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Manuscript Preparation Guide
The guidelines will walk you through the manuscript submission process.
Determining the best book size
Auctorem House offers several book sizes. Each book size has a minimum and maximum page count based on printing requirements. For more information about trim sizes and page count requirements, you may refer to the Book Formatting section of the FAQs.
Submitting electronic files
We prefer you to submit your work in either a Microsoft® Word file or an Adobe® InDesign file. If the manuscript is in another word processor format, you can covert the file to a Microsoft® Word yourself, and review the document for conversion errors, which can appear then transferring from one program to another. We can also accept the following files if you feel comfortable having us convert your files:
- Corel® Word Perfect
- Microsoft® Works
- Lotus® Notes or Lotus Manuscript
- WordStar
- Rich Text Format (RTF) documents
- Apple® Works
- ASCII text documents
- HTML
- Word Pro
- Adobe® PageMaker
- Adobe® PDF
- Quark® Express
- OCR documents set in Text format
Note: If your manuscript is in a different format than those listed above, your Author Services Representative will determine if the file is acceptable or can be converted into an acceptable format. You may also consult with your Author Services Representative for software versions and other file compatibility questions.
Formatting guidelines
The following are some formatting concerns we need to keep an eye on.
Multiple Files: We prefer you put multiple word processing documents into a single file. We offer a merging service for $5.00 per file. For more information on how to merge files, refer to the Book Formatting section of the FAQs.
Fonts: Auctorem House has a library of over 300 fonts, including the most popular ones used in publishing today. If your manuscript uses a font that is not on the Auctorem House font list, you may consult with Author Services Representative to choose another option. You may also request a copy of the font list available.
Hard Returns: A “hard return” is also known as the “enter” or “return” command on your keyboard. It is most commonly used to separate paragraphs within a document. A common misuse of the “hard return” is to place it at the end of a single line of text to begin the text on the next line. This can cause “bad paragraph breaks” within a document, making it difficult to determine where your paragraphs begin and end. To avoid this issue, begin a new paragraph and continue typing until the paragraph is complete, allowing your program to break the lines automatically. For more information about hard returns, refer to the Book Formatting section of the FAQs.
Manual headers and page numbers: There are some authors who would unnecessarily enter his/her name, book title, page number or any combination of these at the top or the bottom of each page. Manual page numbers and headers create similar issues to hitting the enter key at the end of every line. To avoid this issue, use the automatic page numbers and other information in a header or footer.
Margins: Your book has two types of margins: Exterior (top, bottom, and outer edge) and interior or “gutter,” where the book is bound. When a manuscript is converted from an 8.5” x 11” size document into a different size, such as 6” x 9”, the margins can change drastically. Often, the new margins will cause text to shift or lines to break differently from the original manuscript. If you have decided on your book size, your Author Services Representative can provide the margins for the new page size.
Conversion Errors: Conversion errors are caused when converting one file type to another. This may cause shifting characters, section breaks added to a document, and broken paragraphs. Generally, most conversion errors can be fixed with a global replacement of one type or another. We have provided a list of the files we accept and can covert in the Submitting electronic files section.
Languages: Auctorem House accepts manuscripts in English and Spanish languages only.
Adobe PDFs
Some authors submit their work as an Adobe PDF file. Auctorem House designers cannot edit these files beyond adding or removing pages. Here are some guidelines to follow when formatting your PDF file. This will ensure that your file will be print-ready for publishing.
PDF Requirements
There are several programs that create PDF documents. We recommend using Adobe PS Acrobat Distiller Printer 4.0 or later, which is standard with Adobe Acrobat. We recommend against using PDF writer or any “built in” PDF creator because these programs often do not embed fonts correctly.
Margins
Follow these guidelines when placing margins:
- For black and white, set the paper size to “Standard” or 8.5”x11”.
- Select File→Print→Page Setup.
- Select the Paper
- Select the proper paper size.
- Select OK.
- Reset the margins to match your book size.
- In Microsoft Word toolbar, select Layout→MarginsCustom Margins. The Page Setup screen is displayed.
- Select the Margins Enter the correct margin sizes. Make sure the gutter position is set to left. Note: You may consult with your Author Services Representative for the correct margin sizes as it will depend on your book’s trim size.
- In the Apply To field, select Whole Document.
- Select OK and save your work.
Creating the PDF
From your source file (Quark, PageMaker, Microsoft® Word, etc.) select “Print” and choose “Acrobat Distiller” as your printer.
The printing options vary from program to program. Select the following options:
- Embed all fonts. If fonts are not correctly embedded in the file, the text will fail to print. In some versions of Acrobat there is a setting marked “Do not send fonts to Adobe PDF.” Make sure that this option is turned off or the fonts will not be embedded in the PDF.
- Select the option to include blank pages.
- Do not select any option that creates page spreads (i.e. a 2-page layout), or any option that would place crop marks on the page.
Verifying the PDF file
- After the PDF is created, verify that the fonts are embedded. Select File→Document Info→Fonts. When the font info windows appear, select List All Fonts. Each font listed should have “Embedded Subset” listed after it.
- After checking the fonts, print a few test pages. Pages with graphics and full text are good samples to test. Make sure your printer is NOT set to the “Fit To Page” option, or your margins will be incorrect on your test pages.
- To ensure that your margins are set correctly, measure the space from the edge of the paper to the outer edge of the printed text. Your measurements should be to the same as the margins you set during the first phase of creating the PDF.
- If the fonts are embedded and the margins are equal to or greater than the listed requirement, then file is ready to submit. If the margins are not correct or the fonts are not embedded, review your work and adjust.
- Once we receive your PDF file, your Author Services Representative will review the file to ensure it meets our requirements. If your PDF does not meet these requirements, your Author Services Representative can help troubleshoot the document and advise you on how to proceed.
Sending an electronic manuscript to Auctorem House
You can send your manuscript in through e-mail as an attachment. For other methods, you may speak with your Author Services Representative.
Submitting hard copies
Printed copies of your manuscript may be mailed to Auctorem House and we can convert it to an electronic format for a fee. This is called “Data Entry.” A typist will type the information word for word. Images in the manuscript are not scanned and tables are not formatted. This process can take up to 2 months. When your manuscript is in electronic format, it is then sent to the Design Team for production.
Copyediting Services
Copyediting is an add-on service and not included in our standard publishing package. Our copyeditors work in Microsoft® Word. We make sure that the edited manuscript is returned within 45-60 business days of the submission of all materials and payments.
What kind of book formats do you provide?
Auctorem House provides an e-book, audiobook, paperback, and hardback format of your book. We can print books with both black-and-white and full-color interiors.
What type of paper do you use for printing books?
Our paper specifications may vary based on the printer assigned to your order. We source our book printing from different book printers worldwide. We print and ship locally as possible to minimize the cost of shipping and the timelines.
Digital Formatting, File Types, and Submissions
Which file types do you accept for my manuscript?
PREFERRED FILE TYPES:
- Microsoft Word
- Adobe InDesign up to version CS6
InDesign files must be set up using the page size and margin specifications indicated in our templates. For versions of InDesign newer than CS6, the manuscript will need to be exported as an IDML or INX file before submission. All images and files included in the document must also be submitted with the InDesign file for proper printing. If you have questions regarding the submission process, please contact your Check-In Coordinator.
We can also accept the following file types:
- Microsoft Works
- Rich Text Format (RTF) documents
- OCR documents set in Text format
- Adobe PDF
If your manuscript is in a format different from those listed above, our Publishing Services Associate will determine if the file is acceptable or can be converted to an acceptable format.
My manuscript is formatted exactly as I would like it. Why does any extra formatting need to be done?
We have specifications required to print your book. We employ specific margins and file types that may not match your manuscript settings. We are often required to reformat a manuscript before it can be submitted to the printer.
How do I merge my multiple files into just one file?
To merge multiple files in Microsoft Word, do the following:
- Open the document that will appear first in the manuscript.
- Place the text cursor at the end of the document, or where you would like the next file to start.
- From the toolbar, Select Insert → Object→ Text from File menu. Browse for and select the next file to be merged.
- Select the files to be merged in the current document.
- Repeat as necessary.
Will Auctorem House do the data entry if I do not have an electronic copy of my manuscript?
Auctorem House provides Data Entry Services. You may speak with your publishing consultant for more information about this service.
What is a hard return?
Alternatively referred to as a paragraph break, a hard return is an ending of a line that begins the next line or paragraph. To make a hard return, press the Enter key on the keyboard. The picture is an example of what a hard return looks like with formatting marks enabled.
Hard returns are represented with a pilcrow, which resembles a backward P. The two lines above the ending line with a hard return have soft returns.
Why do hard returns cause formatting problems?
Most word processing programs use the “hard return” to indicate the end of a paragraph. A common errant use of the “hard return” is to use it at the end of a line of text to begin the following text on the next line. This can cause “bad paragraph breaks” within a document, making it difficult to determine where paragraphs begin and end.
Many authors become frustrated when their initial galley of the manuscript has paragraphs that are split in the wrong places. Manuscripts that incorrectly use “hard returns” within may incur extra production fees or may not be usable by Auctorem House.
Do I have options for adding images in my book?
You may add interior images to your book. For Black and White books, images will be in black-and-white or grayscale, while Full Color books use full-color images.
What trim sizes do you provide?
Black and White books
- 5″ x 8.5″
- 6″ x 9″
Full Color books
- 5″ x 8.5″
- 5″ x 11″
- 11″ x 8.5″
What are your page count requirements?
For Black and White books (6”x 9”)
- Softcover—minimum of 48 pages and maximum of 900 pages
- Hardcover—minimum of 108 pages and maximum of 900 pages
Note: page count requirements for 5.5″ x 8.5″ is subject for approval
For Full Color books (and in all trim sizes)
- Softcover—minimum of 24 pages and maximum of 480 pages
- Hardcover—minimum of 24 pages and maximum of 480 pages
What fonts does Auctorem House accept?
We have a library of over 300 fonts, including the most popular fonts used in publishing today.
How do I tell you where to place the images in my book?
You can do one of the following:
- Mark the locations in the manuscript itself. It is also helpful to place the image insertion instructions in a color that differs from the rest of the manuscript, for ease of identification.
Here is an example:
The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.
{insert image “001” here}
The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.
- Provide a list of the images to be placed into the book, with their specific placement locations indicated.
Should I double space my book?
Auctorem House does not require double line spacing of the text in your manuscript.
Are there any other fees for publishing my book?
Sometimes a book will require additional services that may not be included in our standard publishing packages. Should your manuscript require work that may incur an extra fee, our Publishing Services Associate will contact you for approval before these services are performed.
Advertising
Print advertising builds credibility and has longevity. Use printed media to reach your audiences and your potential customers.
Audiobook/Audio Formats
Connect with listeners and enhance your brand. Increase your audience with audiobooks on this growing platform.
Book Reviews
Get your book reviewed by experienced book reviewers to increase your book’s visibility.
Hollywood Book-to-Screen
We can help turn your books into exciting screenplays that sought-after directors and producers would like to turn into movies or theater plays.
Internet Marketing and Book Video Services
Enhance your book’s presence through unique videos and the Internet. We can assure you of success but within your budget.
Online Print Advertising
Connect and engage with your target audience worldwide at a friendly budget.
Radio Services
Radio interviews are a great way to boost visibility and credibility in the literary world. Be heard loud and clear and impress your listeners, too.
Traditional Publishing Outreach Services
Connect with agents and editors and garner their interest in your work through a brief and compelling query letter. Your query letter is your sales pitch.
Press Release Services
Enhance your book’s visibility and increase your book references and search engine optimization. Authors always benefit from a well-written press release.
Television Services
Television is still the most influential advertising platform. Get your book to millions of audiences and give it the exposure it deserves.
Billboard Advertising
Like giant posters on select structures for the public to view, promote your books through billboards and attract a wider audience across a particular range.
Television Endorsement Advertising
Generate significant publicity and awareness for your book through television endorsements.
Can Auctorem House ensure booksellers will stock my books?
The Booksellers Return Program makes it possible for your books to be returnable, and it also helps your book reach common retailer stands for stocking, but this does not guarantee that it be ordered or stocked. It is still the prerogative of bookstore owners and managers what books they will order and display on their shelves.
How long will my book be listed as returnable if I purchase this package?
Normally, your book will be listed as returnable for one year when listed at Ingram and Baker & Taylor. We have available programs you can choose if you wish to extend this service for another year or more. You may contact our Marketing Consultants for more information.
What happens to the books when they are returned?
Books are returned to the wholesaler and then destroyed.
When will my book be listed as returnable?
The returnability status can take 30 to 60 days to appear within the retailers’ ordering systems. For Baker & Taylor, your book will be tagged as returnable 90 days setup.
What can the Bookstore Returnability Kit do for me?
A returnable book means a bookstore can order your book, knowing that if they don’t sell out, they can return the book and recoup their money. This will help make your book more attractive to retailers and increase the chances of larger stock orders.
How do the bookstores know where to return the unsold books?
Retailers return unsold books to the wholesaler from whom they made the purchase.
Will I retain royalties for unsold copies that are returned?
Yes, you will still retain your royalty earnings for unsold copies returned.
What is Ingram?
Ingram Content Group Inc. provides distribution services to the book industry. The Company offers a broad range of physical and digital services, including distribution, print-on-demand, e-books, and marketing solutions. Ingram serves librarians and booksellers worldwide.
What discounts can I enjoy?
The table below lists details on author’s discounts.
Book order discounts by quantity: | |
Book Quantity | Discount * |
1 – 24 copies | 20% |
25 – 49 copies | 25% |
50 – 99 copies | 30% |
100 – 249 copies | 35% |
250 – 499 copies | 50% |
500 – 999 copies | 60% |
1000+ copies | Please request a custom offset quote |
*NOTE: The order must be for a single title of the same format and shipped to a single address. We do not offer these discounts on mix-and-match orders. Orders must be prepaid. Shipping charges are not included in the discount structure. Purchases of your own book do not generate royalties and are non-returnable.
To request a custom offset quote, please contact +1 888-332-7718 or email us at bookorders@Auctorem House.com.
Shipping Policy
Auctorem House utilizes Content Distributors, LLC, for printing and distribution fulfillment
As a print-on-demand provider, Content Distributors, LLC prints each order as it is placed. It takes two business days to print softcover books, while dust jacket hardcover books take five business days to print. The shipping timelines and service levels are based on the date your books leave the printing warehouse. If you selected a tracked shipping method, a confirmation email with shipping numbers would be sent to you on the day your order is shipped.
Your books can be shipped from a variety of printing warehouses. This is based on your geography and the availability of the products in your order.
General shipping information
All shipping transit times quoted are to be counted in business days.
We encourage customers to provide us with the most current and accurate shipping address before placing orders. Auctorem House is not responsible for delays in shipping; has no control over and takes no liability for orders lost in transit; and is not accountable for orders lost due to errors by the customer, postal, or courier system.
How can I get the books faster?
There is an expedited shipping option for an additional charge. Please note that the books will ship after the designated production time as outlined above when selecting the expedited option.
International shipping
International Shipping is any order whose destination is outside the United States, Canada, Great Britain, or Australia. To ensure tracking of international shipments, we suggest you choose an express shipping method. Tracking information will be sent through the email provided during registration. Delivery time depends on location. Books that do not arrive or are damaged during transit will not be replaced.
Replacement policy
Because we print on demand, all orders are printed at the time of order. We can no longer cancel or change the order once it is complete. Titles are non-returnable. Check all shipping/billing addresses, quantities, and shipping options before submitting your order.
Free shipping
Books purchased during free shipping specials are delivered through the United States Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail.
Information herein supersedes other policies and/or agreements on delivery and shipping.
How do I order copies of my book?
You may call the Auctorem House Book Sales Department at +1 888-332-7718 or send an e-mail to bookorders@Auctorem House.com
Do you accommodate bulk orders?
Auctorem House provides special rates to authors who order in bulk. You may contact an Auctorem House Book Consultant at 1 (209)-788-3500 or bookorders@Auctorem House.com
How do I get a refund for a book I’ve ordered?
All Auctorem House book orders are non-refundable. For books with poor print quality, we will work with you to have those copies replaced. Upon receiving your order, you have 45 business days to report any quality or quantity issues to our Book Sales Department.
What happens if there are complications with my book order?
Auctorem House will not be held liable for any delays, loss, or damage caused while the book is in transit. All book orders will be delivered within a reasonable time after Auctorem House receives your order and your full payment.
Shipping shall be FOB (free on board) shipping point, and you must pay all applicable shipping, handling, or customs fees associated with your purchase.
Offset Printing
What is offset printing?
Offset printing technology uses plates, usually made from aluminum, to transfer an image onto a rubber “blanket” and then roll that image onto a sheet of paper. It’s called offset because the ink is not transferred directly onto the paper. Because offset presses run so efficiently once they are set up, offset printing is the best choice when larger quantities are needed and provides accurate color reproduction and crisp, clean, professional-looking printing.
Should I do offset printing?
There are several reasons some authors opt for offset printing. Consider the following questions when deciding to do offset printing.
- Do you have any special print requirements—different formats, paper options, binding or cover treatments—that are not supported or available through print-on-demand (POD) printers?
- Do you want the opportunity to sell many books directly to customers?
- Do you want to lower print costs to increase your return on the books you sell?
If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, offset printing might be for you. For more information on your options, contact your Book Consultant.
Is there a minimum print run that offset is available for?
Yes. We suggest printing a minimum of 1500 units to benefit financially from your investment. For more information, contact your Book Consultant.
What are the benefits of offset printing?
- Large quantities can be printed cost-effectively
- The more you print, the cheaper the price per piece
- A large variety of paper types with custom finishes can be used
- Special custom inks such as metallic and Pantone colors are available
- Highest possible printing quality, with greater detail and color fidelity
What are the disadvantages of offset publishing?
- Because you can customize with a wide variety of printing materials, it may take a lot of time to finish printing your books.
- Requires a large upfront investment from authors.
- Costlier for low-volume jobs.
How much does it cost to do offset printing?
The cost is quoted on a case-by-case basis and would also depend on the book’s format and the volume quantity. For more information, contact your Book Consultant.
What is content evaluation?
Content evaluation is how we assess your manuscript to ensure it meets our content guidelines. We review your manuscripts and other materials for content that may violate the law or the rights of others (defamation, copyright infringement) or maybe excessively inappropriate or offensive.
How long is the content evaluation process?
The content evaluation process will vary depending on your book’s length and subject matter and the number of other manuscripts we have queued for evaluation.
What are the best practices to make sure my manuscript and materials meet the standards of content evaluation?
These general guidelines help ensure that your manuscript and materials meet our evaluation standards:
Copyright and Original Content
- At least 75 percent of your book’s content must be original
- Quoted poetry and song lyric content cannot be longer than eight lines.
- Quoted article content can be no longer than three sentences or 10 percent of the entire article.
- Quoted book content can be no longer than 500 words.
Libel and Privacy
To avoid libel and protect the privacy of living people referenced in your book, you must:
- Change or remove the author’s name and/or the names of people referenced in the manuscript or materials.
- Change or remove the names of locations, businesses, organizations, educational establishments, etc., where the events in the manuscript and/or materials take place.
- Remove images (including front and back cover images) that reveal the identification of people or locations referenced in the manuscript and/or materials.
What is the difference between U.S. Copyright protected and U.S. Copyright registered?
Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device. It provides you the right to stop another person from using your work without your permission. U.S. Copyright registration is voluntary and secured when the material is officially registered with the U.S. government. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney’s fees in successful litigation.
How do I obtain permission from the copyright holder?
You can contact the original U.S. copyright holder for the work you wish to use and its purpose. To avoid being liable in a lawsuit, you must request and obtain a signed written permission from the copyright holder to use the material in publication.
What are Auctorem House’s content guidelines?
NOTE: Not all of these guidelines are strict requirements for publication. Please note that while Auctorem House may review your work and may suggest or require that you comply with one or more of these guidelines, any review that Auctorem House conducts is being done solely and exclusively for its internal purposes. You may not rely on any review of your work, any results we may share with you, or your acceptance of any changes suggested or required by Auctorem House for any purpose whatsoever, including, without limitation, as confirmation that your work
(a) complies with these Content Guidelines;
(b) does not violate any applicable laws or regulations; or
(c) does not infringe upon the rights of any third parties.
Suppose you have questions regarding your work’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations, such as copyright laws, rights of privacy and publicity, and libel/defamation. In that case, you should consult an attorney of your choosing for such legal advice.
Fair Use Guidelines
Fair use is a copyright principle based on the belief that the public is entitled to freely use portions of copyrighted materials for purposes of commentary and criticism.
According to the U.S. Copyright Office Fair Use Index, Fair Use if a legal doctrine that promotes freedom of expression by permitting the unlicensed use of copyright-protected works in certain circumstances. Fair use is a defense against a claim of copyright infringement. When your work qualifies as fair use, it would not be considered an infringement.
There are four factors in evaluating a question of fair use:
- The purpose and character of your use
In evaluating the purpose and character of your use, a court will look at whether the new work you’ve created is “transformative” and adds a new meaning or message. To be transformative, a use must add to the original “with a further purpose or different character, altering the first with new expression, meaning, or message.” However, if you merely reprint or repost a copyrighted work without anything more, it is less likely to qualify for protection under this prong. Including additional text, audio, or video that comments or expands on the original material will enhance your claim of fair use. In addition, if you use the original work to create a parody, this may qualify as fair use so long as the thrust of the parody is directed toward the original work or its creator. Moreover, if the original work or your use of it has news value, this can also increase the likelihood that your use is fair use.
- The nature of the copyrighted work
In examining this factor, a court will look at whether the material you have used is factual or creative and whether it is published or unpublished. Although non-fiction works such as biographies and news articles are protected by copyright law, their factual nature means that one may rely more heavily on these items and still enjoy fair use protections. Unlike factual works, fictional works are typically given greater protection in a fair use analysis. So, for example, taking newsworthy quotes from a research report is more likely to be protected by fair use than quoting from a novel. The nature of the copyrighted work is often a small part of the fair use analysis, which is more often determined by looking at the remaining three factors.
- The amount and substantiality of the portion taken
- Courts look at how such excerpts were used and their relation to the whole work. If the excerpt in question diminishes the value of the original or embodies a substantial part of the efforts of the author, even an excerpt may constitute an infringing use. Suppose you limit your use of copyrighted text, video, or other materials to only the portion necessary to accomplish your purpose or convey your message. In that case, it will increase the likelihood that a court will find your use is fair use. Of course, if you are reviewing a book or movie, you may need to reprint portions of the copyrighted work while reviewing it to make your point. Even substantial quotations may qualify as fair use in “a review of a published work or a news account of a speech that had been delivered to the public or disseminated to the press.
- The effect of the use upon the potential market
In examining the fourth factor, which courts tend to view as the most important factor, a court will look to see how much the market value of the copyrighted work is affected by the use in question. This factor will weigh in favor of the copyright holder if “unrestricted and widespread” use similar to the one in question would have a “substantially adverse impact” on the potential market for the work. The analysis under this factor will also depend on the nature of the original work; the author of a popular blog or website may argue that there was an established market since some such authors have been given contracts to turn their works into books. Therefore, a finding of fair use may hinge on the nature of the circulated work.
Permissions
Suppose a quotation does not qualify as Fair Use. In that case, it is necessary to obtain permission from the person or entity controlling the right to license the use —the rights proprietor or the copyright owner. The rights proprietor and the copyright owner may be – but are not necessarily – the same.
Tips for Avoiding Copyright Liability
- Use only as much copyrighted work as necessary to accomplish your purpose or message.
- Use the work in a way that your purpose is commentary, news reporting, or criticism.
- Avoid something new or beneficial (don’t just copy it, improve it).
- If your source is nonfiction, limit your copying to the facts and data.
- Seek out Creative Commons or other freely licensed works when substations can be made. Proper citation and attribution should also be considered.
Libelous/Defamatory Content
A defamatory statement is a false statement of fact that exposes a person to hatred, ridicule, or contempt, causes him to be shunned, or injures him in his business or trade. Statements that are merely offensive are not defamatory. Courts generally examine the full context of a statement’s publication when making this determination.
Defamatory statements that disparage a company’s goods or services are called trade libel. Trade libel protects property rights, not reputations. While you can’t damage a company’s “reputation,” you can damage the company by disparaging its goods or services.
Some statements of fact are so egregious that they will always be considered defamatory. Such statements are typically referred to as defamation “per se.” These types of statements are assumed to harm the plaintiff’s reputation, without further need to prove that harm. Statements are defamatory per se where they falsely impute to the plaintiff one or more of the following things:
- a criminal offense;
- a loathsome disease;
- matter incompatible with his business, trade, profession, or office; or
- serious sexual misconduct.
While there may be certain exceptions or defenses that apply to your work, it is always your sole responsibility to ensure that your work does not contain any libelous material. If you have questions about whether your work may contain potentially libelous material, you should consult an attorney for legal advice.
General Content Guidelines
We reserve the right to reject a work that contains any of the following:
- Hate speech or any speech that incites violence or attacks, threatens, intimidates, or disparages individuals or groups based on attributes such as race, sex, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or other traits.
- Explicit and salacious or graphic descriptions of sexual situations
- Explicit descriptions of sexual situations involving individuals under the age of 18
- References to or descriptions of bestiality
- Any other content that Auctorem House determines, in its sole discretion, that the publication or distribution of which may injure its reputation or subject it to public disapproval.
We reserve the right to reject a proposed book cover that contains images reflecting any of the following:
- Nudity of any sort
- Logos or registered trademarks
- Celebrities or famous individuals
- Posters from movies, plays, concerts, or other events
- Drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Actual currency
We reserve the right to reject a work that contains representations or images of male or female genitalia if they reasonably can be included in one of the following categories:
- Overly or gratuitously sexual in nature
- Salacious depiction of any nature
- Depiction of what could reasonably appear to be an individual under the age of 18
Representations or images of male or female genitalia on the interior pages of your work are acceptable if they reasonably can be included in one of the following categories:
- Valid, medically-related content
- Commonly recognized works of art
- Non-salacious photographs
- Non-salacious artwork
- Non-salacious instruction manuals
Genre-Specific Content & Permission Guidelines
Autobiography/Memoir: Without written and notarized permission from the person, entity, or legal guardians of the person mentioned, we reserve the right to reject a work that contains any of the following:
- False statements of fact that could harm the reputation of any identifiable living persons, companies, or other entities.
- False statement either of a fact or implication that an identifiable, living person (aside from the author him or herself):
- Committed a crime or was convicted of committing a crime
- Engaged in unethical conduct
- Engaged in immoral sexual conduct
- Associated with unsavory people
- Demonstrated professional incompetence
- Demonstrated financial irresponsibility or unreliability
- Acted disgracefully
- Suffered from a mental disease or disorder
- Embarrassing private facts about any identifiable, living persons
- Statements about an identifiable, living person that would lead that person to have hurt feelings because certain thoughts and feelings are attributed to that person or the person is put in a false light.
- References to an identifiable, living child that state as fact or by implication that the child was:
- Sexually abused
- Otherwise physically abused
- The victim of a crime
- Adopted
Biography: Where the subject of a biography is a living person, we reserve the right to require written and notarized permission from the subject of the biography and/or from any living persons (or their guardians) and any legal entities mentioned therein. If the subject of the biography is clearly a famous person or a public figure, written permission may not be required, though permission from non-famous people mentioned therein may still be required.
Self-help / Textbook / Politics and History: You must provide proper citations where applicable
Translated Books: You must provide written and notarized permission from the owner of the copyright of the book in its original language to publish a translation of a book originally published in another language.
Endorsements: If you wish to include an endorsement or other statement about your book written by a person other than yourself, you must provide written permission to use the statement from that individual
Why does my book undergo a content evaluation?
To maintain a standard of publishing for our authors’ works and identify parts of your manuscript that could potentially put you at a copyright and/or libel risk.
What do you look for during content evaluation?
- Text and images not owned and/or created by the author.
- Statements or any information which reveals private information about a living person and/or could negatively reflect a living person’s reputation
- Content that includes sex and drug paraphernalia
Why do people register for U.S. Copyright if your work is automatically copyrighted?
Many choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney’s fees in successful litigation.
Does citing the source of material clear me of U.S. Copyright infringement?
No. You must obtain written permission from the U.S. copyright holder.
How can I tell if a material is U.S. Copyright protected?
Any picture, material, text, information, quote, map, song, or illustration you personally did not create is U.S. Copyright protected by the person who created and/or published the material. To determine whether a work is copyrighted in the U.S., examine the work itself for clues as to whether it is protected by copyright. Works not protected by copyright are in the “public domain” and can be used freely. If you suspect a work may be protected by copyright, search for it through the records of the U.S. Copyright Office.
What happens during the Illustration Process?
When we receive your completed Custom Illustrations form, our Illustrations specialist reviews it and assigns an artist to do your illustrations.
Within two to three weeks, you will receive copies of the initial sketches for your review. At this time, you can also revise your illustrations.
Note: If you have revisions to the sketches, your project will be put back into the queue in the order it was received and will take two weeks for completion. You have one round of complimentary revisions on the sketch page. Sketch revisions are limited, depending on the complexity and time to make such changes. For example, changing the color of a character’s shirt is a reasonable sketch revision, but wanting a completely new concept is considered a brand-new illustration. This may incur charges as our illustrator will have to create an entirely new sketch.
Your sketches will be moved to the colored art stage when we receive your approval. It will take about four weeks to complete your final illustrations.
Note: You are limited to one round of complimentary color revisions at the colored art stage.
You will receive copies of the completed illustrations for review. A signed Illustration Approval form is required before your book moves to production.
Making any revisions to the colored art modifications will incur additional fees or purchase a completely new illustration. We reserve the right to make that determination based on your requests.
What are the different levels of illustration artistry available in Auctorem House?
The different levels of illustration artistry are:
- Personal Touch -L1 Illustrations are hand-drawn and consist of simple, clean line art and then colored digitally with one-dimensional colors. Does not have shadings or highlights. This is like coloring book art.
- Fine Detail -L2 Illustrations are hand-drawn and consist of medium-detail line art and then colored digitally with minimal shading and highlighting to create a three-dimensional look.
- Intricate Design -L3 Art is created by hand with a higher level of line art details, shading, highlighting, and blending to create a three-dimensional look. This is the only level where the art can be colored digitally, with a watercolor or a colored pencil look.
- Custom Quote -L4 Illustrations are highly rendered and beyond our Intricate Design Services. These illustrations include hand-drawn or painted art in any of these media: Acrylics, highly detailed watercolors, very detailed pastels or charcoal, and any type of three-dimension Disney Pixar level of detail. Note: This special offering requires a custom quote by our Art Director before acquiring these services.
What is the difference between Custom Cover Design and Custom Cover Illustration?
Custom Cover Design is included in our standard publishing contract and is designed by one of our graphic designers. Authors can provide their own images or photographs or have designers use images or photographs from our stock image site. Your Custom Cover design can use up to two images from our stock image site for free. Additional images may be purchased as needed. You may also use any interior illustrations we have created as your book cover.
Note: Since stock images are available for multiple users, there is a chance that a stock image used on your cover may appear in some other print media.
Custom Cover Illustration is an add-on service that may be purchased on top of your publishing package. It is an original artwork created exclusively for you by one of our in-house illustrators. The artwork will not be used or sold to anyone else for use.
How do I submit or communicate my illustration revisions?
Per our policy, any changes made to illustrations must be submitted in writing through e-mail, fax, or traditional mail. The change request should be addressed and sent directly to your Illustrations Coordinator.
Note: Any revisions or changes related to your purchased illustration service may incur additional charges.
I’m not sure what style I want my illustrations to be. What are my options?
- Sweet/Cute
- Cartoon/Humor
- Fantasy
- Sci-Fi
- Naturalistic
Will my illustrator read my manuscript?
This would depend on the length of the manuscript. An effective way for an illustrator to create your artwork is to highlight or pull excerpts from your manuscript as a reference.
How long will it take to complete my illustrations?
On average, it will take 6 to 12 weeks to complete illustrations. The artist or Art Director will determine if more time is needed to complete the illustrations, which will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The illustration process is separate from the production of the galley and cover and will only begin after the illustrations have been completed and approved.
Can I have panoramic illustrations that continue across the fold on two facing pages?
A single illustration that spans from one page across the fold to the facing page as a continuous scene is a double-page spread. A double-page spread constitutes two illustrations and may incur additional costs.
Do I get to talk with my illustrator?
There is an Illustration Coordinator assigned or your project. The Illustration Coordinator handles all communication about your project and acts as a liaison between you and the illustrator. This way, our illustrators can work full-time and maximize their productivity.
If I have a series of books I want to publish and they all have illustrations, what is the process and the timeline?
Our policy is to work on one book at a time unless you want a different artist and different style of illustrations for your book series. This minimizes confusion for the author and artist and maximizes the quality and consistency of the illustrations.
What is the custom illustration RAD form for?
Since you have total creative control of the content of your book, it is your responsibility to supply us with ideas, details, and concepts for your illustrations. The Required Art Direction (RAD) form does just that. If you have questions about the RAD form, you may ask your Illustration Coordinator for assistance.
What is an e-book?
Short for electronic books, an eBook or e-book is a book published in an electronic format. It allows instant book access by downloading it over the Internet. The book can be read on the computer, e-reader (e.g., the Amazon Kindle), smartphone, or tablet. An eBook can be published in different file formats, for example, plain text, PDF, Rich Text Format, as image files, and others. This service is offered across all publishing packages.
Why are we offering e-book conversion?
Auctorem House recognizes that e-book publishing is a blossoming market for authors. That is why to offer free e-book conversion to help our authors reach as many potential readers as possible. This initiative may change in the future, but at this time, we would like to put as many titles as possible into the e-book market.
I’ve published with you before, and you didn’t have these guidelines then. What has changed?
With the rise of mobile technology and streaming internet, most readers have transitioned to digital. And they will only grow in the coming years. E-book publishing is a huge growth market, and most independent authors make much of their income in e-books.
Can I distribute my e-book for free?
You can use our BookStub™ service, which may be included in your publishing package. A free e-book promotion can be an effective way to market your book.
Will the book format change in the actual file?
We will make no changes to the original and actual file. We will only make changes to the e-book file.
Who can help me if I have questions regarding the e-book conversion?
You may email info@auctoremhouse.com and one of our specialists will respond to you with details.
Which channels will sell my e-books?
Among our list of vendors are Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Rakuten Kobo Inc., and Google Play Books.
We do not provide a list of channels as we work with various partners, and each partner has a dynamic list within its network. Please understand that each channel reserves the right to refuse to list.
There is no guarantee that your eBook will appear on each site. To see where your e-book is being sold, you may use a search engine to see which channels or vendors are carrying your title.
What is required to convert my book to an e-book?
Nothing. We are converting all published titles under a Black and White Package, which did not include the e-book format as part of the package. We will send you an email when the digital conversion is complete.
What is the royalty percentage for e-books?
The author gets 50% of the net payment received by Auctorem House.
When is my e-book submitted for listing to your network of retailers or channels?
There is no set turnaround time for e-book channel submission or distribution. We work on a first-come, first-served basis. But we’d like to assure our authors that we will get their e-books to all relevant retailers promptly.
Do e-books have separate ISBN?
Yes, we will provide a separate ISBN for your e-book.
Will my work be digitally protected?
Yes. Digital work is protected by the same laws that protect your printed book. Our vendors also have their individual prerogatives to ensure the protection of your e-book.
How long does it take to produce an e-book?
There is no set turnaround time for e-book production or conversion. We work on a first-come, first-served basis. But we’d like to assure our authors that we will get their e-books to all relevant retailers promptly.
Why are submission guidelines different for e-books?
Distributing your e-book to different retail outlets must meet their specific standard requirements. These standards are often defined by proprietary technology or presentation requirements on behalf of the retailer.
Can I submit a PDF for you to use when formatting my e-book?
Yes, you can submit a PDF. But this will limit your book’s distribution.
Can I put a book price on my cover as part of my book promotion?
We don’t display promotional prices on the cover art. However, you can use a striking cover design to make your e-book stand out among other titles in your category.
Do e-books have passwords?
No, e-books do not require a password.
Will I be charged for the ISBN?
No, we will provide the ISBN for each converted e-book.
If my book has post-publication corrections, will the e-book file be updated as well?
Yes, we will also update your e-book after post-publication corrections.
How much is the e-book, and can I control how much to charge?
A default price of $3.99 is set for all e-books. We do not allow price changes when your e-book is submitted to our distribution channels.
What types of issues does the e-book Customer Service Team handle?
Our e-book Customer Service Team handles e-book conversion questions and status update requests.
Where can I check my e-book royalties?
All royalties for e-books and printed books can be tracked through your Author Center. All royalties earned for both printed and e-book formats will be sent to you in one royalty check or EFT transaction.
Will my e-book be readable on iPad, iPhones, and other smart devices?
Yes, your e-book is compatible with most e-book readers across all platforms, including but not limited to iPad, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes and Noble Nook.
What types of e-book publishing formats are there?
Some of the most common e-book formats available are:
.epub
The ePUB standard is developed and maintained by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF) and is endorsed by the Book Industry Study. The ePUB3 format is dynamic in nature and is supported by emerging technologies such as HTML5 and CSS3. Since it is an HTML5 format, text can be hyperlinked to refer to both internal sections of the book and external reference links for more information on the subject. ePUB3 also incorporates SEO capabilities, enabling online readers to search content based on keywords.
.mobi/. prc
This format is derived from a format called Mobipocket and is the format Amazon uses for its Kindle eBooks and readers.
Currently, all printed textbooks are converted into the PDF format as a first step in their digital journey. A little bit of adjustment to the image resolution to diminish the file size may be required. While PDF format is a cost-effective solution and compatible with almost all reading platforms, it fails to live up to the expectations of the digital generation, mainly because the content remains static. The traditional PDF may be enriched with multimedia resources like sound and video, hyperlinks, or navigation buttons. However, the experience is still not interactive as it includes tracking and monitoring features. Also, the layout is not suitable for all small screens.
How long will it take to edit my book?
It will depend on the length of the manuscript and the level of editing required. Editing is done on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take up to four months to fulfill this service. There are several manuscripts in the queue at any point, and our editing staff takes these in the order they are received.
I just don’t like the way my book flows. Could your editors give me some suggestions as they are editing the book?
Since you take creative control of the content of your book, we wouldn’t want to change how the content flows. However, we can make suggestions. Our Line Editing service checks your manuscript line-by-line, tightening sentence structure so the language is sharp and clear. They look closely at how word choice contributes to the tone or emotion of a piece of writing. Another option is Developmental Editing. In addition to correcting grammar and spelling, our developmental editors edit from a big-picture perspective, considering aspects such as structure and pacing (like plot and characterization).
Do you have copyediting service for books written in Spanish, French, German, Russian, and other foreign languages?
Our editors work in English only. You may want to check other editorial service options for your manuscript written in a foreign language.
Can I just accept all changes to my manuscript to save time?
Yes, you can, but we don’t encourage it. You might have written a sentence that goes against our house stylebook (The Chicago Manual of Style), and if the editor changes it, you can reject that change. It’s good practice to look through the entire manuscript and each suggestion to ensure that your book retains the style you wanted.
Can I talk with my editor?
We see confidentiality as essential to create an atmosphere of professional honesty. Just as we protect our authors’ privacy by prohibiting our editors from disclosing information from any editing work done, we do not disclose our editors’ identities. Our contract with our editors requires us to keep their identities private, so we cannot allow authors to speak with their editors. If you have editing questions, you can contact your Publishing Services Associate.
Why is editorial quality important?
Editorial quality helps authors establish and uphold their reputation as a trustworthy resource for their audience. A professionally edited—clearer, more concise material—satisfies readers’ demands and improves your readers’ understanding of your book.
Why should I use Auctorem House’s editorial services, rather than having a friend edit the book?
Depending on the level of editing your book needs, Auctorem House offers several editorial services you can choose from. Our editors are experts in publishing and use industry-standard resources and rules to make your book the best it can be. We ensure the quality of our authors’ manuscripts before sending them for review.
Why do I need to do the author review process?
You know your book better than any other one else. Our editors might change parts of your manuscript that you might disagree with. Reviewing your manuscript thoroughly allows you to add or remove new material before the book goes to design, production, and galleys.
Note: Auctorem House accepts only a low margin of error in each completed edit, no more than three percent of the total error found. If you believe that an unsatisfactory number of errors remain, please create a list of the errors and note the page number on which they appear. Email your list to info@Auctorem House.com, and one of our editorial staff will go over the list.
What is eSign?
eSign is an online electronic signature service that allows you to digitally sign a document, thus requiring no paper-based application form or documents.
What is an electronic signature?
According to current U.S. legislation and the Electronic Signature & Records Association (ESRA), electronic signatures or eSignatures are electronic sounds, symbols, or processes attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person intending to sign the record. All 50 states have laws that define electronic signatures in substantially the same way.
Does Auctorem House use eSign and electronic signatures?
Yes, Auctorem House uses eSign and electronic signatures to make it easier, faster, and more secure for authors to sign our publishing agreements. After purchasing a publishing package, the publishing agreement is sent through email, prompting the author to sign using eSign.
Are electronic signatures legally binding?
Absolutely. The ESIGN Act is a federal law passed in 2000. It grants legal recognition to electronic signatures and records if all parties to a contract choose to use electronic documents and sign them electronically. UETA, a precursor to the ESIGN Act, was introduced in 1999 and has been adopted by 47 U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. UETA provides that when a law requires either a writing or a signature, an electronic record or an electronic signature can satisfy that requirement when the parties to the transaction have agreed to proceed electronically.
How do I sign a document?
Auctorem House will send you an email that contains a link to open the Self-Publishing Services Agreement using eSign. Select View Documents to start the signing process. The eSign overview page provides a short summary of the signing process and has the consumer disclosure, which covers conducting business electronically. Review the consumer disclosure and then select the checkbox for agreeing to conduct business electronically. Select Continue.
Important: You must agree to conduct business electronically with the document sender to view and sign the documents. After reviewing the agreement, type your full name and select Approve. Select Submit. The signature will be associated with a unique identifier and will be recorded as signed by you and you alone.
Can I sign in pen on paper and fax or email back a signed document?
Yes, eSign allows signing with pen on paper. When you receive the email, review the agreement, then select Print.F ollow the instructions to print and then choose to either return the document by fax or upload and attach it to an email.
This section provides tips for writing your About the Book, About the Author, Marketing Headline, and Keywords.
Paperback Back Cover Copy/About the Book
The Back Cover Copy is a brief overview of the book that entices the reader to browse and buy the book. The back-cover text is ideally 150 to 200 words and at least 3 or 4 sentences long. This part should not be a detailed description of the book but does not tell the whole story.
For nonfiction books, the back-cover text should state what the book is about, how it’s different, and why a potential reader should buy it.
For fiction books, the back-cover text should state the setting and main characters of the book and something about a conflict they face.
In all marketing copy (back cover copy, author bio, and keynote), the following guidelines apply:
- Use the book title, set in italics, instead. Do not refer to the book as “the book.”
- Let the text speak for itself. Avoid underlining words or using all caps.
- Avoid referring to your audience as “the reader” or “readers.” Instead, write in a manner that incites the reader to act. For example, instead of “Readers will learn how to improve their focus,” write, “Learn how to improve your focus.”
- Write in the third person and refer to yourself by name preceded with author. For example, Author Clark Wayne tells the harrowing story of his trip to Africa.
- Break up the book descriptions instead of including a dense paragraph of text. Break it up into short paragraphs that are easy to read.
- Use bulleted lists to help tell the reader what is in the book, especially if your book is nonfiction.
- Make sure your bulleted lists use parallel construction for each item list. For example, “create, learn, motivate” instead of “create, learning, motivation.”
- Avoid clichés such as a “must-read” or “This book will change your life.” Remember that the back-cover copy is a preview, not a book review.
- Be consistent with the tense of your language.
- Include advance praise if it’s from a notable. Include short excerpts with a credit line of the person who endorsed you. It’s best to use endorsements from people or periodicals that relate to your book in some way.
- You may also check other books that compare and compete with your title and read the book description. That should give you an idea of what readers expect to see on your back cover.
Author Biography/About the Author
The Author biography should be no more than 50 words and should include the following:
- Theme of your work. What do you write about? Are you a fiction or non-fiction writer? Have you published more than one novel? What’s your area of interest or expertise? In other words, give readers an idea of what they can expect from your book.
- Your credentials Show your qualifications and credibility to that a reader will feel validated in choosing your book to read. Stick to credentials that directly relate to the content of your book.
- Personal touch. Add some color to your author bio by including small details about where you live or something interesting that might not relate to your career writing but makes you a more interesting person. You may include your location, a brief illustration of your lifestyle, or a one-liner that illustrates what kind of author you are.
Marketing Headline/Keynote Statement
The Marketing Headline or “elevator pitch” should consist of one or two sentences that tell readers what the book is about and why they should buy it.
Keywords
Keywords will help people find your title through retail outlets.
There is no minimum number of words required, but the more words or phrases you provide that have a direct relation to the subject matter, the more opportunity people will have to find your book.
Note: This is roughly the production timeline and does not include editorial, illustration, or special design services that will require time to complete. We will do our best to avoid any delays. Should there be delays, we will inform you of the issue as soon as possible. If you need additional time to complete a task, please let us know.
- Sign up to publish
- Submit materials
- Introductory call (1-2 business days after signing the publishing agreement). Your Publishing Services Associate will contact you to discuss the requirements for publishing your book and how you can submit your materials.
- Provide book information and upload the manuscript. You can use our online submission tool to complete this task. For more information on how to proceed with submitting your materials online, refer to Walking through online submission of the FAQs.
- Content evaluation (5 to 10 business days). We will review your manuscript to ensure it meets our publishing guidelines.
- Review of supplied materials (up to 5 business days). Your Publishing Services Associate reviews your files and makes sure that they are ready for layout and design.
- Layout and design
- Prepare for design work (3-5 business days). Your materials will be prepared for the designers, so they can start creating your book.
- Cover and book interior design (2-3 weeks). The designers will create the first proofs of your book’s cover design and interior layout.
- Design quality assurance check (2 business days). Your Publishing Services Associate will review the designers’ work to ensure that it reflects your requests.
- Proofs are provided for your review. After receiving the design work, your Publishing Services Associate will send you your first set of proofs to review.
At this time, you can approve the design or request revisions. Review your proofs thoroughly. If you need to make changes, your publishing package includes one set of changes to the cover and 25 author changes to the interior layout. Formatting changes to the interior will be completed at no cost.
- Proof revisions
Book Interior
- Submit interior revisions. If you need to change the interior, submit it to your Publishing Services Associate using our interior revision form.
- Interior revisions (7-10 business days). Your book’s interior designer will make the changes specified in the interior revision form.
- Interior revision quality assurance check (2 business days). Your Publishing Services Associate will review the designer’s work to ensure your revisions were applied correctly.
- Proof provided for your review. After reviewing the revised work, your Publishing Services Associate will send you your revised proofs to review. If satisfied with your proofs, you can provide your approval to your Author Services Representative.
Cover design
- Submit cover revisions. If you need to change the book cover design, submit it to your Publishing Services Associate using our cover revision form.
- Cover revisions (7-10 business days). Your book’s cover designer will apply the changes specified on the cover revision form.
- Cover revision quality assurance check (2 business days). Your Publishing Services Associate will review the designer’s work to ensure your revisions were applied correctly.
- Proofs are provided for your review. After reviewing the revised work, your Publishing Services Associate will send you your revised proofs to review. If satisfied with your proofs, you can provide your approval to your Author Services Representative.
- Sent to printer
- Approval of cover and book interior. When we receive your cover and book interior approval, we then begin sending your book to the printer.
- Final quality assurance (1-2 business days). The design team will do a final quality check to ensure everything is in the proper format for our print partner.
- Printer processing (5-7 business days). Your Publishing Services Associate will submit files to your print partners. Your book will be made live and available for purchase when the printer setup is complete.
- Printer copy (7-10 business days). Your first copy will be printed and shipped to you.
- Promote book
Your Marketing Services Representative will get in touch with regarding any promotional materials included in your package. You may contact your marketing consultant if you would like to discuss additional promotional services.
Publishing with Auctorem House
What do I need to know before I pursue self-publishing with Auctorem House?
Embarking on the journey of self-publishing with Auctorem House is an exciting milestone for any writer. Compared to the traditional publishing route, which can take up to a year to get your book published, choosing Auctorem House can significantly expedite the process. With your manuscript fully prepped—edited, with cover design and formatting completed—your book can go from manuscript to available worldwide in just four months when submitted to us in one of our preferred formats.
At Auctorem House, we pride ourselves on being user-friendly for authors of all technological backgrounds. Our advanced technology and support team are here to manage the technicalities of self-publishing, allowing you to focus on your passion—writing. We’re here to guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth and accessible publishing journey.
By being a part of the Auctorem House community, you’re choosing a seamless path to making your book available to readers across the globe, without the need for extensive publishing or computer knowledge.
Why should I choose Auctorem House over other self-publishers?
Considering Auctorem House for self-publishing offers several advantages. Auctorem House is not a traditional publisher but a self-publishing platform. This means you have full control over the decisions regarding your book. You’ll be guided by a team of experts through the process, from manuscript to published book. Auctorem House offers various options for publishing and marketing, and assistance is available whenever needed.
One major benefit of choosing Auctorem House is that you retain the rights to your book. This allows you to maintain creative control over your work and provides potential financial benefits for future opportunities such as publishing with another publisher or selling the book to a movie producer.
Once published, your book will be available through Auctorem House’s online bookstore and will receive an ISBN and Channel Distribution, making it available on the Ingram Book Network. To facilitate cost-effective and efficient distribution, Auctorem House uses Print-on-Demand (POD) technology, which enables authors to distribute their books without having to buy in bulk and store large quantities.
Auctorem House has a successful track record of helping authors become published. Many authors have self-published their books through Auctorem House, and the platform is prepared to assist you in achieving the same success.
Can I publish my book with Auctorem House and another publisher, too?
Yes. Since you retain the rights to your book, you can publish with another publisher, sell the rights to a movie producer, or do anything else you wish to do with your book. The only limitation is that you cannot use the book files we created for you in their finished form and print the book exactly as it is with another publisher.
Do I need to have a literary agent to self-publish a book?
Many self-published writers do not need an agent. If you are self-publishing, you are probably already comfortable doing things independently. It’s also an excellent experience to learn about the industry you are operating as a business in. A literary agent might represent a self-published book hoping they can pitch it to another major publisher. Then, the literary agent would earn a commission on the sale. Not every literary agent is willing to work on self-published books. But since so many authors are requesting help with self-publishing, more literary agents are adjusting their business models to fit the needs of their clients. At Auctorem House, you can bypass literary agents. You can discuss your publishing goals with a publishing specialist and choose the services that align with those goals. You can customize the services to fit your needs. You have the final say on how your book should be done.
Do I still own the rights to my book if I publish with Auctorem House?
Yes. You retain ownership of the rights to your book even after it is published.
What types of books are ineligible for a Library of Congress Control Number?
The Library of Congress sets strict guidelines about which books may receive a Library of Congress Control Number.
According to the Library of Congress, the following types of books are ineligible for an LCCN:
- Books that do not list a U.S. city as the place of publication on the title page or copyright page
- eBooks (electronic books)
- Items under 50 pages, except for genealogies and children’s literature
- Government documents
- Religious instructional materials: materials for classes at all grade levels, vacation Bible school materials, confirmation studies, etc.
- Expendable educational materials: laboratory manuals, teachers’ manuals, programmed instruction test sheets, workbooks, activity books, etc.
- Transitory or consumable materials: trade catalogs, telephone books, calendars, coloring books, comic books, cutout books, etc.
- Translations, except Spanish
- Textbooks below the college level
For a complete list of which types of books are ineligible for an LCCN, visit the Library of Congress website.
How is the price of my book determined?
Page count determines the book price. Factors like the book trim size, font size, word count, and others may affect the page count. For more information about book prices, consult with your Publishing Services Associate.
Can I change the price of my book later?
After we have set the retail price of your book, we reserve the right to modify the retail price of the work should production costs or market conditions change. All price changes will require your approval. If you do not approve of the price change or we cannot contact you for approval, all or certain formats of the work will be removed from distribution.
Will Auctorem House send me a 1099 to report additional income from royalty payments?
If you earned $10 or more in royalties within a fiscal year, we would automatically send you a 1099 statement. The 1099 reports your additional income in royalties during the fourth quarter of the previous year and the first, second, and third quarters of the current year. Authors who have royalties withheld during the past calendar year will receive a 1099-MIISC form. Non-U.S. citizens will receive a 1042. The online bookseller (or retailer) shows that it has several copies of my book in stock.
Will I be able to see who ordered my book?
Due to privacy reasons, we cannot share this information. Your royalty statement will show the number of books sold through channel retailers and our bookstore.
Does this mean that they have purchased it, and that therefore I should receive royalties?
No. This is known as a virtual stock policy. It does not mean that your book has been purchased. Online retailers use this marketing tactic to generate purchases and show inventory. All book orders by customers are through print-on-demand or offset printing.
How much do I make from the sale of each copy?
You can check your royalty earnings in the Reports section of the Author Center. Select the title of your book, which will generate a .pdf document displaying the prices and royalty amounts for that title.
What do I do if there is an error on my check?
If you know of a sale placed in a quarter you were not paid for, contact our Customer Support Team at info@Auctorem House.com. We will investigate it and have a result within 7-10 business days.
Will I be able to see who ordered my book?
Due to privacy reasons, we cannot share this information. Your royalty statement will show the number of books sold through channel retailers and through our bookstore.
How is my royalty payment calculated?
You will be paid royalties on all sales of your work except:
- Sales of used copies of the work Sales of the books you bought for yourself
- Copies of the book given to any person or entity free of charge
Royalties are based on the payments we receive from the sale of printed copies of your book, less any shipping and handling charges or sales and use taxes. We also offer discounts to retail and wholesome customers, so the royalty amount you receive depends on what type of customer bought your book and any discount they received.
- One hundred percent (100%) of the Suggested Retail Price for each sale of the individual Work in print format through one of our Contractors before sales taxes, printing, and distribution costs;
- Fifty percent (50%) of the difference of the Suggested Retail Price less promotional discounts, distribution discounts, and sales taxes, for each sale of the individual Work in digital format through any distribution channel;
- One hundred percent (100%) of the difference of the Suggested Retail Price less promotional discounts, distribution discounts, and sales taxes, for each sale of the individual Work in audio format through any distribution channel;
- Thirty percent (30%) of the revenue received by Us that is attributable to the Work for alternative distribution models (other than an individual sale of the Work in print, audio, or digital format) that become available and are selected for Your Work (such as subscription or lending models).
How am I paid for my royalties?
Royalties are calculated on a calendar quarter basis. Royalties due will be paid in United States Dollars (USD) within ninety (90) days after the end of each calendar quarter. The timing of actual receipt of the payment by the author may occur after these issuance dates due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, transit time in the mail. Royalties may be paid via check or electronic funds transfer (EFT). You must have a United States bank account to receive Royalties via EFT. We may charge you an additional fee per check if you elect to receive payments by check or draft when EFT is available. We may accrue and withhold payment until the total amount of Royalties earned equals or exceeds seventy-five USD ($75). All held Royalties will be paid in full within ninety (90) days after the end of each calendar year.
Why is the online bookseller (or retailer) selling some of my books as “Used” even just days after my book was published?
Online booksellers have a practice where they may classify books as “used” and sell them at a discount even if those books have never been purchased or printed. This does not mean that these books have been purchased or printed. We understand that this can be misleading and causes authors to have an inaccurate estimate of their book sales. If a new book is printed, the author will be compensated accordingly.
Does this mean they have purchased it, and I should receive royalties?
No. This is known as a virtual stock policy. It does not mean that your book has been purchased. Online retailers use this marketing tactic to generate purchases and show inventory. All book orders by customers are through print-on-demand or offset printing.
How long does it take for a sale to be listed in my online “Sales Activity Report”?
For sales made through the Auctorem House bookstore, your report will be updated when the orders are shipped to the customer. Channel sales will be added once they submit their reports to us, which can be monthly or quarterly. We update the Sales Activity report when we receive shipping information.
Sale Type | Sales Activity Report update |
Auctorem House Bookstore | 72 hours after shipment of book order |
Consumer sales (i.e., call-in purchases through Auctorem House) | 72 hours after shipment of book order |
Retail sales (e.g., Amazon.com) | Four weeks or more after shipment of book order |
How often do you send out royalty payments?
The table below lists the quarterly schedule
Quarter Sales Period |
|
1st | Jan 1 through Mar 31 |
2nd | Apr 1 through Jun 30 |
3rd | Jul 1 through Sep 30 |
4th | Oct1 through Dec 31 |
There is a gap between when the quarter ends and when the payment is made because there is a delay in retail sales reports. Distributors send this information to us 4 to 6 weeks after the close of each quarter. Channel sales and Auctorem House bookstore sales are then compiled for the quarter and audited thrice before creating the report. You may check your Author Center to view sales made through Auctorem House. Channel sales will be added when they send their reports quarterly.
Why does it take so long for Auctorem House to post sales from Ingram or other retail bookstores?
All companies have a month-end close process to collect and validate financial information, including Auctorem House. At the close of each month, Auctorem House collects sales and printing information from each business partner. We then consolidate book orders and sales with printing information to ensure that every single printed copy is accounted for. We consolidate sales from many sources into a single monthly statement for each author. This process can take more than four weeks. The sales statements are not final yet because information posts to them as it is received. We always strive to post sales statements as quickly as possible, but it takes up to 90 days to post statements due to our royalty payout schedule.
What should I do if I do not receive my royalty statement?
First, check your Author Center and view your royalty statement. If you earned a royalty but did not receive your statement in the mail. Contact our Customer Support team at info@Auctorem House.com. We will have to wait 180 days from the issue date of the check, after which we can reissue the check. Note: We don’t mail statements for authors who earned royalties, and we don’t email authors who didn’t earn royalties. Check validity is now 180 days, and there is no TAT for check re-cut requests.
What do I need to know about taxes on my royalties?
Auctorem House will mail a Form1099-MISC to each U.S. author who was issued a payment for $10.00 or more in royalties (or incurred backup withholding greater than $0.00) during the calendar year. The income and withholding represent royalties from Quarter 4 of the previous year through Quarter 3 of the Form 1099-MISC year. The form will be mailed by Jan. 31 and should be delivered to the author in February. This form is required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to report royalty income and withholding. If the author were not paid any monies during the calendar year, they would not receive a Form 1099-MISC.
The IRS requires Auctorem House to have the form mailed/postmarked by Jan. 31, not delivered by Jan 31. International authors will receive Form 1042-S instead of Form 1099-MISC for the royalties earned and the amount withheld during the calendar year. Form 1042-S will be mailed by March 15. The IRS requires Auctorem House to have a Form W-9 or Form W-8BEN on file for each author who may earn royalties. The tax form must include the individual or company’s U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN, EIN, or ITIN). Suppose the author refuses to provide the form or the digital equivalency. In that case, Auctorem House will begin withholding taxes at 28% for U.S. citizens (or resident aliens) or 30% for nonresident aliens living outside the U.S. in accordance with U.S. tax law.
When does Auctorem House mail the 1099-MISC or 1042-S?
We are required by law to mail the previous year’s form 1099-MISC by January 31 of the current year. For non-U.S. persons, the previous year’s Form 1042-S will be mailed by March 15 of the current year.
How do I know if my country has a tax treaty with the United States that allows me to claim a lower rate of withholding?
You may claim a reduced rate of withholding as a resident of a foreign country with which the United States has an income tax treaty. You may check the Tax Treaty Tables within Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Publication 515 (see the helpful links below), “Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities,” under “Copyrights” for your country’s tax treaty rate. Submit Form W-8BEN when requested by Auctorem House whether you are claiming a reduced rate of withholding.
I cannot find my 1099-MISC form; how can I request a copy?
You may contact Auctorem House customer support and request a copy of the 1099-MISC form. Please indicate the tax year. The copy can be e-mailed with the TIN masked or mailed if necessary.
I submitted a Form W-9 or a Form W-8BEN in the past. Why am I being asked for it again?
If we request you submit your tax information, then we do not have your Form W-9 or W-8BEN in our system, and we need you to resubmit the appropriate form. We may not be able to assign a received tax form to your account due to an issue with matching your tax form with your author account, the tax form may have an incomplete address, or it could be another reason.
As the author, if my company should receive the royalties instead of me, what do I need to do?
There must be an account of your company in our system. You may contact our customer support about the reassignment of rights. A Form W-9 must be filled out for the company using the company EIN for the tax ID. Submit the company’s W-9 form online through the company’s Auctorem House account or by mail.
One of my checks was not received during the tax year. May I request a corrected 1099-MISC?
The 1099-MISC is sent along with your check to the address on file during the tax year. The 1099-MISC must include the income (and withholding, if applicable) associated with the payment. If you did not receive the check, contact our customer support and request a recut.
How do I correct the “Recipient address” on my 1099-MISC form?
The IRS does not match addresses, so requesting a new form with an updated address is unnecessary. If you would like to update your address for future mailings, contact our customer support.
How do I correct the “Recipient’s name” on my 1099-MISC form?
The recipient name on the Form 1099-MISC is the person or entity who earned royalties income during the tax year. In most cases, the name must remain unchanged. If there is a spelling error with the name, we may be able to issue a correction before filing with the IRS on March 31. To request a 1099-MISC name correction, contact our customer support.
What if I don’t have an ITIN?
To apply for an ITIN, file Form W-7, “Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number” (see helpful links below), with the IRS. It usually takes 4-6 weeks to receive an ITIN from the IRS. The ITIN allows you to claim your country’s reduced tax treaty rate (if applicable) when you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) and are not eligible to get one.
What is a 1099-MISC?
The 1099-MISC form reports the total amount of payments you receive from a single person or entity during the year you’ve provided services to them. The form is for each person who was issued payment for $10.00 or more in royalties during the calendar year or anyone with backup withholding, regardless of the $10.00 minimum.
Where can I find more information about my tax forms?
You may check these helpful links:
- Withholding for Foreign Persons Publication 515
- Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities (tax treaty tables) Form W-7
- Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number Form W-7 Instructions Form SS-4
- Application for Employer Identification Number Form SS-4 Instructions
Why didn’t I get a 1099-MISC this year?
You will not receive a 1099-MISC if you were issued payment for less than $10 and did not have backup withholding in the previous calendar year. If you were given payment for $10 or more or have backup withholding in the last calendar year, please check that the address we have on file is accurate and current.
Why isn’t there a “Recipient’s Identification Number” on my 1099-MISC form?
The “Recipient’s Identification Number” is the box that should include your U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). U.S. persons should submit a Form W-9 to Auctorem House to report their Social Security Number (or EIN for a business). If we receive the update before the IRS filing deadline, March 31, we can guarantee that the updated form with the new identification number will be submitted to the IRS.
We encourage online submission of the Form W-9 through your secure author account. Authors may incur a penalty from the IRS for failing to report their TIN or for providing an invalid TIN.
What tax information can Auctorem House provide for me?
Auctorem House will provide a Form 1099-MISC or Form 1042-S stating the amount withholding of royalties earned during a calendar year. For more information, consult with your professional tax consultant.
How do I file Form W-7 with the IRS to obtain an ITIN?
You need to submit the W-7 form to the IRD directly. Auctorem House will not process or submit this form on your behalf. We can only supply you with a support letter to be submitted with Form W-7.
You may send your request for a W-7 support letter to our customer support team and include your author account number, legal name, and mailing address. When the process is completed, IRS will provide you with an ITIN. The ITIN must be included on the W-8BEN form that can be completed online through your author account or sent directly to Auctorem House.
I am an international author; what do I need to do regarding the tax forms and ID numbers?
You need to submit a Form W-8BEN. Even if you don’t have a U.S. taxpayer identification number yet, submitting Form W-8BEN establishes that you are not a U.S. person. When filling out the form, please include IRS-issued U.S. taxpayer identification number (ITIN for individuals, EIN for companies), Author account number, Country of citizenship, and Claim to a lower tax treaty rate (if applicable).
Submit Form W-8BEN when you have a U.S. taxpayer identification number to claim a reduced rate or exemption from withholding if your country has an income tax treaty with the United States.
Why does Auctorem House continue to request my tax information when I opt out of submitting it?
The IRS requires us to have a complete tax Form W-9 or W-8BEN on file even if an author has opted out of submitting tax information. We are required to request the tax form annually.
If I was paid under $10.00 in royalties, do I have to report it on my income tax?
Consult with your professional tax consultant for questions on reporting your income to the IRS.
My company’s W-9 was accidentally added to my individual account (or vice versa). How can I correct this?
To correct this:
- Submit your individual W-9 and reference your individual Auctorem House account.
- Ensure that your company’s W-9 is connected to your company’s account.
- If your Individual W-9 was added to your company’s account, submit your company W-9 and reference your company Auctorem House account.
Why does amount on my 1099-MISC form doesn’t match my checks?
The amount of royalties reported on the 1099 is the gross amount of royalties paid before any backup withholding. The royalty amount should match the amount of royalties on your statements from the last quarter of the previous year to the third quarter of the current year, plus any iPad or offset distribution royalties wherever applicable. The total amount paid to you is the royalty income amount minus the withholding. If you still believe it is inaccurate, please contact our customer support.
How do I correct the “Recipient’s Identification Number” on my 1099-MISC form?
Submit a Form W-9 to provide Auctorem House with your corrected Social Security Number (or EIN for a business) through your author account. If we receive the update before the IRS filing deadline, March 31, we can guarantee that the updated form with the new identification number will be submitted to the IRS.
What if I don’t have an EIN?
Companies can apply for a U.S. Employer Identification Number by filling a Form SS-4 with the IRS.
Can I still make changes to the 1099-MISC form if there are errors?
Yes. The 1099-MISC forms are not due to be filed with the IRS until March 31, so there is still time to update the form if necessary. Even after that, we can still file corrected forms with the IRS.
When will Auctorem House post my 4th quarter royalties so I can complete my income tax return?
Fourth quarter royalties will not be paid until the following calendar year. Therefore, fourth quarter royalties will be included on Form 1099-MISC or 1042-S the next year.
You may refer to the Form 1099-MISC or 1042-S you may receive from Auctorem House to know the amount that has been reported as royalty income (and withholding) for tax filing purposes. Form 1099-MISC will be mailed by January 31 of the current year, and Form 1042-S will be mailed by March 15.
Who will receive a 1099-MISC form?
Authors earned $10 or more in royalties or had backup withholding during the calendar year. Form 1099-MISC applies to U.S. residents and U.S. resident aliens ONLY. Nonresident aliens and foreign persons will receive Form 1042-S.
Why is the income stated on my 1099-MISC or 1042-S form not equal to the sum of my royalty payments for the calendar year?
The tax form reports the total royalty income earned over the calendar year and taxes withheld. The “royalties income earned” is the amount of your checks before withholding. Your payments equal the difference between your total income on the form and any taxes withheld.
Logging In
Select the user icon in the header to log in.
- If you have already registered, enter your e-mail address and password, then select Log In.
- If you haven’t already registered, select Create an Account to set up your profile.
Note: To get complete and accurate information, please create only one account per author using the e-mail you have provided to us.
Starting the submission
To begin the online submission process, select My Messages→Submit Materials.
Customer Profile
This page auto-populates all the current information we have on file, and updates it as necessary. Select Update to save all information. Select Continue to proceed to the next page.
Author Biography
At the bottom of the page, fill in where you want your biography to show. The most common option is to have it on the back cover and website.
Key book Information
Provide the basic information about your book, including Title, Subtitle (if you have one), and Pen Name. Your Pen Name is how the author’s name is listed on the front cover of the book.
Book Format
Select your book’s binding size and paper color.
Note: Hardcover books are available in only one size, 6”x9”, so if you both have the softcover and hardcover format, select 6”x9” for both.
Copyright
Enter the original year of copyright.
Note: For new manuscripts, enter the current year.
Front Cover Idea
Provide information on how you want your book cover to look.
Back Cover Elements
The About the Book is limited to 200 words. It is important to input this information carefully because it will appear in your book and be among the first things a reader sees. You may type this text beforehand in a Word document, so you can easily edit the text, run a spell check, and check the word count before copying into this area.
Hardcover Book Details
If you have a hardcover version with your package, enter the details you would like to appear on the back cover. You may enter the text for the Front Flap and Back Flap Text space if you have chosen the dust jacket hardcover option for your hardcover on the Book Format page.
Marketing Information
The Marketing Headline is a 25-word statement that summarizes your book. These statements should grab readers’ attention and encourage them to finish reading your book.
You may also include a Free Preview for your readers. Pick a section of your book that could heighten their curiosity but doesn’t give away the whole plot. This information will be posted on the Auctorem House bookstore with your other book information.
Key Search Words help a reader locate your book easily on our bookstore website. Including words from the title or the author’s name is not necessary here. Good keywords might include subject matter, time and place, or other elements of the book.
Audience level and book genre
Enter general information about your book, including Audience Level and Book Genre.
Uploading your manuscript
On this page, you will submit your manuscript. You cannot proceed and upload other items for your book until your manuscript is uploaded. Follow the instructions on this page to complete the submission of your manuscript.
When you continue from this page, the Submit Materials link on the Author Center dashboard will close. You can continue to the next steps during this session but will be unable to access the online submission from the dashboard after navigating away from the Upload Manuscript page. You may e-mail or speak with your Publishing Services Associate if you need to provide updated information after the Submit Materials link is gone.
Manuscript uploaded
After successfully uploading your manuscript, the name of the file that was uploaded will appear.
Upload book cover images
Upload the images you want for your book cover. You can also upload any front cover mock-up ideas that you may have.
Upload book interior graphics
Upload any interior images that you have for your book.
Upload author photograph
Upload your author photo here. Photo resolution should be 300 dpi and at least 2×2 in size.
Submission complete