13 Comments
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Daniel M. Bensen's avatar

This is a very charming idea. Who does your printing?

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Winston Malone's avatar

Thanks! I’m experimenting with different printers. IngramSpark will do paperback and ebook (for access to physical stores), while I’m looking at 48 Hour Books for my US-based hardcover printing.

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Daniel M. Bensen's avatar

I’ve heard of IngramSpark. How do you like working with them?

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Sandra's avatar

I loved the last book box and look forward to this working out for everyone and much success.

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Winston Malone's avatar

Thank you, Sandra! You've been a supporter from the beginning. I can't thank you enough.

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Reina Cruz's avatar

This is such a cool idea! I love the community of indie authors that your boxes aim to create, your support for independent publishing. I'm joining to support and watch how this process goes.

I'm wondering what are the key issues you're addresses to separate yourself from traditional publishing? Are authors supporting in the cost? Do the authors in the anthology become a publishing team working together?

Also, totally just a question I'm curious about, how do you select what is included in the box?

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Reina Cruz's avatar

So I read up on your website and may have gotten most of an answer to my question. Your difference from traditional publishing is your commitement to community, a community that includes readers and writers. I love it!!

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Winston Malone's avatar

Hey Reina, thank you for your support! Yes, I'm building a community of writers and readers here, at the Lunar Awards, and in our Discord. It's slow going because we're establishing ourselves, but each subscriber brings us closer to our goal.

The key factors that separate me from trad pub are the direct connection with our readers via the newsletter (Substack), the level of control I offer my authors in creating their books, and the competitive royalty rate. I also do not own the copyrights to my authors' work, only the version of the book that I publish. They can republish if they find that my work is unsatisfactory.

Right now, I don't have a system to manage royalty payouts for anthologies, but it's something I'm interested in. I pay authors featured in anthologies up front, and my rate will increase based on paid subscriber count. Since I'm still a small press, these payouts aren't life-changing, but they aren't insignificant either. To answer your question, I consider the anthology authors equals, and it really is a team effort to get the book out there in front of more eyes.

The XPress Book Box contents are determined by considering cost and size. The current version of the box is 7x10x4, so it fits a 6x9 hardcover and a few other things like bookmarks, Thank You cards, pens, and that sort of stuff. I'd love to vary the merchandise in the box, but it comes down to the cost to produce and ship it that makes that determination.

Great questions! Let me know if you have any others, and I'd be happy to answer. And thanks again for your subscription!

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Reina Cruz's avatar

So cool! Love the work you're doing

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Bruce Landay's avatar

Good luck and I wish you great success! It’s nice to see new outlets for authors, especially those with a small audience. I’m sure it will bring back the joy and possibility for publication we all seek.

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Winston Malone's avatar

I hope so, Bruce! Thank you for the good luck and well wishes. Here’s to new pathways for authors in the new age of publishing!

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Lyndsey Resnick's avatar

This is a great idea! I wish you amazing success, Winston.

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Winston Malone's avatar

Thank you, Lyndsey!

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