FAQ´s

Is there an age limit or does your age not matter when trying to publish your book?

When a submission is made to Libros International, it is judges on it's content, and the personal details of the author have very little to do with the decision on whether to publish or not. So, no, there is no age limit.

Under what circumstances do writers choose to use a pen name?

If a writer is called Ivor Littleone or Johnny Crap or R Sole we may advise them to change to a pen name. Also, there may also be another writer out there with the same name. It's really down to the author's personal taste.
If a book is written about a true life experience we need to know every last detail so as not to flirt with the libel laws. In some cases even changing the names isn't enough.

Does a Libros book have to sell a minimum number of copies to remain on the company's lists?

No, the Libros authors do not have to sell a minimum number to remain in circulation. However if a book is selling few copies we may decide not to renew distribution fees.

Does the Libros author receive royalties for every book sold?

No royalties are payable on discounted or promotional copies, as stated in the author's contract.

What percentage of manuscripts received and read by Libros are accepted for publication?

On average Libros International accept about 5% of manuscripts submitted. There is no monthly quota or other such restrictions. If a manuscript has had good reviews from our readers and it fulfills all of the criteria set by the directors, then it is accepted.

Do you pay advances to author's?

Unknown authors are rarely able to secure advances. Libros International do not currently make advances to any authors.

What sort of material should I have on my author website?

Firstly do not try to combine your author website with websites detailing other activities such as your business, courses you might run (unless they are relevant) etc. Your author website should be just that and only that, a website about the books you have written and a little about you. Trying to combine this with other material just looks unprofessional.

Your website should include a synopsis of all your books, pictures of the bookcovers, ISBN numbers, a printable list of all your books' details. You will need to include some biographical material and a good quality photo. For some great tips on websites, have a look at this link http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2007/05/11/top-10-peeves-from-booksellers-and-readers-about-author-websites/

If you can think of any novel ideas for your website, it will help to make it more memorable. Have a look at Miranda July's website, this one has been passed on to many people and posted on other sites because it's different. http://www.noonebelongsheremorethanyou.com/

What can I be doing once my book has been accepted?

Our publicity and marketing department will contact you when your book has been edited, to put in place a marketing plan.

In the meantime you will need to work on a brief synopsis and a biography of about 100 words for each. These will be used on the book cover and for marketing purposes. Since this is one of your sales tools, the synopsis in particular, needs to make people want to read the book, it's worth spending a bit of time choosing your words carefully.

You should also be focusing on your website, another of your marketing tools. You will need to select a webmaster to design your site if you do not have the necessary skills yourself. You will then need to produce the content for the site which your webmaster can then cut and paste onto the site. It is worth getting a good quality photo, both for your book cover and the website.

What happens to my book once it has been accepted?

An editor will be assigned to the author. Once finished the manuscript is passed to a quality controller then our book cover designers. A final proof is ordered and then the proof is read again. Only then does it pass to the Partners Panel who may make any final adjustments. The book is then sent to the printer.

How long does it take to publish a book once it has been accepted?

The publishing industry averages around eighteen months from the point at which the book is accepted for publication. Libros International generally publishes within 12 months from the date on the contract of publication.

 

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