What does Gold Leaf Press mean by "commitment" and "savvy"?
Does that mean I have to be a business person with a huge bankroll in order to make it as a successful published author?
Frankly, Yes! That helps immensely and we can tell you many stories of real authors and real bestsellers that paid to play and played to get paid. However, Gold Leaf Press started on a shoestring and we know the most creative, impactful ways to get your book and you to your markets as cost-effectively as possible - even in this ridiculously inflated game.
What is Gold Leaf Press' objective in publishing or working with me?
We want your success as much as you do - in fact, we've worked with many authors over the years who didn't really want success for themselves as much as we did. They fell short and went back to their regular lives and jobs. We love exceptional people and really hope you reveal youself to be one of them. We're here for you if you are. Every step of the way right to the top!
How does Gold Leaf Press differ from other book publishers and book packagers?
Gold Leaf Press is a customized, personalized publishing service provider that has evolved over the course of the last twenty years as a result of its principles’ career path experiences in the true book publishing industry. Each project that Gold Leaf Press accepts is developed, prepared and tailored specifically to the author’s objectives, commitment, resources and intent, coupled with the book or manuscript's existing and potential markets, mission, and relative suitability for accommodating each of these factors. In short, we do not – under any circumstance- require you and your manuscript or book to fit into one of our pre-fabricated models. We have no pre-fabricated models. Furthermore, any company that does have a model is in business for one purpose – to “make books”, not to develop fine literary works, design trade quality publications or create critically acclaimed, meaningful titles that can become standards in their genres.
Please also note that Gold Leaf Press is positioned to work with you and your manuscript as described above, without outsourcing. We are accomplished and experienced in each and every aspect of book development, preparation, and publishing.
What do you mean by a “model”?
A model is a preset, packaged product line. In book packaging, (which is a more accurate euphemism for the myriad of “publishers” in business today,) a model would be something like, “pay only $195.00 and receive 10 copies of your book, 50 free bookmarks, and 100 business cards. Could I submit an idea for a photography or coffee table book?
Sorry, we will consider any type of book idea with the exception of the two mentioned above as well as poetry, childrens' books or erotica/adult.
Why isn't poetry acceptable?
Poetry is a very small and difficult market to penetrate. Like the other genres we have excluded, it is outside of our core competency and we couldn't assure a high enough level of success for the book or author.
Why do you charge for your services if the real money is in book sales?
As a small independent press, Gold Leaf Press can contribute to more writers and authors by sharing our expertise and offering our publishing services on a fee per task basis in the areas that are critical to any publishing endeavor.
Furthermore, authors who are completely vested in their work retain final approval on all editorial and design decisions as well as ALL of the publishing rights. This becomes very important as the venture begins to gain momentum and generate profitable sales.
By serving in a consultative and managerial role, Gold Leaf Press assists the author in reaching that point sooner and much more cost-effectively. As your “Collaborative” Publisher, Gold Leaf Press is 100% dedicated to your ongoing success but accommodates your budget, objectives and agenda professionally and objectively.
I have a lot of ideas. Any suggestions on which one has the best chance to get published and sell successfully
Select the idea you've had the longest, or the one that consumes your thoughts the most, or the one you believe is an original or innovative idea, especially if you are convinced you are the most qualified to write or tell the story.
Can I submit a query letter or sample chapters to Agents or Publishers before or after I've approached Gold Leaf Press?
Absolutely. Look at us as one more submission and effort to get published. In the event we like what you've got and you have already signed with an Agent or Publisher, congratulations!!
Should the above scenario occur, we'd be happy to consult with you should you have any questions or concerns regarding your relationship with your new Agent or Publisher, but you're under no obligation.
Can I submit my inquiry and/or write my book anonymously or pseudonymously?
Of course! The only time you'll need to use your full legal name is for Copyright Registration, our Publishing Agreement and any other documentation (such as Permission Requests to utilize previously copyrighted material) that your project may require. It is important, however, that your provide us with accurate contact information so we can notify you in the event we want to talk to you further.
What is expected of a Gold Leaf Press client author?
To work with Gold Leaf Press throughout the manuscript development and preparation phase to ensure we create the best possible manuscript within a reasonably prescribed timeframe and to cooperate with Gold Leaf Press in developing and executing your and your book's promotion and publicity campaign.
Will I have to quit my job or alter my lifestyle in order to fulfill my obligations if I'm published?
No, not at all. Your Manuscript Development Calendar and your Publicity and Promotion Campaign will always be initially based upon your capacity, preferences, strengths and existing and anticipated personal and professional schedules.
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What else do people want to know about Gold Leaf Press?
What kind of books does Gold Leaf Press publish?
Gold Leaf Press publishes books in all genres. We have published for the College, Scholarly, Trade, Corporate and Non-profit Organization markets. Within those fields, we have published self-help/how-to's, historical fiction, biographies and training and safety manuals.
What do you look for most when determining what you will publish or accept for consulting and representation?
Primarily, we look for the right combination of content/subject matter, accessibility to the respective market(s) and commitment and expertise from the author. The right combination of these three elements provides the greatest chance for critical acclaim as well as commercial success.
How much money can an author expect to make once his or her book is published?
Based upon the universal potential of the particular market(s) to which the book is to be promoted and sold, and the dedication of the author to the book's sales, marketing and promotion campaign, there is no limit. For example, a traning manual for a highly specialized tooling process, may only have a universal potential of 10,000 readers. However, a mainstream trade publication, say a murder mystery, has a potential universal readership in the millions. John Grisham made a name and a new career for himself as a leading author by committing to the success of his first book, A Time to Kill, which initially had only a 5000 copy print run. A good book and self-motivation catapulted John Grisham and all his subsequent books into bestselling status.
I've written a mansucript, now what do I do?
You can do two things simultaneously that will expedite becoming published. The first is to recruit or hire a professional editor to assess your mansucript. After a complete read-through, the editor should be able to give you an idea if your manuscript needs editing and if so, to what extent. This is the most critical step in the entire process. As the writer, you begin to lose your objectivity with every draft. An editor is simply a fresh pair of well-trained eyes that can identify the "flaws" in your manuscript that a) you may never recognize and b) could knock you out of contention for publication or agent representation. Both of these potential outcomes are completely avoidable by hiring a reputable, professional editor.
You can opt to make the editor's recommended corrections or alterations yourself or hire the editor to do it for you, or with you. Either way, once your editor is on on board and you feel confident in his or her ability, stay with him or her for the duration of the manuscript preparation process.
Right before, during or right after your manuscript is in final editing or formal preparation, you should begin an agent search, even if you’re quite sure you will be Self-publishing or Collaborative Publishing with Gold Leaf Press. The process is very educational and it doesn’t hurt for you to do some “pre-publication promotion” to a segment of the literary community that may be in the market for your type of work. The most expeditious way to locate and contact potential agents is to subscribe to firstwriter.com. For more information on this literary agent search service, view the Featured Services page on this website.
At the same time, you should post a synopsis of your literary work on literaryworksmarket.com. This could very well be the only official step you have to take. The rest of the steps could be laid out for you, after you post your synopsis. Again, a detailed description of this service and its benefits is also located on the Featured Services page of this website. Gold Leaf Press is an advocate and client of both of these web-based database services, therefore, Gold Leaf Press author clients who incorporate them into their publishing program are offered additional assistance to enhance their experience and ensure they realize ALL of the benefits both sites offer
What are Gold Leaf Press' charges for its various services?
The fee for a complete Editorial Assessment of your project is $195. This includes a complete manuscript assessment which outlines the degree and extent of editing your manuscript may require as well as a complete Marketing and promotion analysis. This is followed up with a one on one consultation during which you are able to ask any and all questions pertaining to your mansucript, its potential, and the publishing industry in general.
Charges for editing are either by the hour or the page, depending on the manuscript and the degree of editing it requires. Basically, we price according to the scale that is most cost-effective for the author. Hourly rates for all Gold Leaf Press' Publishing services range from $50.00 to $75.00.
Collaborative and self-publishing costs are determined per project and aren't explored or discussed unless the author is an existing client and such an option is appropriate for the author/manuscript.
Are there any guarantees?
No publisher can guarantee an author a best-seller. Gold Leaf Press can, however, guarantee, that if we work with you, your manuscript will be at its highest possible level prior to being published or going to market. Furthermore, we guarantee, if you follow the basic guidelines and steps to success we outline for you and your book, you will maximize your chances for success and will have a positive, fulfilling publishing experience.
How do I become a Gold Leaf Press author/client?
If you have written a manuscript, are in the process of writing, or are thinking about writing a book, and you feel that a professional consultant and editor would be of value to you, you are welcome to submit any (or all) of the following: a query letter, cover letter, outline, a sample chapter or Table of Contents to interest@goldleafpress.com
Before submitting an inquiry, please review our fee scales and our Publishing Consulting program. If you don't feel our services or fees are compatible with your objectives, expectations, needs or budget, please don't approach us. We are too consumed to "educate" aspiring authors on the benefits of our services or our accomplishiments over the past twenty plus years.
Bear in mind, we work very closely and intensively with each author and project so we are limited as to how many active clients and projects we carry at one time. As a result, we will not mislead you. If we don't feel we can make a positive, substantial contribution to your success in publishing, we will tell you upfront. In all possible cases, we will at least try to guide you in the right direction. |
