A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: MSI Press Works with Authors a Little Differently—In a Good Way
Publishing is often described as a business, but at MSI Press we see it as a relationship. Authors are not just names on a contract or manuscripts in a queue; they are partners, storytellers, and visionaries whose voices deserve to be nurtured. That’s why we work with authors a little differently—and we believe it makes all the difference.
🌱 How It All Began
MSI Press was born out of a need. The Coalition of Distinguished Language Centers sought an outlet to share rare materials, and we stepped in to provide it. That meant working closely with authors and leaders to get things the way they wanted them. From the very beginning, MSI Press was different: author-oriented, purpose-driven, and committed to collaboration. Over time, we diversified into the lines we have today, but that founding spirit has never changed.
📨 Honest Responses from the First Query
Our difference starts with the very first query we receive. We respond honestly, as we see it.
- If a manuscript is poorly written, we say so—and explain why.
- If a topic is unlikely to sell, we say so—and explain why.
- If research on the field or competing books is inadequate, we say so—and explain why.
- If our press is not the right fit, we say so—and sometimes suggest alternatives.
We believe this candor helps authors, even if it stings. Many publishers won’t provide such feedback, but we see it as a gift: insights that can ultimately help an author publish successfully if they respond positively. Not all do. Some reply with anger or dismissal, insisting their work is perfect. More often than not, those books never see the light of day.
✍️ When We See Promise
Sometimes, if we see potential, we go further. We may rewrite a chapter or several pages to show an author what is needed for publication. Grateful authors revise, resubmit, and often succeed—some even win notable awards. We will not let a book out onto the market until we feel it is worthy of an award. That sets us apart from many publishers.
🧭 Collaboration Through Editing and Production
Throughout editing and production, we collaborate closely. We suggest improvements in content, direct authors to missing research, and even reformat manuscripts in APA style when needed. We go the extra ten miles, not just the extra mile, because we believe in working together until the book shines.
🎨 Covers That Authors Love
Cover design is another place where collaboration matters. If authors can meet technical standards, we accept their designs. If not, we ask for their input and design together. We don’t stop until the author is happy. That’s why all of our authors love their covers—they helped shape them.
📣 Support Beyond Publication
Collaboration doesn’t end when the book is published. We promote our titles regularly, even those that have slipped into the backlist. We assist authors with shared funding, discounts, and marketing opportunities. We encourage our authors to review each other’s books and share opportunities. We send press releases, review copies, and even speak with readers or clients when requested.
🛡️ Protecting Our Authors
We also protect our authors. They often forward “great offers” that turn out to be scams. We know many of the scammers, and when we don’t, we research them. Our authors trust us to help them navigate the publishing landscape safely.
👪 A Family of Authors
Perhaps this is tooting our own horn, but we believe we are a good press for our authors. Many refer to MSI Press and our collective of writers as a family. We are proud to “show off” our family because we are always open to welcoming new members.
📚 Hybrid and Traditional Publishing
Finally, we offer both traditional and hybrid publishing. For new authors without a platform, hybrid publishing helps build readership from scratch. We’ve done the research and know we are among the least expensive in the industry. Importantly, we treat hybrid authors the same as traditionally published authors—with the same care, collaboration, and support. Some hybrid authors even move on to traditional publication with their next books.
✨ Closing Reflection
At MSI Press, publishing is not a transaction—it is a conversation. From our beginnings with rare language materials to our diverse catalog today, we have always been author-oriented and purpose-driven. We respond honestly, collaborate deeply, and protect fiercely. That’s why our authors call us family, and why we believe we are a good press for those who want their voices heard.
These Tuesday talks reflect real discussions between the management of MSI Press LLC and our own authors or those would-be authors who come through our doors but don't make the cut--yet. If you have a topic that you would like addressed, leave the question in the comment section. Chances are, in our 22 years of publishing first-time and experiences authors, we have had a conversation with one of our authors that we can share with you.
See more Publisher Conversations with Authors HERE.
Learn more about publishing from an acquisitions editor -- how to get your book proposal accepted, why proposals are turned down/accepted, and how to find the right publisher for your book. On special sale for $5 while inventory lasts at MSI Press webstore. Also available as an e-book and an audiobook.
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We help writers become award-winning published authors. One writer at a time. We are a family, not a factory. Do you have a future with us?
Turned away by other publishers because you are a first-time author and/or do not have a strong platform yet? If you have a strong manuscript, San Juan Books, our hybrid publishing division, may be able to help.
Planning on self-publishing and don't know where to start? Our author au pair services will mentor you through the process.
Interested in receiving a free copy of this or any MSI Press LLC book in exchange for reviewing a current or forthcoming MSI Press LLC book? Contact editor@msipress.com.
Want an author-signed copy of this book? Purchase the book at 25% discount (use coupon code FF25) and concurrently send a written request to orders@msipress.com.Julia Aziz, signing her book, Lessons of Labor, at an event at Book People in Austin, Texas.
Want to communicate with one of our authors? You can! Find their contact information on our Authors' Pages.Steven Greenebaum, author of award-winning books, An Afternoon's Discussion and One Family: Indivisible, talking to a reader at Barnes & Noble in Gilroy, California.MSI Press is ranked among the top publishers in California.
Check out our rankings -- and more -- HERE.
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