Why Making Sense Press Doesn't Force Authors Into Expensive Bundled Packages
If you've spent any time researching publishing options, you've probably encountered the bundled package model: a publishing service that offers a single large package — sometimes priced at $5,000, $8,000, or more — that includes a long list of services, many of which you may not need or want.
The pitch is convenience. The reality, for many authors, is that they end up paying for services they didn't ask for, don't understand, and can't verify were done well.
Making Sense Press takes a different approach. Here's why.
The Problem With Bundling Everything
When a publisher bundles every possible service into a single price, a few things happen.
First, the author loses the ability to evaluate individual services. If editing, formatting, cover design, marketing, and distribution are all wrapped into one fee, how do you know which parts were done well and which weren't? You can't compare prices, because there are no individual prices to compare.
Second, the author often ends up paying for things they don't need. Not every book needs a press release. Not every author needs a social media kit. Bundling these services into a mandatory package means the author pays for them regardless.
Third, the high upfront cost creates pressure. Authors who have already paid thousands of dollars are less likely to ask hard questions, push back on quality issues, or walk away from a bad situation. That's not a dynamic that serves authors well.
What Making Sense Press Does Instead
Our publishing packages are designed to be honest about what's included and what isn't.
We offer three programs at three price points. Each one is clear about what it covers. Authors who want additional services — a social media kit, a press release, an Author Spotlight — can add them individually through our add-on services. Authors who don't need those services don't pay for them.
We also don't require authors to use our services exclusively. If you have an editor you trust, you can work with them. If you have a cover designer whose work you love, you can use them. The final book must meet Making Sense Press standards — but how you get there is, within reason, up to you.
Transparency About Costs
We believe authors deserve to know what they're paying for before they commit. Our pricing is published on our website. Our Author Publishing Agreement is available to read before you apply. Our Author FAQ answers the questions most authors have about costs, rights, and the publishing process.
We're not the cheapest option available to authors. We're also not the most expensive. What we are is honest about what you're getting.
A Note on Selectivity
One thing that distinguishes Making Sense Press from many publishing services is that we don't accept every submission. We review every application and accept books that meet our publishing and professional standards.
That selectivity matters. It means that when your book is published under the Making Sense Press imprint, it's there because it earned its place — not because you paid a fee.
If you're evaluating your publishing options and want to understand what working with Making Sense Press actually looks like, we'd encourage you to read our publishing packages, review our Author FAQ, and apply if you think your book might be a fit.