Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum number of pages or length that you require to print my book?

No. We have high-speed duplex printers and set-up, not length, is the biggest cost factor.

What is the minimum number of books that you will print?

One.

Do you review, analyze, edit or make suggestions about my book?

Not in the first step-and not at all, unless you ask. Our primary purpose is to print the book you’ve written as you’ve written it. However, many writers, once they receive their printed book, go back to page one, line one and as they re-read, they “see” changes they would like to make in future copies. You may self-edit or you may prefer an objective outsider. We can assist you in finding editorial help, from grammar checks to character and plot development. I thought my first book was finished until I showed it to an editor. It was an eye-opening experience for me, and it might be for you, too.

Do you proofread my book?

We can, but we don’t think it would be in your best interests to do so. Before you come to us, go to your local high school and find a teacher or even a student who is good in English and take this step yourself. How about a friend or neighbor? Have a pizza party and give a prize to the one who finds the most errors. Trust me on this. It’s hard for an author to go through the book for the hundredth time alone-so have some fun with others. Believe me, a couple of pizzas will be cheaper.

Will you transfer my handwritten work to diskette for me?

Yes, we will, but it’s a costly step. We recommend, again, that you contract locally to have that done. We have a super “clean up” department for all these odd jobs and we think they are well worth their salaries, benefits, and taxes-but we hate to see you spend your money this way. Just look for a student who wants some extra vacation money.

How long do I have to wait for my book after I send you my diskette?

Your first book will be in the mail to you in ten working days. If you are requesting additional books, we anticipate a ten-day turn-around.

What about graphics for my cover?

We have purchased the legal rights to 32,000 different cover designs. But you can understand that many celebrities and athletes have had their likenesses registered and cannot be used without permission. Similar trademark laws apply to a surprising number of pictures that you may have in mind for your cover. It is for this reason that we will use only those that we have legally acquired. Contact our office, and we can discuss the options available in our files.

What happens to my original work? Will you send it back to me, or is there another fee?

The cost of returning all your materials is included in your First Step price. We will keep your book in our database for a reasonable period of time, not to exceed one year. By doing this, we can almost immediately print additional books for you whenever you want.

How long will Step by Step Publishing stay with me through this maze?

We’re here as long as you need us. Once you have received a control number and are in our system, you will find us very cooperative.

Can my book someday be accepted by a “Major Publisher” and become a best seller or a movie?

To be honest, the odds are against it. Yet “Gone With the Wind” was rejected twenty-six times. “What Color is Your Parachute,” “The Christmas Box,” “The Celestine Prophecy,” and “Embraced by the Light” are some recent successes that were initially self-published and publishers can be lured by the prospects of a book that already has a track record, thanks to self-publishing.

But we don’t promote your book for you. We don’t send it to agents, publishers, or producers. But, more importantly, having your book published by Step by Step does nothing to prevent you from exploring every traditional or non-traditional path to mainstream publishing that you can find. You can be sending your book out even while we are printing the copies for you to share with your family and friends. We’re immediate gratification at an affordable cost-and we really, really hope you end up with a best-seller and lucrative movie rights.

Should I Copyright?

Surprising to many, your manuscript has copyright protection from the moment it is created.

Granted, it was not always that way. There is a lot of good reading if you wish to explore the changes made to the copyright laws in 1909, 1978 and 1989. But let’s stick with the current situation as it pertains to your manuscript.

Even though you already are protected, there are two devices you can use to provide additional assurance. (1) Be certain your manuscript plus all printed copies bear the familiar so called “Circle C” notice near the title page, e.g., (c) 1997 Ashley Doe. (2) For the more insecure, you can use the age old device of sending a copy of your work via Registered Mail addressed to yourself and not opening it. The cost is $4.85 for the Registered Mail Fee plus regular postage not foolproof but may provide some extra protection.

Finally there’s certainly no harm in going back at some future time (it’s practically never too late) and following the red tape route of filing forms plus a $30 fee with the U.S. Copyright Office. (You can get a copyright application by calling 202 707-9100.) Be forewarned: It can take many months to receive the certificate of registration, and many advisors feel “Why bother?”

Copyright infringement in printed works such as your manuscript is about as infrequent as lightning in the living room. Yet the creative process is not easy, so let’s all thank Uncle Sam for making today’s copyright protection as automatic and thorough as it is!

Sample of Copyright Page

The author is solely responsible for statements of fact, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions expressed herein. Publication in no way implies approval or endorsement by the publisher.

Copyright 2008 by Your Name

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

I have read all these questions and answers. Can you, in a brief paragraph, explain to me, “Why should I take the next step?”

Because you are a writer. Your thoughts have been organized, re-worked, edited, and re-written countless times. Like me, you want to see the fruits of that labor in a tangible form-in a form that looks like a book, feels like a book, reads like a book. You want your creation to be one step further on, to be not just a ream of paper with typing, but a book you can share with others.