HISTORIUM PRESS
The Process
The world of publishing is changing for authors,
opening the door to quality fiction like never before in history.
Our mission, and because we are passionate about historical fiction, is to offer an alternative platform in this ever-changing world.
This is an investment in YOU, in your novel, and your dreams. While you invest up front, you retain 100% of the profits on all sales, plus all your rights, and all the creative control. We are here to support that dream
with our expertise in the field of publishing.
We are not a self-publishing platform, since most of those (like KDP) allow anything to be published regardless of the quality. We use the time-honored tradition of vetting manuscripts to ensure readers receive a worthy story, and you receive the praise for your efforts as an author.
#1
SUBMISSION
Submit the first 50 pages of your manuscript, along with a short synopsis (not to exceed 2-3 paragraphs), and a query letter.
#2
Two-tier Vetting Process
Tier 1 of the submissions process will place you on one of two tracks—our Publishing Track or Coaching Track. Submissions placed on the Publishing Track proceed to Tier 2, which involves a second assessment that determines publish-readiness.
#3
Proofreading
All authors publishing with Historium Press will have their final manuscript proofread before going forward to the next phase.
#4
Production
This includes the following: custom design of your cover and manuscript formatting, as well as preparing your book for the printer.
#5
Distribution
Distribution of your book across all platforms using distribution services.
#6
SALES
Your book is now for sale in print and online!
Submit
Submit Your Manuscript
At Historium Press, our submissions process is more than just 'click, buy, and publish'. The two-tiered submissions process gives you the opportunity to get feedback from reviewers who are in the business, as well as our internal editorial staff, which gets your project ready for publication. If it already is, we’ll notify you of the 'go ahead'. If it needs a bit more work, you’re going to find out why and what to do about it.
Assessing Your Manuscript
The goal of the two-tier proces is to assess your project and its readiness for publication. If we determine your manuscript is ready, we’ll give you the green light. If it needs a bit more work, we will let you know why and what to do about it with expert suggestions.
Every manuscript submitted is vetted through this two-tiered process. Once you submit your first 50 pages, we will evaluate several elements of your manuscript geared towards the historical fiction genre. Within 4-6 weeks, you will receive an assessment from our team, letting you know whether or not you’re moving forward, along with a detailed explanation of our decision. If you are moving forward, congratulations! If you’re not moving forward, we include suggestions for you which allow us to help you reach your goal of publication.
Tier One
Your submitted manuscript will be screened and moved to either 'publish-ready' or 'needs coaching'. See more below.
Publishing
Submitted manuscripts we deem ready are moved forward to the second tier of our process (see below). This means it may take another four weeks before we let authors know whether we’ll be offering a contract.
Coaching
There are many reasons a manuscript might not be ready for publication, including but not limited to: developmental editing, line editing, or bulky manuscripts in need of word paring (manuscripts should be between 40K-100K words) Our caveat is this: we do publish larger books since this is historical fiction, but as a rule we stick to 100,000).
If we suggest more coaching, we invite you to check out our a la carte services to bring your manuscript to the quality we require at Historium Press. Our evaluation will detail the items we feel is needed; and, as always, we will be with you every step of the way.
Tier Two
Green
Means
Go
This track is for those authors whose manuscripts fit the quality standard for publication. Our evaluation will notify authors of our impressions of the manuscript and the next level of editorial work needed to move forward.
All manuscripts get a proofread as part of our Royal Package. If you need copy or line editing as part of our suggestions, you may use our a la carte editing services or your own. Our copyediting rates start at $55/hour and we have an incredible team of recommended professional editors that we use here at Historium Press.
Yellow Means Maybe
This track means we are interested in your manuscript, but we may have some items which need addressing before moving forward. Again, our detailed evaluation will outline these items.
Red
Means Stop
Submissions that land on this track were carefully considered, but we ultimately determined the work needed more than a copyedit, or that the manuscript did not fall within what we consider historical fiction. If you receive this notice, we will suggest the a la carte items you might need to consider to bring your manuscript to the level needed for our publication requirements.
Production
Proof
Read
All approved authors publishing with the Royal Package will have their final manuscript proofread before going to layout. This is to catch stylistic errors, typos and grammatical errors. Your manuscript will be reviewed by both a proofreader and your Editor to ensure the best quality. As a hybrid press, we still maintain the same standards upheld by traditional publishers, thus presenting an error-free book to readers.
(Keep in mind: some do slip by, but not often.)
Cover Design
The cover design begins alongside the proofreading stage of your manuscript.
Yes, people do judge a book by the cover, so we strive to set the bar very high for our covers from Historium Press, after all, we believe all books deserve a quality cover matching the standards of a traditional publishing house. If you've put years of your life writing the story, then the cover should match the effort.
The Royal Package includes a high-level custom cover design. Our graphic design company, White Rabbit Arts, has over thirty years of experience, so we are putting our name on the line, as well. Cover design is a collaboration between the author and the designer, working side by side to create something stunning and eye-catching while taking into consideration the market trends in historical fiction. The same goes for the interior formatting. As part of the Royal Package, we do full file preparation, both for e-publication and for POD (print-on-demand) or print. The production process begins the moment we give you the 'GO', meaning your manuscript is ready for publication. Once the contract is signed, and the package is purchased, you will have a one on one consultation about the design process.
Our Royal Package also includes an editorial review of your book from The Historial Fiction Company to use as a 'snippet' on the back cover.
Layout
Your manuscript will be laid out into a beautiful custom design by one of our book formatters once you’ve approved your final cover design and accepted the changes the proofreader has made to your manuscript.
At this point, you’ll have a chance to review the manuscript and correct any formatting mistakes and other small errors that become visible once a book is designed and actually looks like a book. Between the cover design and the layout design, a manuscript usually goes through two to three revisions.
Production
Once you and your project manager have finalized the interior, you’ll need to decide what