Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question not listed here? Go ahead and ask us.
1. What are your guidelines for manuscript submission?
Before submitting a manuscript to Liberty University Press for consideration, please format your manuscript using our sample interior and fill out an author proposal. Email your manuscript and author proposal to libertyuniversitypress@liberty.edu. Once we receive your manuscript, it will be reviewed by our production team to see if it meets Liberty University Press quality and content standards. From there, we research the market to see if there is an audience for your book. After passing the production team review and market research criteria, an acceptance or rejection letter will be sent to you. If accepted, the letter will come with a contract.
This process typically takes several months.
2. Could you tell me about copyrighting my material?
For the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding copyright laws and guidelines, visit the U.S. government’s official copyright website.
3. What is an International Standard Book Number (ISBN)?
The ISBN is a 13-digit number (formerly 10 digits) that uniquely identifies books and related media published internationally. The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, universities, wholesalers and distributors. To learn more about the ISBN, visit the official ISBN website.
4. How do I put together a good proposal?
Be clear, respectful, articulate, and to the point. You would be surprised how poorly presented (and poorly written) many proposals are. This is your sales presentation. Make every effort to capture the buyer's interest as quickly as possible, and hold it for as long as you can. How your proposal looks and how professionally it is presented is critical to shaping the attitude with which your proposal will be viewed. As a general rule, you should include the following:
- A one-page cover letter
- An introduction that sells your idea in two pages or less. Pretend that you are writing the publisher's catalog copy for them — tell them what the book is about, what makes it unique, what the market is for your book and how to reach it. The more concrete you are, the more convinced the buyer will be.
- A table of contents — annotated if necessary — to give an overview of your book.
- Enough sample material to give your buyer an idea of what your book is like and whether they want to publish it.
- Information about the author — what makes you the right person to do this book?
- Marketing information and plans. How can you help sell this book, what special places and ways can it be sold, and what special ways can it be promoted?
5. Do I need an agent?
No. Your chances of selling a book are as good without an agent as with one. Good book proposals get sold no matter who does the selling.
6. How much do agents charge?
This varies from agent to agent. Typically, agents receive a 15 percent commission on the books they sell and everything relating to that book, such as excerpted magazine articles, audio tapes and films (but not speeches and personal appearances). A small number of agents charge a reading fee just for looking at your work. Many literary agencies charge for long-distance phone calls, photocopying, messenger services and other incidental expenses made on the author's behalf. Ask about these fees before you work with an agent. Sometimes agents bill authors directly for these expenses, and sometimes these charges are deducted from the author’s royalties. Other agents don't always charge a commission. Instead, they review and market your proposal on an hourly fee basis, charging you regardless of whether they sell your proposal or not. Most literary agencies also receive a 20 percent commission on foreign sales because they have to give a portion of the commission to the overseas agent. Some agents are also “book packagers,” agents who develop book ideas and put the idea (in the form of a proposal) together with a writer and publisher. For this, these agents can receive up to a 50 percent commission.
7. Who is your distributor?
We work with Ingram Content Group Inc., the world's largest and most trusted distributor of physical and digital content. Ingram provides books, music and media content to over 38,000 retailers, libraries, schools and distribution partners in 195 countries.
Liberty University Press cannot pursue other distribution channels on your behalf.
8. Where will my book made available after publication?
All books are made available on Amazon.com and the Barnes & Noble website, and are displayed on the Liberty University Press website. Ebooks are also made available on iTunes. Additionally, books are stocked through a prominent distributor which accommodates thousands of bookstores in the U.S. and around the world.
9. Can local bookstores order and stock my book?
Yes. Your local bookstores can order through our distributor (Ingram Content Group) or directly through Liberty University Press.
10. How do authors place a book order for their own book?
If you would like to order additional author copies of your book, you may do so by emailing lupress@liberty.edu. Please include the quantity of books you want to order, along with the address they will be mailed to, and your shipping method of choice (regular/expedited). Payment is required before an order will be placed. You may pay with cash, check, or credit/debit card.
PLEASE NOTE: Authors may not contact the printer directly about book orders.
11. How long does it take to receive a book order in the mail?
Book orders take 3-10 days to process and print at the printer, and then another 1-2 weeks to ship. Expedited shipping is available for purchase if you need the books in a faster timeline. Liberty University Press cannot guarantee the timeline in which book orders will arrive.
PLEASE NOTE: All orders must be mailed. You cannot pick books up directly from the printer. Orders shipped to a PO Box will accrue extra shipping charges due to printer restrictions.
12. Can I meet with an editor or staff member before I sign a contract?
Due to workload restrictions our staff members are not available to meet un-signed authors.
