F.A.Q.
How is HPI different from other publishing companies?
Getting a book into print is just the beginning of the involved, and oftentimes overwhelming, publishing process. Without an effective and comprehensive marketing plan, a book, although published, will sit in a box and collect dust. What sets HPI apart from other publishers is that our services do not end after a book is printed. Each and every HPI author is provided with an all-encompassing publishing solution that includes an essential marketing component. We have a proven track record and method for getting your story into print, getting the word out to the media and, in turn, finding potential buyers for your book.
How many books can I print?
You choose how many books you would like to print, the style, the binding and what is best for your budget. HPI prints hardcover and paperback books and uses print-on-demand as well as offset printers.
What kind of binding do you use?
HPI uses perfect binding for paperback and smythe and side sewn for hardcover.
What distributors do you use?
HPI uses the nation's largest distributor, Ingram Distribution. Ingram captures the demand from booksellers, libraries and consumers.
Who owns the rights to my book?
As a self-publisher, you own all rights to your book.
When do you pay authors for book sales?
We pay book sales at the end of each month. Monthly sale amounts that do not exceed $50.00 will be accumulated until an amount of $50.00 or greater in sales is met. At that time, sales will be paid with the next monthly statement.
Who pays sales tax?
Payment of sales tax is the author’s responsibility.
Who sets the price on my book?
You set the retail price of your book. You reserve the right to raise or reduce the price of your book at any time.
What are my royalties?
HPI will pay you Royalty Commissions of 95% of Net Sales from the sale of all bound printed or electronic editions of the work.
Where will my book be available?
Your book will be available through 40,000 bookstores through Ingram Distribution. Including: Amazon.com, Borders.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Books-in-Print, and HPI's Bookstore.
What is the turnaround time?
It takes 30 days from the time we receive materials to design and print your book. Hardcover takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Who will market my book?
As a self-published author, you are essentially creating your own business. The first and most important step any potential business owner takes is to decide what product or service to offer customers. In your case, this product is your book, your work product. Next, the business owner must determine the method, or vehicle, by which the product will move to the marketplace. A marketing plan cannot be limited to easily purchased or prepackaged kits. These types of sales products are geared for “general purpose” usage. Your marketing plan is unique and will be different from “Author B’s” marketing plan. Of course, there are proven industry strategies that all authors employ. We assist each of our authors in tailoring a marketing plan that is right for them. For example, your marketing plan will most likely require that you be in front of your audience, at schools, local events, nonprofit events and among the media doing promotions. In short, beyond the “pre-packaged” marketing strategies everyone uses, HPI works one-on-one with each author in order to find their “niche” in the market.
Why do I have to pay up front fees?
HPI does not own the copyrights to any of the books we publish. Our authors maintain those rights. This is why the author is responsible for upfront costs. In contrast, publishing companies like Simon and Schuster maintain the rights to their author's book. This is how they pay for the costs to promote and print the book. They also take 90% royalties and the author receives 10%. In addition, traditional publishing companies like Simon and Schuster do not accept manuscripts unless the author is represented by an agent. Agents ask for a 15% industry standard if they accept the work and rarely work with unknown authors. When all of these factors are considered, HPI’s financial requirements are modest by leaps and bounds.
How do I schedule book signings?
You will need to contact your local bookstores. They will need a media kit, a copy of your book and a news release. You should have your dates available to schedule an event with the coordinator of the store or the bookstores' community relations manager.
