Small Press Publishing

Bearhead Publishing LLC is a “Small Press Publisher.” That means our operating practices allow the new author to retain their copyright and publishing rights as well as have full control over the whole publishing process and approval of the finished project. We can help you get to market faster!

What is small press publishing?

Taking a completed manuscript from words, pages on a disk or computer and converting that manuscript into a hard copy book and a digital E-book for avid readers to enjoy and clamor for more of. Having the books available in four to six weeks versus over a year OR NEVER as can be the case with a traditional publisher, who will own your copyright and publishing rights. Small Press publishing allows the new author to retain their copyright and publishing rights and have full control over the whole publishing process and approval of the finished project.

Who is it for?

Aspiring new authors that have a completed, edited, manuscript that is as clear of errors as possible. The manuscript needs to be something that Bearhead Publishing deems marketable. Unlike vanity publishers, we do not publish just anything.

Why would I choose this?

To avoid to “Dear Author” computer-generated, form letters from the “Big” publishing houses and agents. Bearhead Publishing personally responds to every query that we receive. We do not just send form letters. And whenever possible, we will work with an author so that they can get their manuscript into the marketplace.

To get your manuscript in the marketplace in four to six weeks versus a year and a half OR NEVER. If a Tier One, traditional publisher purchases the rights to a new author’s manuscript, they do not have to ever publish the book if they don’t want to. If a contract is signed between Bearhead Publishing and the new author, the book is guaranteed to be in the marketplace in four to six weeks or earlier, and Bearhead Publishing deals personally with the author every step of the way.

To keep the rights to your copyright and publishing rights. Traditional publishers take both from the new author, which means they have the right to modify the book in any way they see fit. What started out as your manuscript may become a shell of what you wrote once they are done with it. Bearhead Publishing has a following of readers that are looking for fresh, new talent and different reads. They are tired of the same old, cookie-cutter thing over and over from the Tier One publishers.

We have one of the best royalty splits in the publishing industry: 50% to start. Our power selling new authors are well rewarded!

We charge reasonable rates to transform your manuscript from a pile of paper or a large computer file into a tangible book and digital E-book.

How do you charge?

Half of the agreed upon amount is due upon signing of the contract, unless other arrangements have been made between Bearhead Publishing and the new author.

The other half of the agreed upon amount is due upon acceptance of the proof by the new author and before their initial order of books is placed.

When do I contact a small press publisher?

Ideally, we prefer that authors contact us when they have a manuscript completed. But Bearhead Publishing works with authors at varying stages during their writing process. As I mentioned earlier, we even give talks to writers’ groups and we have been known to go to middle schools and high schools to talk to young aspiring authors.

What does the process involve?

At the very beginning, we make sure that all new authors understand the particulars of having their manuscript published. After that, a publishing contract is signed that spells out, in plain English, who is responsible for what and details the rights and responsibilities of each person. A book order form is also signed that spells out the details of the order.

Once both contracts are signed, the completed manuscript is received from the new author by Bearhead Publishing on a disk or flash drive. A PDF file of the text block of the book is created and provided to the new author for their review. The author is to extensively look over this text block and advise Bearhead Publishing of any, and all, changes that they would like to see. The PDF file of the text file goes back and forth, via e-mail, between the new author and Bearhead Publishing until the author gives Bearhead Publishing a thumbs up that the text block is ready to be accepted by the printer. Once again, as you can see, the author is fully involved in the publishing process.

A PDF of the cover for the book is also provided to the new author for their review and approval for the printer. Once this is approved as well as the text block, then both printer ready files are sent to the printer. And their text block is also processed for E-book conversion.

A proof copy of the book is generated by Bearhead Publishing’s world class printer, and mailed to Bearhead Publishing for their approval. Once Bearhead Publishing has approved the proof copy, whenever possible we sit down one-on-one with the new author and provide them with tissues as their emotions take over as we put their first actual book into their eager hands.

Once the proof is approved by the new author, the agreed upon (as per the book order form) number of books is shipped to them from the printer.

Bearhead Publishing uploads the hard and E-pub formats to Ingram distributing, so that the books and digital file is available all over North America for distribution. Bearhead Publishing also uploads the Kindle file to Amazon so that it is available for their electronic book reader.

Next, the Marketing begins. PDFs of the front and back of the author’s bookmarks are also sent to them before their books are ordered, and once they sign off on them, then the bookmarks are printed and shipped to the author. This is their biggest marketing tool, other than themselves.

Bearhead Publishing works one-on-one with the author to help maximize their marketing efforts. Ninety percent of the marketing is the author’s responsibility. No publishing company worth their salt can guarantee the success of any new author. The marketplace will determine the success of any new book. So Bearhead publishing will offer various tools and sage advice about getting your new book out into the marketplace, but ultimately, an author’s success depends on the marketplace and the efforts the author is willing to put forth.

The Author receives sales reports/royalty checks on a quarterly basis on all hard copy and E-book sales that are generated.