Frequently asked questions
Listing
How do I list my book?
Submit your manuscript using the “List your book with us” option. After review, you'll receive terms. Once you sign and pay, your book is listed.
Am I paid in dollars or my preferred currency?
You're paid in the currency of your country of residence.
What's the difference between a Consultation and a Clarity Session?
Book a consultation if your manuscript is finished and you need publishing help. Book a clarity session if you haven't written yet and need ghostwriting or help developing your ideas.
Publishing
How do I publish with you?
Book a consultation. After payment, a Zoom session is scheduled to walk you through the process. You choose the services and therefore the cost.
Do you buy manuscripts?
No. We publish for authors and help market their books globally.
How do I get started?
Finish and edit your manuscript, then book a consultation. After payment, a Zoom session helps you choose a path. For ghostwriting, book a clarity session instead.
What is self-publishing?
The author manages production, design and marketing, pays the upfront costs, and keeps the rights and profits. It offers more creative control but requires more effort.
How much does self-publishing cost?
It depends on editing, cover design, formatting and marketing. Costs range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
How much will I earn?
If you publish with us, you keep profits, depending on the marketing options you choose. If you list on SBA Reads, you receive 60–70% of royalties under the agreed terms.
How long does publishing take?
Standard publishing takes three to four months. Expedited publishing costs extra and takes about six weeks to two months.
What editing does my book need?
There are three stages: developmental editing (structure and content), copyediting (language and style), and proofreading (final error check). Books we publish go through all three.
What is an ISBN, and do I need one?
An ISBN is a unique book identifier. SBA handles ISBNs whether or not you publish with us, and the service is open to anyone.
Can I publish both an e-book and a print book?
Yes. Amazon KDP and SBA both offer tools for e-books and print-on-demand paperbacks.
What is print-on-demand (POD)?
Books are printed only when ordered, which reduces upfront printing costs and storage needs.
What is a hybrid publisher?
A hybrid publisher combines traditional and self-publishing. Authors pay upfront for production and marketing, risk is shared, and royalties are higher than in traditional publishing.
What rights do I keep?
In traditional publishing, you often sell or license rights such as print, digital and foreign language. In self-publishing, you keep all rights unless you choose to license them.