How much will it cost to publish my book?
There's no easy, pat answer to that question, because every book is different. Costs can vary widely, depending on the length of your manuscript, whether or not you want to include photographs and/or illustrations, the kind of paper and type of binding you choose, the amount of editorial involvement required, the number of books you want to print, whether you choose a two-color or four-color cover-the list of variables goes on and on. But we'll work personally with you to guide you through the process. At the Chapel Hill Press, we'll be happy to help you develop a set of specifications for your book and then give you a non-binding estimate based on them.

Some publishers may say that they can produce your book for less, while others may cost more. But, as a general rule of thumb, perhaps nowhere does the expression "you get what you pay for" apply more aptly than in the book-publishing business. If you want your book to be of sufficient quality for people or libraries to consider spending their money to buy it, you should be prepared to spend what it takes to get that quality. If you're publishing it as a gift to your family and/or friends, then-as is always true in that case-it's up to you to decide on the quality (and related cost) of your gift.

What kind of control will I have over my book as it goes through the publishing process?
At the Chapel Hill Press, the short answer is "a lot."

Your approval is needed for every step we take. You choose how much-or how little-editing you want, which of our designers' proposed cover designs you prefer, which inside type layout you choose, and the size, binding, and number of books you want printed. We also encourage you to take the time you need to look over the final pre-press proofs, so that no mistakes slip unnoticed into the first edition of your book.

Will I get to see my book as it develops?
Yes. You'll get to see your book several times as it moves through various stages of the publishing process at the Chapel Hill Press. You'll review the manuscript after it's been edited, review cover and inside layout options as they're developed, and sign off on the final pre-press proof copy before we send it to the printer. That way, you get to see exactly how your manuscript will appear in book form.

What if I feel that the Chapel Hill Press' estimate is too high?
Then you can choose not to work with us-it's as simple as that. All of our pre-contract estimates are non-binding, and the first thirty-minute consultation to review a project-either at our offices, if you're nearby, or over the phone, if you're not-is free.

We know that we're not the only game in town, and we encourage authors to get estimates from other publishers. When you do, though, be sure you ask plenty of questions, such as how often you'll get to consult with their staff, whether you'll have personal involvement in the editorial process, and what input you'll have in the cover and typographical design processes. Always ask to see samples of other books they've published, and when you do, ask yourself, "Would I be proud to say, 'That's my book'?"

Will the Chapel Hill Press help me market my book?
We can do certain things to help you get the news about your book out to potential reviewers and readers. If your book is intended for commercial sale, we'll prepare a news release announcing its publication and help you develop a list of publications and other media outlets that might be interested in announcing or even reviewing it (including local newspapers and magazines), as well as offer suggestions about libraries that might be interested in having it in their collections.

We can also develop and produce direct-mail pieces, design and produce display advertising, and provide links to valuable commercial bookseller's tools like Books in Print and successful online distributors such as amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

But the most important ingredient in successfully marketing your book will be you: your enthusiasm; your belief in its value; your connections to your community through schools, business, libraries, churches, and civic organizations; and finally, your willingness and ability to get out there and push, push, push your work.