Our publishing process

You’ve done the hard part... You’ve written a book. Your book.

We understand that a manuscript represents much more than just a collection of words and tales. What is laying on your desk is the product of hundreds of head scratches and endless cups of coffee (or tea) and those noble grins when you write those lines you’re so proud of.

Top tip

Get your friends and family to review your work once you have finished writing and improve it as necessary before sending your work to us.

The Submissions Editor reviews your submission to ensure that your manuscript is complete, and that we have all the information we need. The manuscript is then handed over to the editorial team for editorial review.

Our editors are looking for a page-turner; something original and unique. A work with potential to appeal to a wide array of readers. Editorial review also takes styling, spelling and grammatical consistency into account, so make sure you proof your work before sending it to us. This review process can take up to 6 weeks.

Top tip

Be patient during the review process, we always get back to all submissions and let you know our decision.

If our editors like what they read, you will be contacted with an offer of publication. On signing the publishing contract you’ve become part of the Olympia family – Congratulations! This is where it all begins. Your manuscript is now handed over to your dedicated production coordinator. You’ll be working with them to finalise ideas for your blurb, acknowledgments, illustrations if necessary as well as other key points. This is where we start to bring your book to life.

Top tip

In the next stage of producing the book, patience and cooperation is key as it can take few months to get your book ready.

You shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover. But let’s be honest, we do. This is why we work so closely with our graphics designers on creating dazzling covers. Yourself and the production team work on a cover idea, when the idea is finalised, the graphics designer will work to create sample covers which will be sent for your approval. Once both parties are happy, the cover is finalised.

Top tip

Simple covers are often more attractive.

Pages are being transformed into a book. Next, your raw manuscript will be formatted transforming it into a book layout. Text type for the book will be selected based on various factors such as the genre of the book. Details such as book size will also be confirmed to prepare your book for the proofing stage.

Top tip

Whilst your book is in production, use this time to perhaps work on your next book. Producing your book can take up to a year.

Did you know that spelling mistakes are one of the most irritating errors for a reader? So, we’ll be taking extra care of that almost straight away with intense proofing. Patience is a virtue during this stage of producing the book. Good things take time and care. Your manuscript is proofed and corrections, edits and changes are suggested. The first version is sent to you for approval.

This process is repeated until we are both happy with the changes put forward. Following this, your book is prepared for printing and you’ll be contacted by your dedicated publicist. Soon it is time to let the world know about your book.

Top tip

Perfect time to get a few portraits clicked of yourself. These will be used to promote you and your book.

Your publicist will get in touch with you with a provisional publication date and will look beneath the story to find out what makes your book special and most importantly create a promotional plan before entering the ever-changing, ever-expanding book market. Press releases are created, marketing material is finalised, distributors such as Gardners and Nielsens are sent your book information so it is available to order. Your publicist will also work their magic in contacting specialist, independent and well-known bookshops and media outlets where your book can be promoted.

Top tip

The more you are actively involved in promotions the better the success of your book.

Your book is published and publicity continues. Your publicist will work hard at spreading the word for your book by sending review copies to trusted network of bloggers and reviewers, book awards are considered, libraries and schools are approached, if relevant and social media campaigns are in full swing.

We have many rich relationships with media outlets, independent bookshops, printers, distributors, book reviewers, radio stations and journalist which sets us aside from others. However, your publicist's most valued asset of promoting your book is yourself as the author.

The more you are actively involved the better the success of your book.

Top tip

You can use your own social media channels to engage and connect with your readers and fans. You can also start a blog to promote your book.

By this time your book will have arrived in our warehouse and we delve into the digital elements of promotions. An eBook is also designed and created, banners and promotional videos are brought to life and the social media campaigns are kick-started! The complimentary copies will also be sent to you.

Get ready to capture one of the most memorable times of your life - as many authors will confirm, there’s nothing that compares to the feeling of holding your book for the first time.

Top tip

The more you are actively involved in promotions the better the success of your book.

You can look forward to royalties update every 6 months.

Reviews from your readers is always a joy and reward of its own. Rising opportunities that come hand-in-hand with being a published author with an independent publishing house behind them.

What started as an idea now has a life of it’s own– and this, is only the beginning!

Top tip

Enjoy and treasure the moment of holding your book for the first time. Often this is our authors most memorable moment of their publishing journey.