What is Inkblot Books?
          Inkblot Books is an independent publisher utilizing high-speed print-quantity-needed technology. Our main goal is to give first-time authors a chance at proving their work.

Royalties are 50%? How?
          We're not in it for the money. If we think your book has a shot at sales and you're willing to work hard, we'll invest in it.

What if a big publisher shows an interest in my book? Am I screwed because you published it first?
       No. The rights to your book are yours, period. If you have an offer from a major publisher--or even if you just want to take your book off the market--all you have to do is write us a letter stating so. We'll remove it as soon as possible, generally within 30 days. But we would like to be able to mention your good fortune on our homepage. 

Isn't this vanity?
          No, it is not. Vanity presses generally charge a writer upwards to $10,000 to "publish" a book, often take the rights to it, and you never see a single sale, not in brick and mortar stores, and not in online stores. What you get for your ten grand is a box of books. Period.
          Publishing independently gives you the means to get your work out there, to attract the attention of interested readers, and ultimately, that big-name publisher looking for promising and proven authors.
          And you don't pay for publishing. Major point there.

How can I use this to attract a major publisher? That is what I'm really after.
          Build your audience; use your book to attract a following the same way new bands use their demo CDs. A band would have no problem creating a CD of their work an marketing it to the fans in the venues in which they perform; do the same for yourself with your book. Market them -- sell them online through your personal website (always, always have a link to your website in your signature line of email and newsgroup postings, but please, don't spam the masses), visit your local independent booksellers and convince them to carry your title, build a reputation through word of mouth. 

How much does this cost?
          It doesn't cost you, the writer, anything.

Who keeps the rights to my work?
          You do; we keep no rights to your work.

How much will my book cost, and will I get discounts on copies?
          Your list price will depend upon how many pages the book is; we want to price it to be as competitively marketable as possible. And you will be able to purchase as many copies as you like at actual print costs, plus a nominal service charge. Currently, there is a 25 book minimum purchase requirement; you will not, however, have to pay an extra service charge for larger orders.

Can I have pictures in my book?
          You can place black and white line graphics in your book; photographs must be (or will be converted to) black and white images at 300dpi. Don't put the images directly into your manuscript, however; just mark the place with [image name.tif] and send it as a separate file.

What happens if I send you my manuscript, then I realize there are typos I missed?
         Once we have your manuscript, we'll format it and send you a PDF proof copy. At that time you'll be able to make corrections.

Can I provide my own cover?
          Certainly, as long as it meets certain requirements (correct size, image dpi, spine width, etc.) And it would definitely help me out if you did.

Can I provide just a cover image?
          Certainly. It must be a CMYK (as opposed to RGB) 300 dpi .TIF or .TIFF image. Anything less than 300 dpi will result in a less than spectacular final image. Something important to know: do not take a 72 or 96 dpi image (web quality) and resample it to 300 dpi, unless the original image is very big. The end result won't be as nice as you'd like.

How will my book be printed?
          Inkblot Books utilizes high speed digital printing; your book will be perfect bound in the trim size you select, with a laminated four color cover.

Why do I have to order 25 books if I want more than the 1 you provide?
          We're new; until we have a catalog of 25 books listed with the printer, they require we order short runs. Once we hit that magic 25, you'll be able to order single copies. However, if you want to take the PDF we'll create and make yourself a Cafepress store for those single-copy orders, feel free.  That way you'll have access to single copies without going through Amazon or B&N online, but you'll still be available to the masses in the major online book stores.

Will people be able to buy my book in stores?
          Your book will be available for purchase through most major online bookstores as well as direct from Inkblot Books. It will also be available for order through most brick and mortar stores (this must be stressed; because of the nature of print on demand publishing, it is difficult to place a book in a major brick and mortar bookstore, though many independently owned bookstores are often willing to take a book on consignment. All major brick and mortar stores will order your book for their customers).

Can I sell a .PDF version of my book on my own website, without going through you?
          Certainly. You will receive the final proof of your manuscript on CD (including cover art); you own your work, and it's yours to do with what you wish. Some writers set up a Paypal account to collect fees, and email the file to those who purchase it.