Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns the publishing rights to my book when I publish through Wheatmark?

You retain all rights to your work when you publish under Wheatmark’s imprint. By signing our publishing agreement, you grant us the nonexclusive right to publish your book for as long as you like.

We make no claim to any of your auxiliary rights, either, such as your electronic rights, your audiobook rights, or your foreign and translation rights.

Who owns the copyright to my book when I publish through Wheatmark?

You do. We always print the copyright in our client’s name on the copyright page. It’s an added protection to have your copyright registered with the United States Copyright Office of the Library of Congress.

Just FYI, your manuscript is already copywritten under US law — even in its current draft stage. It’s a good idea to officially register the copyright when your book is published, though.

In which genres do you publish?

Wheatmark publishes both fiction and nonfiction. Our services are designed to best serve the following three types of clients:

1. Nonfiction authors who want to grow their platform by becoming a published author

2. Fiction authors who wish to compete directly with the other top authors in their genre

3. Serious hobbyists with a killer concept for a niche title

Wheatmark rarely publishes poetry and illustrated children’s books. Contact us to see if your project is a fit.

Where are your package prices?

Wheatmark doesn’t offer publishing “packages.” All of our projects are priced by custom proposal starting at $2,500.

We’re a small company, so we’re only looking for projects with great sales potential and clients who are willing to make the investment in time and money necessary to achieve the goal of publishing a book that competes with others in its market.

If you’d like to know more about how professional publishing works, the expectations we have for our clients, and most important, the expectations we think they should have of us, please download and review a free copy of our book, The Author’s Guide to Choosing a Publishing Service.

How do I get started publishing with Wheatmark?

To get started working with us, click here to tell us about your project.

If your book looks like a project we could help you be successful with, we’ll contact you to schedule a complimentary consultation.

How much does it cost to publish a book with Wheatmark?

Wheatmark publishes books based on custom publishing proposals designed to meet the specific needs of each project. The investment for a typical publishing project with us is between $5,000 and $7,000. This investment includes everything our clients need to properly edit, publish, print, and sell their books and e-books.

What are your royalty rates?

Wheatmark imprint clients receive 25% of net sales on print, and 50% of net sales on e-books.

Our done-for-you publishing clients receive 100% of net sales on both print and e-books.

What type of paper options do I have when I publish my book with you?

For paperback interiors we use high quality, acid-free paper stock, 55# natural shade opaque or 50# white. Paperback covers are printed using 80# bright white cardboard stock with either a gloss or matte finish. We also offer dust-jacket and case-bound hardcovers.

What happens if I decide to republish my book with another publisher sometime in the future?

If you publish under Wheatmark’s imprint, you may cancel your publishing agreement with us at any time, for any reason, with thirty days’ written notice.

We’ll be able to provide you with your design files so that you can take them to another publisher, or simply to keep them for your records.

If you publish under our done-for you system, you’ll already have your files on hand.

Why should I publish with Wheatmark?

Experience counts in publishing! Wheatmark published its first title in the year 2000.

Since then, we’ve published nearly 100 clients who’ve sold at least 2,000 copies of their books. Some have gone on to sell 5,000, 10,000, or 25,000 copies, license their translation or movie rights, and even land traditional publishing deals.

We can help you achieve the same kind of publishing success, whether you want to find an agent and land a traditional deal, publish under our imprint, or start your own publishing firm.