Co-publishing has been around for a long time.  In years past an author, outside investor, and publisher would all work together. The author would produce the manuscript and the publisher would manufacture, market, and distribute the book. The local investor would provide some or all of the funds for the project, getting additional advertisement in the community and a strong investment return.

Today, this method still exists, but sometimes the co-publishing agreements are strictly between the publisher and author (as is the case with 5 Fold Media, LLC).  This creates a solid relationship between the publisher and author similar to two people taking a journey together.  In the co-publishing approach, the author does not have to walk alone like they would if they were self-publishing.  In this more modern approach (without an outside investor) the publisher typically has the author cover the manufacturing cost of the books upfront, and will also purchase books for their own interest or resale from the publisher.  In return, the publisher will typically give the author a strong percent back on each book sold through the distributions along with a stronger marketing approach one would not normally receive through a self publishing program. There are many variables with co-publishing as each author, book, publisher, and marketing strategy is different. 

As for 5 Fold Media, we are a co-publisher, but we do not use outside invested funds to complete the book manufacturing cost.  We invest into our author's books within our publishing company, creating many unique and additional attributes to each project- blessing every author that comes through our press. In our co-publishing agreement, the author will purchase an initial amount of books, agreed upon in the contract, at a greatly reduced rate. Through an additional order, not related to the author's first press run, 5 Fold Media, LLC will also order books to be sold through trade, ministry, and media venues. We will give a royalty percent on the books and E-books we sell through our own efforts back to the author. We screen our authors and review every manuscript, allowing roughly 15% of all potential authors through our press. We serve a creative God and believe strongly in His creative gifts.  We want our authors to walk side-by-side with us, more like a journey through life and not just a book project number.

2 Main Costs in Book Publishing

Regardless of how your book is packaged, there are two main types of fees in book publishing.  No matter what company you decide to go with, someone will have to cover these two main expenses.  In this day and with this type of economy, it is pretty standard now for the publisher to ask for these two costs either upfront or through the duration of the manufacturing of the book. In our case, we offer no-interest payments to help the author by spreading out the expenses over time.

Here are the two main costs in book publications:

1. Manufacturing Cost:
(This includes graphic design, ISBN, barcode, edit, proofreading, typesetting, formatting, layout, template set up, review, back cover writings, logos, page numbers, manual labor, and much more.)

The manufacturing cost is the exact price it takes to create (manufacture) your book from the ground up.  This can only be determined by the publisher reviewing the book.  Every book is different, and no two authors are the same. Because of this, each book is packaged in its own unique way. One book may need a lot of graphic work and major editing. Another might need more work in layout or formatting. In many cases, the book will need a complete overhaul.  When the author submits the completed manuscript to a publisher, it is just the beginning of the manufacturing process.  What was presented to the publisher at the beginning is normally completely different than what it looks like at the final manufacturing phase.  I like to tell authors that creating a book is just like building a home. It is very detailed, and to be done right can take almost as long.

The manufacturing cost also involves paying various fees and workers. In any manufacturing situation there is always the cost of technology and paying people. These funds have to come from somewhere, and it is normally from the author.  This is the most expensive part of making a book, and is the one phase that the author should not allow any corners to be cut in. A solid edit (which is costly) and a brilliant cover design will propel the book project to a whole new level.

2. Printing Cost:
(This includes setup fees, paper cost-depending on size and grade of paper, ink, digital template setup, machine overhead expenses, manual labor to print, distribution set up, and shipping.)  

This cost is often set by fewer items and is normally the lesser of the two expenses, depending on how many books the author is wanting. Again, people are also involved here that work full time and for a living. They too have to pay bills, feed their families, and live. I tell people that even if a blank piece of paper is moved in the printing industry from one location to the next, someone has to get paid and therefore someone has to get charged. This is the truth. 

Here, the author picks the amount of books to be printed and where the books will be shipped to. This is what makes all the difference. Printing 100,000 books that are shipped to China will cost much more than printing 10,000 books and shipping within the USA. There are a few other factors that play a role in cost here. One is whether the inside of the book will have color paper or color images compared to black and white. When one picks color for any aspect of the inside, even if it is one color picture on the inside, the price goes up per book. Another factor in the printing price is how many pages the book has. If the book is 150 pages, it will be far less than a book that has over 400 pages. Last but not least, the page size and layout of the actual book impacts the price per unit. Standard adult books are normally in a 6x9 format or a 5.5X8.5. We prefer the 6x9 for books in the USA. If the author chooses to go a margin book size of 8.5 x 11, then the cost immediately increases. 

When the book is done, then shipping fees are taken into consideration. The weight of the book and quantity of books ordered will determine the shipping price. 

Keep all this in mind as you prepare for your next step in the publishing process. If you have any questions, feel free to email me directly at publisher@5foldmedia.com.

9 Main misconceptions of publishing a book:

1. Writing to “get some extra cash.” Or “I can use the income right now.” There are few people in this world that actually turn a livable income off of book writing. Getting people to buy your book is very hard sometimes regardless of content. Just because it sits in a bookstore or famous online webstore, does not mean people will buy it. Millions of books are pulled from the shelves each year because they did not sell more than a hundred copies.
   
   
2. “The Publishers will do all the work for me.”
   Both self & traditional publishers will strongly depend on your written manuscript being nearly or totally complete. Additional changes normally add additional fees. Regardless of what type of publisher, you will still be marketing yourself and book.
   
   
3. "Once the book is done, I am home-free."
   Getting the book done is just step one. What you do after the book is completed is what is most important. How you market and distribute it is the key.

4. "I’ll have people, publishers, churches, venues, booking agents, sellers, authors, TV & radio companies knocking at my door in no time."
   Most say that it takes about 10 years of writing many long hard hours to even become established as a great author. You will have to put a lot of effort in promotions & marketing yourself and your book regardless of the publisher you go through.

5. "Here come the royalty checks!"
   Most of the Publishers pay out very small royalties (3-5%) for first time authors on a semi & bi-annually term. At best, you might be blessed to find a Publisher that pays out royalties quarterly.

6. "Once I submit my manuscript to the Publisher, I am finally done."
   Regardless of what kind of Publisher you go through, you will more than likely be asked to rewrite & spell check several sections of your book over and over again. It is the joy of becoming a real author.

7. "The cheaper the better. Besides, they’re a Christian company!”
   In the publishing industry you get what you pay for. Just like the car industry, a BMW is a better designed vehicle than a lower grade Chrysler model. This is just like the publishing industry. If the price is cut, then something in your book was cut too.

8. "In a few weeks I will have my book finished."
   It is recommended that you give a complete year to writing your book, then several months for getting it published. Most Authors want their books done yesterday or tomorrow. Learn this and learn this well: “You cannot rush the Holy Spirit and you certainly cannot rush creativity.” Be patient and enjoy the process. Reality is: writing a book is a long journey.
   
   
9. "I don’t have money for my book but I think the Publisher will cover the cost for me."
   In the publishing industry, there are many costs. Rarely in this day and age will a publisher give an author a fully covered contract, particularly a first-time author.