Before you compare publishing prices, compare what you’re actually paying for.
Before You Compare Publishing Prices, Compare What You’re Actually Paying For.
A lower upfront package is not automatically the better value. Some publishing models bundle services you may not need, while some may also participate in future book royalties. Making Sense Press is designed differently. Choose the level of publishing support you need, use your own legitimate production resources where appropriate, and keep your author royalties.
MSP takes 0% of your author royalties.
Three Publishing Options
Choose the Publishing Path That Fits Your Needs
Every publishing option includes publication of an approved title under the Making Sense Press imprint and assignment of a Making Sense Press ISBN. The difference between the options is the amount of publishing support you receive along the way — not a different standard for the finished book.
Essential Imprint
$795
Best for
Independent authors who already have their book-production team or process in place.
For approved authors who want to publish under the Making Sense Press imprint while managing their own editing, design, formatting, production, and publishing process.
Support level
Imprint access and publishing authorization with minimal guidance.
Spotlights available as optional add-ons.
Guided Publishing
$1,495
Best for
Authors who want to stay in control but want experienced publishing guidance along the way.
Includes the core benefits of Essential Imprint plus structured publishing guidance, consultations, resources, and support during a three-month support period.
Support level
Guided, consultative publishing support.
Includes a 7-Day Author + Book Spotlight Bundle — $149 standalone value.
Publishing Partner
$2,995
Best for
Authors who want the highest level of personal guidance and publishing support.
Includes the core benefits of the lower tiers plus expanded personalized support, closer involvement throughout the publishing process, and premium launch and visibility benefits.
Support level
High-touch publishing partnership.
Includes a 30-Day Premier Author + Book Spotlight Bundle — $399 standalone value.
You don't pay more for a lower standard. You pay more for more support reaching the standard.
Publishing Option
Essential Imprint — $795
Best for
Authors who already have their editing, design, and production handled — and want their finished book published under the Making Sense Press imprint.
Essential Imprint gives you access to the Making Sense Press imprint and an assigned ISBN, with the independence to manage your own publishing process. You bring a professionally prepared, approved book. We provide the imprint, the ISBN, and the catalog listing.
What's Included
- —Publication of the approved title under the Making Sense Press imprint
- —Assignment of a Making Sense Press ISBN
- —Authorized use of the Making Sense Press imprint and approved logo materials
- —Review and approval of the proposed cover direction for brand compatibility
- —Imprint and ISBN setup instructions
- —Making Sense Press website catalog listing after publication
- —Basic Making Sense Press launch announcement
- —Author and Book Spotlights are available as optional add-ons.
All authors begin with the same initial application, regardless of which publishing option interests you. There is no fee to apply.
Apply for PublicationPublishing Option
Guided Publishing — $1,495
Best for
Authors who want to remain in control of their book-production and publishing process while having experienced publishing guidance available along the way.
Guided Publishing gives authors the independence to manage their own book while having experienced publishing guidance available to help them navigate decisions, requirements, and next steps. It provides more guidance and support than Essential Imprint without becoming a done-for-you publishing service.
What's Included
- —Everything included with Essential Imprint
- —Three private publishing-guidance consultations, up to 45 minutes each
- —Three-month publishing-support period
- —Making Sense Press Publishing Roadmap and Guided Publishing Resource Kit
- —Guidance on publishing decisions, metadata, categories, keywords, pricing, vendors, and launch preparation
- —Reasonable email support for brief publishing questions during the support period
- —7-Day Author + Book Spotlight Bundle included — a $149 standalone value.
All authors begin with the same initial application, regardless of which publishing option interests you. There is no fee to apply.
Apply for PublicationPublishing Option
Publishing Partner — $2,995
Best for
Authors who want the highest level of personal guidance, closer involvement, and publishing support throughout the process.
Publishing Partner is our highest-support option for authors who want a more personalized publishing experience. It includes everything in Guided Publishing, with expanded one-on-one guidance, closer support throughout the publishing process, and additional launch and visibility benefits.
What's Included
- —Everything included with Guided Publishing, with the included 7-Day Author + Book Spotlight Bundle upgraded to a 30-Day Premier Author + Book Spotlight Bundle — a $399 standalone value. The 30-Day Bundle replaces, rather than adds to, the 7-Day Bundle.
- —Expanded private publishing consultations and personalized guidance
- —Extended publishing support across a 12-week active support period
- —Closer guidance throughout the publishing and launch process, including professional sourcing, vendor guidance, and major publishing decision support
- —Launch-planning support
- —A personal book spotlight/recommendation video recorded by Lisa Tarves and published organically on the Making Sense Press YouTube channel
All authors begin with the same initial application, regardless of which publishing option interests you. There is no fee to apply.
Apply for PublicationBefore You Choose a Package
You do not need to select a publishing package before you apply. The first step is simply to tell us about your book. If your proposed book is a good fit for Making Sense Press, we will guide you through the next steps — including a full review of what each publishing package includes and costs.
Publish professionally without paying for services you don't need.
Making Sense Press does not require authors to purchase editing, proofreading, cover design, formatting, marketing, or other 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.
Authors will have an opportunity to review the applicable publishing agreement before enrollment and payment. No commitment is required at the application stage.
Ready to Begin?
The application is free. If your book is a good fit, we'll walk you through everything — including the full details of each publishing program.