to many writers and we enjoy explaining the costs and benefits of each step in the rewarding process of self-publishing.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

1. Books under 100 pages receive the same FLAT FEE PRICE*

*If your book is longer than 100 pages, we will offer you a customized quote to ensure you receive the best printing rates available.

The number of pages in a book is always a multiple of four

Note that the cover (Which actually has 5 sides: front, front interior, back, back interior and the spine) is never included in the page count

Some books under 30 pages will need to be adjusted for the narrow spine. Please tell us about your thin book project to obtain ideal layout specifications

2. Set aside 8 pages in the initial layout for these:

- Title page
- Copyright info page
- Table of Contents pages
- Dedication page
- miscellaneous blank pages

3. The interior uses black ink only.

Printing the interior of your book with any colour other than black can greatly impact pricing. Whether you just want one page in colour or you have dozens of pages of colour photos, we offer colour interior printing as an option; but colour is a fundamental factor in increasing the cost of self-publishing. (Ask about pricing for colour interior printing)

4. Our FLAT FEE PRICING offers the choice of the TWO most popular book sizes:

5.5”x 8.5″ or 6” x 9”

We publish books in many other sizes as well. If your book has different dimensions than the two sizes listed, we will offer you a customized quote to ensure you receive the best printing rates available.

5. We offer TWO high quality 70# paper stock options for the same price: white or natural.

Other bonds and colours are available. (Ask us about other quality paper options)

6. We do not use staples to bind thin books. All books are bookstore quality, PERFECT BOUND.

HOW TO CALCULATE THE NUMBER OF PAGES

Using a 12 point typeface will allow roughly 32 lines per page.
That includes blank lines, but most books have blank pages before chapter headings etc., so until the font size and layout is finalized, the number of pages can only be approximated.

The rule of thumb is that more is better. Small increases in the number of pages do not impact the cost very much. The consistent use of blank space in a book is a key element of design. We specialize in designing layouts that make your book easy on the eyes and inviting to read.

Prose averages 275 words per page.

Poetry averages 32 lines per page.

Non-fiction is similar to prose, but the inclusion of many images and charts requires expert layout and design to ensure every page looks professional. Our expert layout and editing will ensure that the points you make are clear and resonate consistently throughout the book.

*Piquant Press is known for the quality of its book covers.

A quality cover expresses the essence of a book in a way that entices readers to pick it up and look inside. But even more, the clever use of the back cover to promote the book effectively provides essential information about both the author and book that initiates the urge to purchase.

Our design team has over 30 years of graphics and art experience.

Email us at info@piquantpress.ca for a frank discussion about how we can satisfy your professional expectations at a surprisingly low cost.

Although authors may have their own cover designer or provide elements they would like to include in a cover, Piquant Press reserves the right to refuse to publish a book with a cover, or interior elements, that are not, in our opinion, in the best interests of the author, the publisher or both.

First Print Run – A FLAT FEE of $9.00/book

^{plus HST and Shipping – Minimum order: 50 books}

^{Price Guaranteed to January 31st, 2011}

THE FLAT FEE is OFFERED to any author who provides:

1. A professionally edited, black ink only, manuscript in Microsoft Word or InDesign format

2. A cover image in high quality (300 dpi) jpeg format – Click here to see our recommendations

3. High quality copies of any black ink graphics to be included in the interior

4. A brief bio and a good quality author photo for the back cover (if a photo is desired)

5. Any reviews that the author would like considered for the back cover or interior. (These can be provided later in the process)

5. Half of the agreed upon total fee – the balance due upon delivery of the books.

For THE FLAT FEE Piquant Press provides:

1. The consultation required to create a book to the author’s satisfaction

2. An excellent, professionally designed book cover (front and back)

3. Full interior design and layout

4 Publishing Registrations:

a. ISBN publishing numbers

b. Pricing barcodes

c. Any other identification requested or required

d. CIP completion and registration for orders exceeding 101 books

5. A proof copy to be authorized by the author in advance of ordering the full shipment (please note that proof shipping costs are approx $25.00 per proof (+HST + travel if required)

6. Perfect-bound copies of the book in the quantity ordered* (Please note minimum first order and reorders)

7. PDF e-copy of the book (for selling online)

8. Ordering Page on the Piquant Press Website where the book (and e-book) will be available for purchase online**

* Piquant will print 10 additional copies at its own expense for ISBN and CIP cataloguing purposes and to use as promotion copies. These publisher copies will not be available for sale.

Need a Low Cost Author/Business Website to Sell Your Books?

** Piquant also builds low cost websites for clients who want to create a web presence and sell their books online.

We include Search Engine Optimization, Social Networking Skill Building (ie facebook, Twitter etc) and Blogging Capability in the web design package.

Since we use WordPress technology to build author websites, in just a few hours we can show you how to update your own website.

We guarantee that every author website will be fully functional on the day of the book launch if ordered at the same time as the books.

Additional Print Runs – A FLAT FEE of $8.25/book

^{plus HST and Shipping – This pricing is for second and subsequent orders between 30 and 100 books. For orders over 100 books we will obtain a current printer quote to reduce the cost per book.}

^{Price Guaranteed to January 31st, 2011}

THE FLAT FEE is OFFERED for additional print runs if the author provides:

1. Full payment in advance

2. Authorization to reprint books (if no changes are required to the original template)

3. If changes to the original manuscript or book cover are requested by the author, the publisher will advise in advance the additional costs to make these changes.

For additional print runs, THE FLAT FEE provides at no additional cost:

1. Changes to the book to identify books as a second (etc) printing

2. Minor changes to the cover or manuscript that do not require an additional proof copy

3. Books delivered within 14 days of payment

How long does it take until you hold your self-published book in your hands?

Upon presentation of a manuscript, the author and editor maintain a dialogue about the content and other aspects of the project. This process is unique for each author and can take as long as three months, but averages about four weeks, depending on how much discussion is generated, editing needed and the urgency for completion.

A fully edited, print-ready manuscript requires about a business week of telephone and email discussions, concept presentations and cover layout adjustments.

Following approval of the manuscript by the author and delivery of the manuscript to the printer, it will take about seven business days to obtain a proof copy from the printer. Reviewing this proof copy is the last chance to make any changes. If the author decides to make substantial changes to the proof at this point, there will be extra charges over and above the initial quotation. These will be advised prior to proceeding with changes.

Once the final proof has been authorized by the author and delivered to the printer, the books are normally delivered to the author within 10 business days.

The overall collaboration averages 4 to 6 weeks.

There are very few writers who can step back from their work far enough to impartially edit their own writing. We have seen many manuscripts where the lack of editing was obvious. Consequently we insist that every book we publish be edited by someone with the skills to perform this vital level of manuscript review.

Every author who self-publishes should hire an experienced editor to provide substantive and copy editing to ensure the grammar, punctuation, spacing and other essential aspects of language are ideal. Substantive editing involves reviewing a book for its effectiveness as a book (i.e., material that should be included or excluded from the book; the consistency and strength of the main themes; the optimal order of words and chapters to match the themes. An editor initiates discussions to raise perspectives that an author may not have considered or recognized in his or her work. An editor sees the potential in a book and helps the author reach it. We have never seen a book that was not substantially improved as a result.

Rather than a difficult, hurtful experience, it should be an interesting and enjoyable collaboration, both for the writer and the editor. We at Piquant Press approach editing with our authors, particularly those publishing for the first time, in a careful, thoughtful manner. This process cannot be done quickly and is ongoing up to that exciting moment when the final draft is ready for printing.

The Publisher has edited 10 poetry chapbooks, co-edited 2 anthologies, and edited/published 2 books of poetry, where we are going by Kate Marshall Flaherty (2009) and The Cartographer’s Skin by Lara Bozabalian (2010).

He has also designed the layouts and edited several non-fiction books, the most recent being Reduce, Resize, Revive by Sandra Wright and Kim Fleming (2010) and Raise Your Vibration, Transform Your Life by Dawn James (2010). 

If an author has not obtained editing on a manuscript already, Piquant Press strongly recommends using James’ editing skills to fulfill this important element of publishing.

The author will be provided with a quotation for editing the manuscript once it has been reviewed by the editor.* James’ hourly rate is $50.00 + (HST). Authors should plan for an editing process that averages 4 to 8 hours.**

* There is no charge for the initial review to determine editing requirements.

**Editing references from previous clients are available upon request.

This process is new to many writers. We enjoy explaining the benefits of this important step in the rewarding process of self-publishing your own book. Please contact us with any questions.

If, in the publisher’s opinion, a manuscript requires a substantial editorial review, or it is clear that the author must develop the craft of writing more fully before self-publishing, we will respectfully recommend that self-publication be delayed in the author’s best interests. For more details on the manuscript review services we offer please visit www.inkslingers.ca.

Please note that clicking on this link takes you to our Inkslinger website. It contains the details of the Creative Writing Support programs we offer on a one-on-one basis and in group Workshops.

Recommended Retail Price

The cover price will be what the author chooses.

Book prices vary considerably depending on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the size of the book, fame of the author, genre, projected audience and number of pages. 

We can provide advice on this aspect, but it would be advisable for authors to research their proposed market by sampling at least ten competitor books in the same genre to establish the market pricing.*

*We add the pricing barcode on covers at no additional cost.