iUniverse uses the term "guided self-publishing" to describe its robust range of DIY publishing services. The company boasts a staff of publishing industry veterans to help take your manuscript from the editorial processes through to design, production, printing, distribution, marketing, and publicity in much the same way as a traditional publisher. At each stage, how much attention the book receives largely depends on how deep your pockets are, and it's advisable to understand exactly what you're getting before you write the check. But if you want to see your book available both in print and in e-book formats, represented in stores and maybe even in the media--and are willing to pay for the privilege--investigate the features of the iUniverse self-publishing services.
- Editorial Services - Editorial evaluation of titles to be self-published is included in all but the least expensive package. iUniverse then suggests how much editorial work a book needs. The optional, additional services-for example, developmental editing, line editing, copyediting-incur add-on costs. The more expensive packages come with "cover copy polish."
- Design Services - iUniverse staff lays out the books and designs custom covers for each. Price includes printing of up to twenty-five black and white images.
- Formats - iUniverse prints perfect-bound books in both hardcover and softcover in a variety of sizes and choice of white- or cream-colored paper. They do not print spiral-bound or comb-bound books. Much the same as a traditional publisher, along with the print versions, iUniverse makes its authors' books available in e-book formats for a variety of e-book readers (Kindle, nook, iPad, etc.)
- Cost/Pricing - Initial up-front costs for publishing (and a handful of finished books) range from $599 for the stripped-down "Select" package, to about $4200 for "Book Launch Premier Pro," which includes such services as author website set-up and an e-mail marketing campaign. Express publishing is available for an additional fee.
- Distribution - iUniverse has strategic alliances with Barnes & Noble (U.S.) – which includes having a "Rising Stars" featured collection on bn.com – and Chapters Indigo (Canada).
- Marketing & Publicity - while there is some book marketing and publicity included in the higher-priced iUniverse self-publishing packages, for an extra fee you can add one (or more) of a collection of services like an advertisement in The New York Review of Books ($875), a Video Newsmaker Publicity Campaign ($9,999) - or even have your book turned into a screenplay ($12,999).
- Proprietary Advantages - iUniverse sets its books up for retail sale (for example, it registers all books with ISBN numbers, which are vital for bookstores). Their editorial evaluation process in the higher tier packages earmarks strongly written titles with sales potential ("Editor's Choice"). These titles are given consideration for the "Star Program," which grants them a more robust level of sales representation and promotion to booksellers.
Visit the iUniverse self-publishing service website.
If you've self-published your own book, feel free to submit a review of iUniverse or any other self-publishing service. Or read reviews of other authors' self-publishing experiences or about Amanda Hocking's self-publishing success story.
