Frequently Asked Questions

How does the book publication process work?

Dancing Moon Press provides complete book publishing services, beginning with a Getting Started Request Form and a free consultation. We encourage our clients to participate in the cover and text design process. We can scan and insert photos and graphics and create indexes. We secure ISBN numbers, bar codes, and Library of Congress registration, which is required for all books sold in bookstores. Once your text and book cover files are designed, you will receive proofs ready for your feedback, corrections, and approval. The tweaking process continues until you are satisfied. The final camera-ready files are then sent to the printer who prints, binds, and ships the books to your selected location. At that point we can help with marketing and distribution for your book, including designing websites or simply uploading book information to Amazon.com and other appropriate sites.

How do you come up with a book’s cover design?

Dancing Moon Press listens carefully when you describe what you’d like your book cover to look like. If you have photos or artwork that you would like incorporated, we will use them. If your only instruction is to reflect upon the subject and tone of your book, we can create preliminary cover designs and then let you decide which direction to go. We strongly believe that a book is judged by its cover and we will do everything we can to provide a cover that not only pleases you, but motivates book sales.

What should be included in my manuscript submission?

1. Send a check or money order for $50 made out to Dancing Moon Press to cover the cost of preparing the project estimate.
2. A printed copy of your manuscript.
3. A CD containing as much of the following that you have available:

• The text of your book in Microsoft WORD, if possible.
• Cover artwork images or design suggestions.
• A brief book summary.
• A brief author bio.
• An author photo (optional, for the back cover).
• Illustrations, pictures, graphs, charts, maps, or photos that will be inserted into the text file of the book. Save all image files as separate files, with a resolution of at least 300 dpi.
• If actual photographs, charts, graphs or illustrations need to be scanned, include them in a separate folder in your package. Please label each, providing the photo caption.

Please label the disk with your name, telephone number, and the title of your book. Remember to retain a back-up copy of all your material.

Once my book project is complete, who owns the rights?

You do. You, as the author, own all rights to your work. If an agent or editor approaches you and offers to re-publish your book, you are free to enter into a contract with them.

How long does it take to publish a book?

The time required depends on the form your manuscript is in when we receive it. Handwritten, typewritten, or audio files will need to be converted to computer files before book design can begin. If your manuscript is already in a computer file format and needs only to be proofread, then it generally takes about month to secure the required book registrations, design the text, and produce options for the book cover. If it takes two or three drafts to incorporate text changes, then add a few weeks. Printing and delivery of the books takes another three to six weeks. We suggest you realistically plan on three to four months from start to finish.

How many books should I print?

That answer will be determined during our initial free consultation or during the production process, depending on your individual goals. We can accommodate any size print run from 1 copy to 10,000.

Can I order reprints when I run out of copies?

Absolutely yes. The book files remain permanently available. If there are no changes to the cover or text, then the process is quick and simple. If the book requires changes, it becomes a second edition, and will need to go through another proofing process before final print.

Why should I order promotional book cover postcards?

Promotional postcards — that have your book cover graphic on one side and book ordering information on the other — make an attractive and inexpensive sales tool. While your book is in production, you could start collecting the names and addresses of your family, friends, business associates, membership lists from organizations or clubs you participate in, local bookstores, and other outlets pertinent to your topic. Once your book is available for sale, you’ll be able to send out your postcards as attractive new book announcements.

Can you help me create a website for my book?

Yes. We can create a website to fit your needs and budget. A simple website will contain your book cover image, author photo, excerpts from your book, endorsements, review comments and links for purchasing your book. We can also host your new website. As website technology expands, we offer a growing list of services. To see samples of websites created by our website designer, visit  Ecentech Corp. (ecentech ™).

What is your payment policy?

Once you have accepted and signed our detailed project estimate, Dancing Moon Press will require 50% of the total cost up front, prior to the start of work. The $50 fee to prepare the estimate will be credited to this downpayment. If more work is necessary, or revisions occur that are NOT part of the original information supplied when the project began, the actual billing may be higher. You will be informed immediately if a change in the scope of the project will have an effect on the cost.

A second invoice to cover the balance will be required prior to your book being shipped to the printer. A final settlement invoice may be necessary to cover changes made after the project is sent to printer, actual shipping and freight charges, print overruns, or if there were other modifications to the original order. All invoices are payable upon receipt.