Hi there!
This is indeed us.
We'd like to leave a few comments on this thread but first of all we'd like to say that the OP has done the right thing here. We'd be the first to recommend checking out anyone in this business using the fantastic resource that is the AW user base.
We're a start-up, yes. We feel that scepticism towards any business start-up is warranted by its novelty however cynicism is perhaps unfair. We've factored the reality of this field of business into our plans and are prepared to take hits in the hope that we sell enough copies of enough books to make a profit in the long term.
To begin with, we have published local interest material however we're now expanding. Points highlighted about distribution are being addressed. The title mentioned IS available electronically elsewhere other than Amazon, who we are currently in discussions with.
Regarding covers, this is perhaps a cultural thing. We prefer a more minimalist and occasionally abstract look. Many genre fiction covers these days are impressive granted but also formulaic. We've seen evidence of formulaic covers actually putting buyers off. We also tend to favour more character-driven fiction modes where the expectations of popular fiction aren't necessarily the case. In any event we've recently hired a new in-house designer and have established ties with bespoke artists for commissioning of future cover designs as well - we don't mind paying bespoke prices if the cover concept fits the content concept, if you see what we mean.
Yes we're new. We're growing.
Yes our designs are occasionally minimalist. It fits with our market, however we're also growing in this way too.
We hope this helps!
