What Happens After Making Sense Press Accepts Your Book?
Getting accepted by a publisher is a milestone. But for many authors, it raises an immediate question: Now what?
The answer depends on the publisher. At Making Sense Press, we want authors to understand the process before they commit to it — not after. Here's what the path from acceptance to publication actually looks like.
Step One: Choosing a Publishing Program
Once a manuscript is approved, the author selects a publishing package that fits their needs and budget. Our programs are designed to be transparent about what's included and what isn't.
We offer three core programs:
Essential is our foundational program, designed for authors who want professional publication under the Making Sense Press imprint with a clear, straightforward process.
Guided adds more structured support and is suited for authors who want closer involvement from the press throughout the production process.
Partner is our most comprehensive program, for authors who want the full range of production and support services included.
Authors who applied during our founding period may be eligible for Founding Author pricing, which includes a discount on any of our programs.
Step Two: Production
Production is the process of turning a manuscript into a finished, publishable book. Depending on the program, this includes editing, proofreading, interior formatting, and cover design.
Authors are involved throughout. We don't produce books in isolation — the author reviews and approves the work at each stage. The final book should reflect the author's vision, presented to professional standards.
Authors who prefer to work with outside professionals — editors, designers, formatters — are welcome to do so, provided the final work meets Making Sense Press standards. We're not a closed system.
Step Three: Pre-Publication
Before a book is published, several things need to be in place: an ISBN, a final review of the formatted interior and cover, and preparation for distribution. We handle the logistics of publication under the Making Sense Press imprint.
Authors who want to understand the details of how ISBNs work, what distribution means, and what the publishing agreement covers can review our Author Publishing Agreement and Author FAQ at any time.
Step Four: Publication
When the book is ready, it's published. That means it's available for purchase through the channels established in the publishing program — including Amazon and other major retail platforms.
Your book is listed on the Making Sense Press website, associated with your author profile, and part of the Making Sense Press catalog.
After Publication
Publication isn't the end of the relationship. Authors remain associated with Making Sense Press and their books remain part of our catalog. Optional add-on services — including Author Spotlight placement, social media kits, and press release services — are available to authors who want additional promotional support after publication.
We don't make promises about sales, rankings, or commercial outcomes. What we do promise is a professional book, published under a real imprint, that you can stand behind.
Questions Before You Apply?
Our Author FAQ covers many of the most common questions about the process. If you're ready to take the next step, we'd like to hear from you.