Co-Publishing Guidelines
Co-publishing is a fairly new concept in the Christian book publishing industry. It simply means that publishers, in cooperation with deserving authors, are able to publish some books which would otherwise not find their way onto bookstore shelves due to budgetary constraints. Once accepted, co-published books go through the same publishing process as any other Magnus Press publication.
Here's How It Works
The Author's Part We are not a vanity publisher, and our program is not at all like most Christian subsidy publishing. We treat all books and authors in the co-publishing program exactly the same as our normal publishing with two exceptions: (1) Co-publishing authors are asked to purchase a minimum of 1000 copies of their book at a flat 50% discount off the retail price (plus a minimal freight charge direct from the printer). They are free to do whatever they wish with these books--even sell them to local bookstores, churches, and organizations. (2) Authors are offered the opportunity--but not required--to pay for print advertising. Magnus Press will automatically include all co-published books in their catalog, on their web site, and in the FaithWorks (our main distributor) catalog. Most other advertising will be contracted at the option of the author.
The Publisher's Part All co-published books go through the same process as our regularly published books. Our editorial committee selects only those books which we feel meet our criteria of ministering life in Christ Jesus by sharing the truth of God's Word, or by contributing a needed Christian perspective to our world. Once a book is selected and a contract signed by the author, all manuscripts are carefully edited for content and copy (grammar and syntax). In some instances an author may be asked to revise some parts of the manuscript. Refusal to do so may result in cancellation of the contract.
While we are editing, our graphic designer produces a 4-color cover, approved by the author. All covers receive a UV coating and lay-flat lamination. We use only quality book printers, and all books will be published in a 5.5 x 8.5 trade paperback format, standard in the Christian book industry. Each book is automatically assigned an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) and given a bar code on the back cover.
Magnus Press registers every published book with the U.S. Copyright Office in the author's name, and each book is assigned a Library of Congress Catalog Card number. Every co-published book is also automatically listed at Books in Print, and offered at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBooks.com, and other sites. Our distributor regularly sells to other wholesalers and distributors, such as Ingram/Spring Arbor, as well as distributing to all CBA and ABA bookstores. We also have distribution in England and Europe.
Although each co-published author is required to provide storage for their minimum purchase of books, Magnus Press stores--free of charge--all other copies printed. We print a minimum of 500 copies in addition to the author's copies. It is our responsibility to print all further copies when stock runs out. In addition, the author is paid a flat 10% of the retail price (5% on deep discounts) for all copies sold by Magnus Press.
Subsidiary rights are also sought on each of our co-published books. The Winfried Bluth Agency represents us in the sale of foreign translation rights. Authors are paid 50% of all net proceeds.
FAQS
1. Who determines the retail price of the book? Magnus Press.
2. Can the author put his/her own logo on the book? No, since all books will be marketed to the trade by Magnus Press. The author may, however, list a contact address in the back of the book.
3. Will Magnus Press market books purchased by the author? No. However, all other copies printed will be paid for and marketed by Magnus Press.
4. How must the author pay for the purchase of books? One-third is due with the signed contract, one-third is due when the page proofs and cover are okayed/corrected, and one-third is due (plus the freight charges) when the books are ready to ship.
5. Can the author buy more than 1000 books? Yes. There is no limit to the number of books authors may purchase.
6. Can the author design the book cover? No. Our graphic design department does this. However, all authors are asked to approve the front and back covers.
7. What about promotional fliers? Magnus Press prints fliers for all their books. The author may request a reasonable number of fliers free of charge.
8. Are there ever any extra charges to the author for editing, book design, or printing? No.
9. Do you publish books the author wants solely for his/her own ministry? No. All books selected must meet our editorial guidelines and are marketed by Magnus Press over and above the minimum purchased by the author.
10. Will you publish any size or style book besides a trade paperback? Yes, but only after careful consultation with the author.
