Question 1

Who owns the copyright to my book?

Accepted Answer

You do. Authors retain full copyright ownership of their work. Publishing with Making Sense Press does not transfer your copyright to us.

Question 2

What is an ISBN, and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

An ISBN is the unique identifier used by retailers, libraries, and distributors to catalog and sell books. When Making Sense Press assigns your ISBN, Making Sense Press appears as the publisher of record in retail and library systems.

Question 3

How do royalties work?

Accepted Answer

Keep your royalties. Keep control. Making Sense Press takes 0% of your author royalties. Your retailer or publishing-platform royalties are paid directly to you through your own account. Making Sense Press does not collect, hold, calculate, administer, or distribute your royalties.

Question 4

Can I purchase copies of my own book?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because you manage your own publishing-platform account, you have direct access to author copies at the platform's standard author pricing.

Question 5

How long does the approval process take?

Accepted Answer

Making Sense Press carefully reviews every application. Most applicants can expect a response within approximately 5–10 business days. In many cases, the review may be completed sooner, but additional time may occasionally be needed depending on application volume and scheduling.

Question 6

Do you provide editing or cover design?

Accepted Answer

No. Making Sense Press does not directly provide editing, proofreading, interior formatting, or cover-design services. Authors are responsible for having their manuscript and cover professionally prepared. Depending on the publishing program selected, Making Sense Press may provide guidance, recommendations, or help identifying appropriate independent professionals.

Question 7

Will my book be available on Amazon?

Accepted Answer

Authors manage their own publishing-platform accounts and are responsible for uploading and distributing their books through those platforms.

Question 8

What genres or topics does Making Sense Press accept?

Accepted Answer

Making Sense Press considers a broad range of fiction and nonfiction across many genres, subjects, and perspectives. Books do not need to fit a narrow theme or category to be considered. Mature, difficult, controversial, political, religious, spiritual, sexual, or other sensitive subject matter is not automatically disqualifying. Each book is reviewed individually based on its purpose, context, overall nature, quality, and alignment with Making Sense Press professional and ethical standards.

Question 9

What does the publishing program fee include?

Accepted Answer

Every publishing program includes permission to publish the approved edition under the Making Sense Press imprint, an assigned ISBN, and a listing on the Making Sense Press website.

Question 10

Does Making Sense Press require me to use your editors or designers?

Accepted Answer

No. Making Sense Press does not require authors to purchase editing, proofreading, cover design, or any other production services from us.

Question 11

How much does it cost to publish with Making Sense Press?

Accepted Answer

Making Sense Press offers three publishing-support levels beginning at $795. The Essential program is $795, Guided is $1,495, and Partner is $2,995. Founding Authors receive 20% off.

Question 12

What is the Making Sense Press publishing model?

Accepted Answer

Making Sense Press is a selective independent publishing press. Approved authors publish an accepted edition under the Making Sense Press imprint with applicable ISBN administration while retaining copyright, author control, and direct receipt of their retailer or publishing-platform royalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Keep your royalties. Keep control. Making Sense Press takes 0% of your author royalties.

Review the Agreement Before You Enroll

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