The Process
How It Works
You do not need to choose a publishing program before you apply. Here is the full process from first visit through the start of your publishing relationship.
Review What We Publish
Before applying, review the What We Publish page to make sure your proposed book is potentially appropriate for Making Sense Press.
Review What We PublishSubmit the Initial Application
Every prospective author completes the same initial application, regardless of which publishing package they may later choose. There is no fee to apply.
Apply for PublicationMaking Sense Press Reviews the Proposed Book
Making Sense Press reviews the submitted information — including the title, synopsis, manuscript status, cover or cover concept, and other application details — to determine whether the proposed title is accepted to move forward. This review is not final publication authorization of the completed edition.
If Accepted, Review and Choose a Publishing Option
After acceptance to move forward, the author reviews the available publishing options and selects the program that fits their needs. The author does not need to make a final package decision before the initial application is reviewed.
Essential Imprint · Guided Publishing · Publishing Partner
View Publishing OptionsComplete Any Additional Intake Needed
Essential Imprint authors do not complete an additional intake form. Guided Publishing and Publishing Partner authors complete a private Supplemental Publishing Intake after acceptance so Making Sense Press can gather the additional information needed for the selected level of support.
Review and Sign the Publishing Agreement
The author receives the Publishing Agreement applicable to the selected package. The agreement explains the package benefits, author responsibilities, ISBN and imprint use, support terms, payment terms, nonrefundable fee policy, promotional terms, and other applicable requirements.
Payment
Payment is made only after the applicable Publishing Agreement has been reviewed and signed. Payment instructions are provided after the Publishing Agreement is completed.
Publishing Begins
The publishing relationship begins after the applicable Publishing Agreement has been fully signed and required payment has successfully cleared. Any time-based Guided Publishing or Publishing Partner support period begins according to the terms of the selected package.
Your Book. Your Choices. Our Standards.
Authors have freedom in how they professionally prepare their books. Making Sense Press maintains the editorial and production standards required for publication under its imprint.
Author benefit
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.
Publish professionally without paying for services you don't need.
Making Sense Press does not require authors to purchase editing, proofreading, cover design, formatting, illustration, marketing, or other creative-production services through us. Authors may choose their own qualified resources, while Making Sense Press provides the selective imprint, publishing guidance, ISBN administration when applicable, quality review, author and book visibility, and the publishing support included in the selected program.
Your Book
Authors retain ownership of their work. Publishing with Making Sense Press does not transfer your copyright.
Your Choices
Authors are not required to purchase production services from Making Sense Press. You may use professionals you already trust or work with independent providers.
Our Standards
Every approved book must meet Making Sense Press professional publishing standards — regardless of which publishing program the author selects.
Our Model
A Different Kind of Publishing Relationship
Making Sense Press was created for independent authors who want the freedom and ownership of independent publishing without having to navigate the publishing world entirely alone.
Selective, Not Pay-to-Publish
A fee does not buy acceptance. Every proposed book is reviewed before it is offered publication under the Making Sense Press imprint. We are building a curated catalog — not a platform that accepts anything that can pay.
Your Book Remains Your Book
Authors retain copyright. We publish an approved edition under the Making Sense Press imprint. We do not acquire ownership of your work.
Professional Standards Without Forced Services
Books published under our name must meet professional standards. But authors are not required to purchase editing, cover design, or any other production services from us. Use professionals you already trust.
Real Publishing Guidance
You are not handed an ISBN and left to figure out the rest. Depending on the program you choose, Making Sense Press provides personal guidance through the publishing process — so you understand what is happening and what comes next.
We don't want ownership of your story. We want to help you publish it professionally.
Our Philosophy
We don't publish every book.
We publish books we believe in.
We take authors and their work seriously. Authors keep their voice and their ownership. We bring professional standards, personal guidance, and the flexibility to work the way that makes sense for you — without pushing services you don't need. Publishing should feel professional. It should also feel human.