The Process
All books, whether they are fiction or nonfiction, or adult or children’s books, have a similar process for publication. The steps are straightforward for the most part. Some of them can at times overlap, but will be in a sequence that builds from one stage of completion to another. Some steps cannot take place until others have been completed. There may be times during the process when it seems like things are quiet and you aren’t seeing a lot happen, but behind the scenes here at Spiritfire, the wheels are turning to get your book in hand as quickly and as high-quality as possible.
The general process is as follows.
Manuscript Submission
It is recommended that you have a finished manuscript before contacting Spiritfire Publishing. When you are ready to begin your book’s process, you will first submit the manuscript for consideration. Whether it is accepted or not, you will be notified with a personal response. If your manuscript is a good fit for Spiritfire’s list, your manuscript will move into editing.
Editing
During editing, your manuscript will receive a thorough review by a Spiritfire-assigned editor. When the manuscript is edited and all suggested changes are notated, it will be returned to you. At that point, you will have 1 to 2 weeks to review the suggestions and make any changes you decide you want to incorporate. While you have the ultimate say in the revisions you make, you’re encouraged to remember that our editors are professionals and would only make suggestions that highlight the strengths of your writing.
Illustration
If your book includes illustrations, that will be the next step. Spiritfire Publishing has access to talented illustrators and will pair your manuscript with the right one. However, if you already have illustrations or prefer to choose your own illustrator, that is an option. The illustration process takes an average of one month, but may be longer or shorter based on the particular needs of your book.
Design and Layout
When editing and illustration (if applicable) are completed, your book will move into the design and layout step. This is when your book will begin to look like a book. The cover will be completed during this phase as well. At the end of this step, you’ll be informed of your book’s retail price and your author copy discount price.
Proof and Final Approval
When your book has finished the design and layout phase, you will receive a proof copy to review. Any layout and structural changes will be addressed at this point. Once you’ve approved your book’s proof, it moves to the final step.
Distribution and Ordering
When your book has reached the distribution and ordering phase, it is a completed work. It will enter global distribution channels. Within days of reaching this step, your book goes live on major bookseller sites, including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books-a-Million, among others. From this point forward, you will be able to order copies directly from Spiritfire Publishing at your discounted author cost per copy.
Marketing
While Spiritfire Publishing is considered to be a publishing company, we do not (yet) offer comprehensive marketing options. Our focus is simply getting your book into print. However, we will offer advice and provide connections to a variety of resources that will help you in marketing your book. We do offer promotional materials that you can use in marketing your book yourself.