Root Creations

Getting your writing into print and on sale on the web

Hello there. Root Creations, you'll be thinking to yourself, and what might that be about etc. Well, this is something of a holding paragraph: we're in the process of producing a detailed yet wholly user-friendly handbook that'll explain the ins and outs of the process and hopefully answer any questions you may have. You'll be able to download a pdf version of said handbook very soon.

In the meantime, here's some basic information to get you started.

About Root Books
What to do next?
How much does it cost?
How long does it take?
Interested?

About Root Books

Root Creations is an offshoot of Leaf Books Ltd aimed at helping people to self-publish their own work.

Leaf Books isn’t a particularly traditional publishing company: we’re very much about representing the more marginalised literary formats. By specifically offering an outlet for short stories, poetry and micro-fiction – and by choosing much of our published work via anonymous competitions rather than open submission calls – we aim to champion those works that we see as under-represented and to give first-time writers an equal shot at publication. We’ve recently branched out into the substantially longer but similarly difficult-to-get-published novella, but this is as far as we’re willing to stray from our original ‘bite-sized reads’ remit.

We are, however, aware that there are many works that don’t really fit into our specified formats but that would nonetheless gratify their writers immensely by finding their way into print. We’re thinking, among other things, of writers’ groups who’d like a memento of each other’s work, of a poet with numerous small magazine publications who would like something to sell at readings, or a book of local history that’s destined to have a small but appreciative audience.

So we’ve set up Root Creations with a view to leading you through the process of getting your book into print. We’re keeping the costs low by using digital on-demand printer who can, if desired, limit print runs to 25 copies. And because we want your book to be as professionally presented as it possibly can be, we offer numerous manuscript preparation services for those who feel their work would benefit from such attention.

But that’s not the most exciting bit. That’d be our offering to sell your book for you via your very own web-page on the Root Creations website.

What to do next?

If you’re a little unsure as to whether or not your manuscript is ready to go to print, we can help. We can give your work a basic but professional once-over, seeking out and destroying typos, punctuation flaws and other minor errors. Or if you’d like your work to undergo a more thorough stylistic overhauling, we can compile a detailed Editor’s Report, providing feedback and suggested alterations on pretty much everything, from the aforementioned proofing issues to ideas regarding stylistic changes and filling in substantial plot holes. These services are available for novels, poetry and short fiction.

Once you’re happy with the contents, you have a few decisions to make. If you're content with a simple cover and minimal cut-and-paste typesetting, take a look at our samples, which you can find on our website to view or download (coming soon).

Alternatively, if you’d like you a bit more control and/or creativity, you're welcome to present your own ideas… and if you can’t think of any, let us do the creating for you.

Take a look below at our suggested packages and price-list and compare these to what you think best suits the work you currently have.

Hopefully everything is self-explanatory, but anything you're not clear about or would like more information on please contact us and we'll do our best to answer any questions you have. We'll also include them in the FAQ sction of the handbook we're working on.

How much does it cost?

Example Packages

Basic

Total £245.00 (plus postage)

Additional copies £3.00 per copy minimum 25 copies plus £10 admin fee

Standard

Total £590 (plus postage)

Enhanced

Total £925 (plus postage)

These are just some examples how it could all fit together. For a full list of options see below.

PRICE LIST

Pre-Press:

Set-up Fee £50.00

Minimum cover design and copy-and-paste typesetting - £75.00

Cover Design

  1. Cover design (present your own idea/images) £155.00

  2. Bespoke cover design (3 ideas presented) £255.00

Typesetting £95.00

Manuscript Attention:

  1. Proof Reading (Suggested typos and minor changes list) £125.00

  2. Editors Report (Style and Subject feedback) £175.00

  3. Manuscript pampering (typos corrected, suggested minor and major changes list and editor’s report) £270.00 (10% discount on combined price)

Production:

25 copies of book £75.00*

Additional copies £3.00* per copy (minimum 25 copies) plus £10 admin fee
*cost per copy can vary depending on page numbers and size of book.

Post Production

Web presence:

  1. Sub domain with webpage from template £25.00

  2. Sub domain with webpage from template plus Paypal £70.00

  3. Own website with PayPal-assisted book ordering £150.00

Arranging Distribution

£ 20.00   (including supplying Amazon and orders requested from distributors.
Includes free barcode.)

How long does it take?

Ideally, we like things to move along at a fast but not galloping pace. It does all depend on what needs doing. As a guide an Editors Report can take three weeks (though this bit we don't like to rush), the cover design and typesetting can take three weeks (allowing time for feedback and comments), and the actual printing about three weeks, which includes the delivery of proofs before the printrun is authorised.

I'd suggest allowing 10 weeks as you may need to time to think about any suggestions following an Editors report for example. But I hope that gives you a rough idea.

Interested?

Please contact us giving us an idea of the book you'd like to produce and what services you're interested in. We can then go through the process with you and arrange a quotation.