Founding Authors
Founding Author
Limited to the first 5 accepted authors
The first five authors accepted for publication at Making Sense Press will automatically receive permanent Founding Author status. There is no separate Founding Author application — authors simply apply through the regular publication process. If you are among the first five accepted, Making Sense Press will notify you and award Founding Author status at that time.
Author profile badge
What you receive
Founding Author Benefits
- 20% off the applicable Making Sense Press publishing program
- Founding Author designation
- Founding Author badge on your author profile
- Permanent recognition as one of the first five Founding Authors of Making Sense Press
- Complimentary 7-Day Featured Book Spotlight on MakingSensePress.com — additional to any Spotlight included with the author's publishing package
More than a discount
The Founding Author distinction is not a temporary promotional discount. It is a permanent part of your history with Making Sense Press — a recognition that you were among the very first authors to help establish the character, voice, and standards of this press.
What Founding Author status means
Founding Author status is permanent. Founding Authors receive a Founding Author badge on their Making Sense Press author profile, inclusion in a dedicated Founding Authors section of the catalog, and a lasting acknowledgment that they were among the first authors selected to help shape what Making Sense Press would become.
Founding Author pricing
20% Off Any Publishing Program
Founding Authors receive 20% off whichever publishing program they select. The discount applies to all three levels.
Essential Imprint
Regular: $795
$636
Founding Author Price
You Save: $159
Guided Publishing
Regular: $1,495
$1,196
Founding Author Price
You Save: $299
Publishing Partner
Regular: $2,995
$2,396
Founding Author Price
You Save: $599
Enrollment is limited to five approved authors. Founding Author status is secured only after acceptance, signed publishing agreement, and payment. Applying does not guarantee acceptance.
Not sure which package is right for you? Compare publishing packages or learn how we work with authors.
Founding Professionals
Founding Professional
Limited to the first 10 approved professionals
The first 10 professionals approved for listing in the Making Sense Press Professional Directory will automatically receive Founding Professional status. There is no separate Founding Professional application — professionals simply apply through the regular directory application. If you are among the first 10 approved, Making Sense Press will notify you and award Founding Professional status at that time.
Directory listing badge
What you receive
Founding Professional Benefits
- $149 first-year Professional Directory listing (regular rate: $249 per year)
- $199 annual renewal rate, protected for the first three annual renewals as long as the listing remains continuously active and in good standing — after which the rate may change with advance notice
- Founding Professional designation on your directory listing
- Founding Professional badge
- Founding Professional designation retained for as long as your listing remains continuously active and in good standing with Making Sense Press.
More than a discounted first year
The Founding Professional designation is not merely a discounted first year. It is a permanent part of your standing with Making Sense Press — recognizing that you were among the very first professionals to join the Making Sense Press Professional Directory. The $199 renewal rate is protected for the first three annual renewals as long as the listing remains continuously active and in good standing. After those three renewals, the rate may change with advance notice. Founding Professional status remains active as long as the listing stays continuously active and in good standing.
What Founding Professional status means
Founding Professionals receive a Founding Professional designation on their directory listing — a lasting acknowledgment that they were among the first professionals selected for the Making Sense Press Professional Directory. The designation is retained for as long as the listing remains continuously active and in good standing.
Directory listing pricing
Annual Listing Rates
Founding Professionals receive a reduced first-year listing rate of $149. The $199 annual renewal rate is protected for the first three annual renewals as long as the listing remains continuously active and in good standing. After those three renewals, the rate may change with advance notice. After the 10 Founding Professional positions are filled, the regular listing price applies to all new applicants.
Founding Professional
Renews at $199 per year
The $199 renewal rate is protected for the first three annual renewals as long as the listing remains continuously active and in good standing. After those three renewals, the rate may change with advance notice. Founding Professional status remains active as long as the listing stays continuously active and in good standing.
Regular Professional Listing
Renews at $249 per year
Standard annual listing price for professionals approved after the 10 Founding Professional positions have been filled.
Independent Professional Disclaimer: Professionals listed in the Making Sense Press directory are independent businesses and service providers — not employees, contractors, or representatives of Making Sense Press or Lisa Tarves LLC. Authors contract with and pay listed professionals directly.
Learn more about the Making Sense Press Professional Directory.