Guidelines For Prospective Authors
We get a lot of people wanting to discuss new books, and we are always looking for new titles that "Fit" from well known- or unknown authors. On the other hand, we find out selves repeating a lot of the same information, so thought we'd put it on here. PLEASE feel free to contact us with any questions or to inquire about submitting a new manuscript- we did not create this page so you'd "leave us alone." We created it as a resource.. We STILL want to hear from YOU!!
This page has been created for general information purposes only, and should NOT be considered a binding commitment in any way shape or form.
Keep in mind
Before you ask, "Are you interested?" make sure the book is done, or at least 50% done. That means either 50% written and 100% edited. Or 100 percent written and 50% edited. It really is impossible to say Yes or No without seeing something representative, and ultimately we can never give a 100% yes until the product is 100% done.
Write your manuscript in document, or text form. If you do a lot of formatting and layout we will probably have to redo it all anyway. If you REALLY want to have control over look and layout, keep in mind "trim sizes." The trim size is the finished size of the book. Generally either 8.25 X 11, 6 X 9 or 7 X 10 with a MINIMUM of a half inch empty space all the way around. If the book needs lots of illustrations, either be ready to provide them, or provide clear photographs that show what those illustrations need to be of.
GIVE CREDIT where it is due. Make sure the ideas in your text are original, and when they are based on something else, make sure you give full credit when you can, and ask permission before revealing someone else's work. Not sure who invented it? Try asking some old timers.
Proof read and edit. Then have someone ELSE proof read and edit. Then do it again.
PAY
Everyone wants to know about payment terms. Well, that all depends but here is a GUIDELINE. We typically pay 20% of the profit per title. That is, if you subtract the printing cost of each copy, from the selling price, the amount left over is the profit. The author gets 20% of that. The remaining 80% is our profit, from which we also have to pay for setup costs, cover advertising, send review copies, handle ISBN and copyright issues, and overhead- as well as have enough left over to stay in business.
Authors also get 10 free copies, plus can purchase additional copies at wholesale discounts if they wish to sell directly at lectures or appearances. Otherwise, all wholesale distribution is done through Murphy's Magic Supply at this time.
Manuscripts
Please ask before sending any manuscripts for review, and when you ask, give us a couple paragraph summary of the book, as well as some of your background and any available web links about yourself.
If it looks like we may be interested, we'll let you know either way. If NOT, don't take it personally. 90% of the time, when a publisher says "No" it's more because of "fit" or available resources at that time. If we feel the manuscript needs something, we'll tell you that too.
If we say "yes" then we send a basic sample contract so you can look it over and decide if you're ok with it. But basically, it is all the same things already talked about.
Creative Choices
We understand your book is your baby. If we adopt it, we get joint custody. But you also have to understand that we are spending all our own money to bring this item to market. As such, we reserve the right to make the needed creative and business decisions as to, but not restricted to: Selling Price, format, size, type of cover, cover design, interior layout, discounts, promotion, advertising- and so on. We will respect your right to make suggestions, but once we take on a project, you have to respect that we will maintain the integrity of your words, but we must make the best decisions we can regarding the final appearance and distribution of the product.
Our Mission
To create quality magical publications of fair and reasonable value, while treating authors, customers and ourselves with integrity, equity and fairness.
