What Makes a Book Ready for Publication?
Ready doesn't mean perfect. But it does mean something specific. Here's what Making Sense Press looks for when evaluating whether a manuscript is ready to publish.
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Notes from the Press
Publishing insights and perspectives on the writing life — for authors navigating the path from manuscript to finished book.
What Happens After Making Sense Press Accepts Your Book?
Acceptance is the beginning, not the end. Here's what the path from approved manuscript to published book actually looks like at Making Sense Press.
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What It Means to Be a Founding Author at Making Sense Press
The Founding Author designation isn't a marketing label. It's a record of who was here first — and what that means for the authors who earn it.
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Why Making Sense Press Doesn't Force Authors Into Expensive Bundled Packages
Some publishing services bundle dozens of services together and charge thousands of dollars whether you need them or not. Making Sense Press takes a different approach — and here's why.
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Do You Need a Publisher If You Can Upload Your Book to Amazon Yourself?
Amazon KDP makes it technically possible for anyone to publish a book. So why would an author choose to work with a publisher? The answer depends on what you're actually trying to accomplish.
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What Authors Should Know Before Publishing on Amazon KDP
Amazon KDP is a powerful tool. It's also widely misunderstood. Here's what authors should actually know before deciding whether to use it — and what it won't do for you.
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Can You Use AI to Help Create or Publish a Book?
AI tools are increasingly part of how authors work. Here's an honest look at where they can help, where they fall short, and what Making Sense Press's position is on AI-assisted work.
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How to Choose the Right Publishing Path for Your Book
Traditional publishing, self-publishing, independent publishing — the options are real, and so are the trade-offs. Here's a practical framework for thinking through which path is right for your book.
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Do You Need an Editor, Formatter, and Cover Designer to Publish a Book?
Technically, no. Practically, yes — if you want a book that looks and reads like a professionally published work. Here's what each role actually does and why it matters.
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What Does an ISBN Actually Do?
An ISBN is one of those publishing details that authors often don't think about until they have to. Here's what it actually does, why it matters, and what your options are.
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How Much Does It Really Cost to Publish a Book?
The cost of publishing a book ranges from nearly nothing to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the path you choose and the quality you're aiming for. Here's an honest breakdown.
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Self-Publishing vs. Working With an Independent Publisher
Self-publishing and independent publishing are often confused — or treated as the same thing. They're not. Here's a clear-eyed look at the real differences and what they mean for your book.
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What Is an Independent Publisher — and Is It Right for You?
The term 'independent publisher' gets used in a lot of different ways. Here's what it actually means, how independent presses differ from traditional and self-publishing, and how to evaluate whether one is right for your book.
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