Our aim is the same as yours – a book you will be proud of.  We know every situation, book, and author will have different needs, so we customize a publishing package and contract unique to every author we vet. To offset any up-front investment by authors, as independent hybrid publishers we offer a higher royalty rate than traditional publishers.

Our current packages range from $1,300 to $2,500 and royalty rates for authors range from 60-80% depending on the publishing package. A three-year contract is required.

Even though our publishing packages are customized for every author and book, all our packages offer these key ingredients: custom interior formatting and eye-catching book cover; ISBN assignment, Library of Congress Control Number and PCIP data; Author page on our website; Basic EPUB conversion; Author page on Amazon; Printed proof copy; Marketing services; 5 printed author copies; and One on One author support.

Further details and explanations for what we offer:

Manuscript evaluation and vetting

We carefully look at and read your manuscript before starting the publishing process to ensure it aligns with our mission and vision.

Professional interior formatting and cover design

Custom interior formatting ensures that your book looks good on the inside, while the custom cover is eye-catching and designed just for your book. The interior fonts, typography, and layout coordinate with your cover which achieves a consistent look for your book. The author has final approval on the layout and cover.

ISBN and barcode

Mermaid Cove will provide an ISBN (international standard book number) and a compatible barcode for each product. Having the barcode with ISBN and price on the back of your book ensures that your book is ready to be sold.

Registration with Library of Congress, PCIP data and MARC record

The Library of Congress is a national catalog of print books and assigns a number that is used by librarians to discover and purchase books.  Read our PCIP data and MARC records information sheet for details.

Physical proof copy

Before your book is published, you’ll receive a printed copy for a final evaluation.

Print & ebook distribution (not board books or children’s picture books)

We set up your print book with one of two POD printers, IngramSpark or Amazon.

IngramSpark sends the information for your book to all of the 39,000+ bookstores, libraries, and retailers in their global distribution network and lists the book as available for sale to them at a discounted price depending on the wholesale discount the publisher offers, this includes Amazon.com and Barnesandnobleinc.com.

When set up on Amazon, besides the availability on your book on Amazon.com, it will also be available on Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.jp, Amazon.com.au, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.es, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it, Amazon.nl, Amazon.pl, and Amazon.se. Expanded distribution to bookstores, online retailers, libraries, and academic institutions via Amazon is only available for paperback books.

EBook distribution to Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo, Apple Books, Smashwords Store, Tolino, OverDrive, Bibliotheca, Scribd, Baker & Taylor, Hoopla, Vivlio and BorrowBox.

Children’s books printed overseas are stored at our location. The books are listed on Amazon, our website, sold at fairs and festivals, and offered at independent bookstores. We are working on distribution services for books printed overseas.

Marketing

Our authors’ books are available via Ingram distribution and on Amazon and promoted on our website and via social media. Mermaid Cove attends numerous book fairs and craft festivals throughout the year where we display, promote, and sell all our published books. Authors are welcome to participate with us at the fairs and festivals, signing their books for buyers. We create author/book sell sheets that authors may use to help promote their book, and we will assist you in contacting local independent bookstores. Authors may independently schedule book signings at their local independent bookstores. Check out our gallery of Festival, Book Fair, and book signing pictures, here.

Author page on Mermaid Cove website

A complimentary author page designed to gather all the info about you as an author and your books. Your print book and ebooks will be listed for sale on your page.

Five copies of the book upon publication

You’ll get five printed copies of your paperback book on us!  You can order as many copies of your book as you wish once published.  You pay the cost of printing, shipping/handling, and a 5% surcharge.  It is more cost effective to order at least 10 or more books at a time due to the shipping. When you need more books just send us an email or text and we’ll get them ordered for you. The turnaround time between the order and shipping is at least 2 weeks depending on the season. 

Author Website

We can create your own personal author website on Squarespace or Wix. Up to six pages can be included, with or without ecommerce. One year of website maintenance by Mermaid Cove is included. The host (Squarespace or Wix) subscription and the domain name cost is not included.

Need more information on our packages or would you like to start a conversation with us?
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