FAQs

  • What can Mystic Publishers do for me?

 Mystic Publishers can make your self-publishing experience both easy and cost-effective.  With a complete host of publishing services (from formatting to the finished product), we can walk you through each step (or just one step, if you choose).  Pick and choose our Basic Package or à la carte professional services.

  • What types of books does Mystic Publishers publish?

We are somewhat different from other publishers – we’re truly in business to ease
the cumbersome publishing process for our clients, especially new authors. Because
of that premise, Mystic Publishers will assist with the publication of any print-ready book. Material deemed pornographic, adult or offensive will be rejected.

  • What is the advantage of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing?

 At one time, authors could only hope that one of the large traditional publishers (e.g. Simon & Schuster) would pick them up.  Along with that reality came the associated low profits for accepted authors.  As a result of these frustrations and the advancement of home computers and the internet, self-publishing has gained popularity and credibility. In fact, it’s the largest growing segment of the publishing industry.  With self-publishing, the author retains control over each phase of the publishing process and keeps 100% of the profits after expenses!  Did you know that famous authors like Walt Whitman, James Joyce and Mark Twain self-published their works?  You don’t have to be a Walt Whitman to benefit from Mystic Publishers’ professional services. We help authors remove obstacles and smoothly step through the publishing process.

  • How much will it cost to publish my book?

There are two phases of publishing a book:  1) Preparation, and 2) Printing.
Preparation costs vary, depending on the author’s needs.  Mystic Publishers’ service choices are simple and straightforward.  Choose from our Basic Package or select many professional à la carte services that target what you need, when you need it.  No worries – if you’re in need of editing, typing, proofreading, graphic design work or copyrighting services – whether you need our complete services or just one, we’re here to lend a hand and ease your frustrations.  Check out our cost-effective pricing!  Once your book is ready for print, we obtain the best price possible for clients from our established vendors. As an estimate of printing costs, a 250-page book with 500 copies printed, costs approximately $5.50 per copy.

  • What is the minimum number of books that I can have printed?

There is no minimum run; however, printers operate on the “more is less” premise – the more books you print, the less it costs.  Most printers have their most economical run at 500.  Therefore, Mystic Publishers recommends the minimum print of 500.

  • Can Mystic Publishers assist me with publicity?

Absolutely! We can assist you with a Marketing Package, or with single services, such as designing postcards or bookmarks, writing press releases, helping you line up speaking engagements or participate in local conferences, and securing book signing events.  You decide where you need Mystic Publishers’ expertise!

  • What size books are available for publishing?

Mystic Publishers offers two standard book sizes: 5x8 and 6x9. However, we can handle other sizes on special request.  Just ask us.

  • What book cover options does Mystic Publishers offer?

Authors have the choice of either paperback or hardback editions.  This decision is often made based on criteria such as: type or size of book, budget, and personal preferences.  In addition costs of the cover are also affected by the author’s choice of a two color or four color process.

  • How do I copyright my book with the Library of Congress?

Mystic Publishers provides this service as part of our Basic Package or as an à la carte service.  By copywriting your book, you protect the text, photographs, drawings and maps. You cannot copyright a book title, names or short phrases. Filing with the Copyright Office establishes a public record of your copyright claim. One copy (1)  of the raw manuscript, or two (2) copies of your completed book are required for registration. You may file for copyright yourself, if you would like, at www.copyright.gov.

  • Can Mystic Publishers provide me with an ISBN number?

Yes! An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is the 10-digit number found on the back of a book.  It identifies both the publisher and book title.  This number, along with a bar code, is necessary as it assists booksellers in the ordering, pricing and inventory tracking processes. Also, if your book will be marketed through major bookstores and/or franchised retail shops, this information is required. You may purchase an ISBN from Mystic Publishers.  Because we hold a stock of ISBNs, you receive the number immediately. The ISBN is registered to Mystic Publishers, but it is not necessary for our name to be incorporated into the ISBN graphic that is generated for you.  Of course, you always have the option of filing yourself online at www.isbn.com. Be prepared for a 2-3 week waiting period.

  • Do I retain the ownership rights to my book?

Absolutely!  You, and you only, retain the ownership rights to your book!  That’s the advantage of self-publishing.  Minus your preparation and printing costs, you retain everything from the sales of your book.

  • What are Mystic Publishers’ submission requirements?

Authors can easily comply with our submission requirements. We accept manuscripts in several different formats, but we encourage authors to use MS Word.  This guideline and others minimize the manuscript-to-book timeframe and costs.

  • How can I submit my manuscript to Mystic Publishers?

Manuscripts are accepted electronically or on disk or CD-ROM.  Initial submissions for review can be submitted hard copy (paper manuscripts); however, a soft copy (MS Word document) does eventually need to be created.  If you do not have access to a computer, Mystic Publishers provides this service for an hourly charge.

  • How is my book price established?

You set the price!  That’s right. The best way to make your book marketable is to compare books that are similar to yours. Check the bookstores for books in the same genre, similar content, and with the same amount of pages. This research is key to competing with other works on the market.

  • How do I get started with Mystic Publishers?

It’s as easy as 1-2-3 – that’s how many steps are required (sometimes, only 2 steps)!  Read on!

Step #1:           Submit three (3) chapters of your manuscript to us for review.
A Mystic Publishers’ representative will confirm receipt.

Step #2            Our experienced staff reviews your manuscript and determines if it is ready for printing. If your manuscript is found to be ready for print, our Author Relations Representative will contact you and advise you that our Submission Agreement is being sent to you. If your work is not ready, it is returned to you with a recommendation to have it edited.  Mystic Publishers works with a number of professional, experienced and fair-priced editors who can complete this task painlessly for you.  It is not required that our editors review your work. You may also choose an independent editing service.  Once your professional editing is completed, re-submit us your three (3) chapters, and our Submission Agreement is sent to you!

Step #3:           Complete the Mystic Publishers’ Submission Agreement which
covers the basics such as author information, service options and pricing, payment methods, galley options and more. Upon
completion, send it back, and we’ll get rolling!

  • Can Mystic Publishers provide qualified professionals for proofreading, copyediting, formatting, graphic arts and other needed services?

We sure can! Take a look at our listing of à la carte services.  Mystic Publishers can match your project with just the right professional who can flawlessly execute these services for you.  Remember – our skilled staff sees your manuscript through “fresh eyes” and can offer significant improvements with their talents, while still maintaining the author’s  voice.

  • What specific areas are covered in your editing services?

Quality editing is critical for a well-written and well-presented finished product.
Done by an editor with the proper expertise, this piece can save significant time and money.  Pinpointing and fixing errors at the earliest point of discovery eliminates problems and waste that may occur further into the publishing process.  Editing encompasses sentence structure, noun/verb agreement, wordiness,  organization /content, fact checking or clarity of text, etc.

  • How can I be certain that my personal information and manuscript are handled with confidentiality?

Trust is very important to Mystic Publishers.  We highly value our clients’ privacy and therefore, place great importance on protecting your intellectual property, personal information, and our author-publisher conversations.  You can entrust us with your work and know that it will remain confidential at all times.

  • What is the Mystic Publishers’ standard timeline for publishing a book?

After formatting and galley signoff the author will receive a proof copy for approval.  Once the proof copy is signed off, on the turn around time should be Two (2) to four (4) weeks

  • How can I track the progress of my manuscript once I begin working with Mystic Publishers?

Each author will have a logon to a personal page.  Here the current status of their manuscript and account will be displayed.
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