Somebody reads it before anybody quotes.
You cannot price a book you have not read, and you cannot tell an author the truth about one either. So this comes first, it costs nothing, and it is allowed to say no.
Four things
we look at.
- 01
Readiness
Whether editorial work will improve this draft, or whether it wants another pass from you first. These are different answers and only one of them is worth paying for.
- 02
Structure
What the book opens with, where it loses its grip, what is doing work and what is not. Most manuscripts have one structural problem and fixing it changes everything downstream.
- 03
Voice
Whether somebody is speaking on the page. This is the thing that cannot be added later, and the thing a bad edit removes.
- 04
Fit
Whether Grand is the right house for this particular book, which is not always yes. A book we cannot make well is a book that does nothing for either of us.
One of these,
and we say which.
- 01
Proceed
The manuscript is at a stage where the work we would do will improve it. You get scope, schedule and cost in writing before anything starts.
- 02
Revise and return
It is not ready, and we will tell you what specifically. Come back when you have done it — there is no charge and no time limit on that.
- 03
Not a fit
The book is fine and we are the wrong house. We would rather say so than take it on and do a mediocre job.
What our authors say
Most of them started exactly where you are, with a chapter and no idea whether it was any good.
- Grand Publishers especially David Alonsa were brilliant
Grand Publishers especially David Alonsa extremely helpful and talked me through everything. He was also very patient with me.l would certainly recommend you all and have already done so
Gail Simmons - Book publishing and promotion
Jason and David and the team have worked hard to get my second book into the public eye, and have made some really good social media pictures and promotions. "The CPO & The Wren" is now selling on both sides of the Atlantic. Geoffrey Spinks
Mr Geoff Spinks - I can't tell you how amazing it has…
I can't tell you how amazing it has been working with Grand Publishing. From the very beginning, the experience has been outstanding. When I first reached out, I wasn't even sure if I wanted to publish a project I had been working on for quite some time. Jerry gave me a call and patiently walked me through the entire process. He answered all of my questions and genuinely motivated me to move forward with publishing my book. I was then introduced to David Alonso, who became my project manager. He has been fantastic throughout the journey, keeping me updated every step of the way, answering any questions I had, and making the whole process smooth and stress-free. As a first-time author, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. If you're hesitant about publishing, I'd encourage you to speak with the team. If you don't come away from that conversation feeling confident, then I'll have to call myself a liar! Thank you, Grand Publishing, and especially Jerry and David, for making this such a positive and memorable experience.
Booker Odena - Outstanding Service from Grand Publishers
I had a very positive experience working with Grand Publishers. As a new author, I really needed guidance throughout the process, from editing to preparation for publication. David and Jerry, who were incredibly helpful, professional, and supportive, made a significant difference. They took the time to explain each stage clearly and did an amazing job with the marketing, illustrations, and overall development of my book. Their dedication to making the final result as strong as possible was exceptional. I would highly recommend Grand Publishers, especially David and Jerry, who were fantastic to work with.
Juliet - My book, In my happy place.
Some while ago I submitted a raw manuscript to Grand Publishers. Honestly, at first I was cautious about their enthusiasm, in fact I thought it a sales ploy. How wrong I was! The project has been managed by David Alanza, with input from Arthur J Wayne the marketing director. At every stage I have been afforded full control of the artistic direction and have now got a highly polished book that I could never have produced. I'm now in the launch phase and the marketing so far is beyond my wildest dreams. I know that there's much more to come, but wanted to highly recommend anyone with a book that they believe in to listen to and trust Grand. To verify everything I've said, please search Vernon Smith I my happy place and see for yourself.
Vernon Smith - Helpful and professional
Helpful and professional
Elikem Debrah
Our authors are seen on
Assessment
questions.
No. The read and our answer are free, and there is nothing to sign at this stage.
No. Your opening pages and a few lines about what the book is trying to do. Send more if you want to, and send what exists if it is not finished — a structural problem found at forty thousand words costs a fortnight, and the same problem found at publication costs the book.
It is read by an editor and it is confidential. It is not shared, published or used for anything else, and you keep every right in it.
Yes. An author who publishes too early does not come back and does not recommend us, so it is not in our interest to be encouraging about a manuscript that needs another draft.
Send your opening pages.
A working editor reads them and writes down where the book actually stands. It costs nothing, it comes back in writing, and it is yours to keep wherever you take it next.