In response to previous threads and questions regarding how Acorn Publishing operates: Acorn Publishing is a hybrid publishing company.
WWW.ACORNPUBLISHINGLLC.COM
Hybrid publishing is a fairly new publishing platform that is starting to gain popularity among authors who want to maintain control of their work, but still want the guidance and expertise that comes from an established publisher.
Hybrid publishing is NOT vanity press.
“A vanity press, vanity publisher, or subsidy publisher is a publishing house in which authors pay to have their books published. Vanity publishers have no selection criteria as opposed to other "hybrid" publishing models.”
Acorn Publishing was started BY authors FOR authors as a bridge between self-publishing and traditional publishing. Much like traditional houses (and UNLIKE vanity presses) all of Acorn Publishing’s authors are vetted for quality and we are very highly selective. We charge a flat fee upfront because our model allows authors to keep the rights to their work and we take 0% of the authors’ profits.
Everything Acorn authors make on the sales of their books is 100% theirs.
Below is a short list of the services we provide:
• A detailed publishing timeline extending 6-8 months prior to publication
• Weekly emails with step-by-step instructions and downloadable guides that walk you through the process
• Identification of target audience and genre placement
• Assistance in creating a pitch and summary blurb for the back cover of your book
• A free edit of your bio before posting an official announcement of your signing on our website and social media
• Inclusion on the Acorn Publishing website and relevant announcements in our monthly newsletter/newsfeed related to your book
• Consultation and feedback on your online author presence (social media, website, etc.)
• Cover design direction (this is very important as we have a high standard for quality cover design and must approve the final draft of the cover)
• Acorn Publishing assigned ISBN and “Publishing by Acorn Publishing” on all retailer sites
• A branded logo for the spine of your book
• Marketing and promotional support in the form of social media, newsletters, our established book review club, and representation at multiple book festivals in California where we will sell your book for you
• Connection with our Acorn Publishing author group and several other established blogging/promotional groups (this support is invaluable)
• Direction on navigating and placing your book on Goodreads.com
• A detailed breakdown of how to host a virtual launch party and blog tour and/or connection with our affiliated blog tour management company
• Instructions on how to properly execute your cover reveal
• The option to learn how to format your book yourself (we will teach you so you can keep the control) or a connection with our in-house formatter who will do the work for a small fee
• Guidance on interior book details including trim size, and details related to the design of your hardcover if you choose to produce one
• Our targeted Release Day Marketing Strategy guide
• Instructions on how to upload files to book retailer sites and print ARCs for early reviews
• ZERO upfront cost for print setup (Unlike other hybrid publishing companies, we do not recommend a print run which can cost authors thousands up front. Our print and ship model requires zero upfront cost to authors and no storage of books)
• Instructions on how to create e-books (if you choose to learn yourself) or if you hire out, where to upload your e-book for distribution
• Marketing advice on how to promote a $0.99 promotional deal for your e-book in order to increase Amazon ranking
• Guidance on building a mailing list
• Instructions on how to produce an audio book for ZERO upfront cost
• Instructions on how to file copyright and acquire a Library of Congress Control Number
• A detailed breakdown of how to prepare for book festivals, including all the things you’ll need, how to approach buyers, and an invitation to participate in the festivals we attend so you can receive one-on-one training
• A list of our recommended book awards to apply for
• Our professional guidance, feedback, and support on ALL aspects of the publishing process
• A responsive team who will email you back within 48 hours about any issue, any time of day
• A home for your book alongside other best-selling and award-winning authors