Our Process

Submission

  • We invite writers intrigued by the possibility of collaborating with us to submit a sample of their work initially. Our Core Editorial Group (CEG) evaluates the sample considering its potential appeal and marketability. If we perceive the work as promising, the author will be invited to submit the complete manuscript for further review. If the sample doesn't meet our expectations, the CEG provides constructive feedback.

  • Upon receipt of the full manuscript, it undergoes a thorough review by the CEG. Various factors guide this assessment, including the content's originality, style, potential editing needs, and its inherent potential.

  • Following the comprehensive manuscript assessment, the CEG determines if a publishing contract should be offered. If affirmative, a subsequent decision involves determining the contract type, which could be a traditional agreement where we bear all costs or a hybrid contract where the author contributes towards the upfront costs in exchange for higher royalties. Successful authors are then offered their respective contracts.

  • Once an author elects to proceed with the publication and returns the signed contract, all details are transferred to the production department to commence work on the book. Each author is assigned a dedicated production coordinator within the department to ensure a seamless process.

Production

  • Commencing with the raw manuscript, each book undergoes a meticulous process we call "The Works". This process could entail minor alterations like eliminating extra spaces, or more intricate adjustments such as creating a unique aesthetic using specialized fonts and layout styles.

  • If the manuscript includes images or photographs, these are fine-tuned to guarantee high print quality, and we ensure that all necessary copyright clearances have been procured.

  • The formatted manuscript then transitions to the proofreading stage, where it is scrupulously reviewed to rectify any factual errors, typos, or grammatical discrepancies. Significant editorial suggestions are referred back to the author. Once the author and their production coordinator finalize the edits and amendments, the book is prepped for printing.

Marketing

  • In contrast to the submission and production phases, marketing is a more fluid process. It incorporates various strategies that can be tailored to promote a book optimally.

  • Marketing commences pre-publication with an internal strategy meeting. We devise a comprehensive, flexible marketing plan based on the book's unique attributes and its parallelism with works in similar genres. We continue to monitor the book's performance post-publication, adapting our strategies based on its sales dynamics.

  • Authors are encouraged to contribute to their book's promotion, especially at the local level. We liaise with bookshops, libraries, media outlets proximate to the author's location, arranging news stories, interviews, and events such as book signings.

Royalties

  • Royalties derived from book sales are disbursed to authors on a triannual to biannual basis. This allows for the accumulation of accurate and comprehensive sales data. Alongside their royalties, authors receive a detailed statement outlining the number of copies sold and the outlets facilitating these purchases.

The SugarCane Opportunity

Why complete it alone when we can do it together?

The journey to self-publishing, while rewarding for some authors, can often be strewn with challenges. Many authors who opt for self-publishing services like CreateSpace often grapple with the creation of eye-catching book covers, meticulous book designs, or securing professional editing. This can result in a final product that does not reflect the high standard of quality they initially envisioned.

Moreover, once the labor-intensive process of self-publishing is completed, authors often find the road ahead more complex than anticipated. They may be unsure about the next steps: How to promote their books and propel their writing careers forward? Where to access industry-specific education that meets their unique needs?

At SugarCane Publishing, we offer a premier opportunity for authors to have their diverse narratives, characters, and writing handled with the utmost respect by a team of seasoned professionals who are as varied and multifaceted as the stories they nurture. Our team approaches each work entrusted to us with an understanding of its inherent uniqueness, and a commitment to preserving the author's distinctive voice. We call this unique commitment the SugarCane Opportunity.

Our authors are provided with ample opportunities and partnerships to interact with our editorial and design teams, enabling the transformation of their manuscripts into polished works of art. Regardless of whether your book is a traditional or a hybrid publishing project, our dedication to offering a personalized and inclusive publishing experience remains steadfast.

Do you only publish work from minority authors?

While we prioritize voices that have been traditionally underrepresented, our inclusivity extends beyond minority authors. We are dedicated to highlighting authors, characters, artists, illustrators, and others who aren't often featured prominently in mainstream media. This could include people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, people from different backgrounds, or even those who might hail from other worlds (we're looking at you, Time Lords).

Essentially, if you believe you have a voice that deserves to be heard, we're here to listen.


How involved will I be in the process?

You'll be involved at every step.

Each milestone requires your input. Our goal is to execute your vision for your book and develop a marketing plan tailored to you and your book's potential.

Remember, you are the brand. Your book's success depends on audiences understanding who you are and what you're capable of. Every marketing strategy we create will be centered on you and will align with our shared vision for your brand, leveraging our industry expertise.

Open communication is the key to a fruitful business partnership.


If I am offered a partnership deal, what will the costs look like?

Here comes the classic answer: it depends.

We can't provide a set number because each book is unique. For instance, a 90,000-word manuscript with great potential might require developmental editing that could cost around $2,000. On the other hand, a polished 75,000-word manuscript might only need light copy-editing, which could be around $400. We aim to provide the services you need, and our expert team ensures we get the best quality at the best prices.

Your vision for your book and brand also influences the cost. If you want a quieter, steady sales approach, that's one thing. If you aim to be a prominent personality with numerous interviews, appearances, red-carpet events, and more, that's another.

In essence, the keyword is CUSTOMIZATION. We treat you as an individual, not a package deal!

Remember, we don't profit from polishing your work and building your brand. Our primary goal is to sell books! As partners, you will always understand where the money is going and the reasoning behind it. As mentioned, you are at the center, and nothing moves forward without your approval.