Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about Red Lead Press print-on-demand publishing — costs, manuscript requirements, ISBN and copyright, royalties and ordering.
Publishing Questions & Answers
How much does it cost to publish with Red Lead Press?
Your total cost for publication is a flat $295. There are no hidden fees or add-ons. The fee covers professional page design, a full-color cover template, copyright registration, an ISBN number, a bar code and print-on-demand distribution.
What do I need to submit with my manuscript?
Your completed book must be saved as one continuous Microsoft Word file containing text only, plus the signed publishing agreement, the completed Basic Author Information form and your payment.
Will Red Lead Press edit or proofread my book?
No. Red Lead Press books are published exactly as submitted — what you provide on disk in Microsoft Word is what gets printed. If your book needs editing or original artwork, consider the RoseDog Books imprint instead.
Can I use my own cover artwork?
No. The Red Lead imprint uses a selection of full-color cover templates personalized with your book’s information. Original cover artwork — whether commissioned or supplied by the author — is not part of this package.
Can my book include photographs, charts, tables or an index?
Red Lead Press publishes text-only manuscripts: the interior cannot contain photographs, illustrations, charts or tables, and we cannot include an index. If your book needs any of these, the RoseDog Books imprint is a better fit.
Do I keep creative control over my book’s content?
Yes. An added benefit of publishing with Red Lead Press is that you maintain creative control: books are published as submitted, without editing or proofreading.
Is copyright, ISBN and bar code included in the $295 fee?
Yes. Copyright registration, an ISBN number and a retail bar code are provided with every Red Lead Press title at no extra cost.
How do readers buy my book?
Through the Red Lead Press online bookstore, through thousands of booksellers nationwide, or by calling our toll-free book ordering line staffed by professional Book Sales Representatives.
How quickly are orders printed and shipped?
Using print-on-demand technology, books are generally printed and shipped to the buyer within forty-eight hours of an order being placed.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment may be made via personal check, money order, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
What if my book needs editing or an original cover design?
We cannot publish such manuscripts via the Red Lead Press imprint, but you may want to consider publication via our RoseDog Books imprint — see Dorrance Publishing’s imprints and services.
How do I get started?
Complete the request form on our Request a Publishing Agreement page. A Red Lead Press publishing agreement will be emailed to you immediately for your consideration.
Still have a question? Contact Red Lead Press by phone, email or mail — we’re glad to help.
Ready to See Your Book in Print?
Request your publishing agreement today — one flat $295 fee, no hidden charges, backed by Dorrance Publishing since 1920.
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