MSI Press Blog

  It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side. This week we respond to the question, so what good is a publisher, anyway?  It’s a fair question. In an era where self-publishing tools are abundant and accessible, why would an author choose to work with a publisher at all? Let’s start with the obvious: publishers offer editorial rigor, professional design, and distribution pathways that elevate a book’s credibility and visibility. But beyond those basics lies a deeper truth—one that’s often invisible until an author is in the thick of it. 🛡️ A Buffer Between You and the World Once your book is out, the world wants access—to your inbox, your time, your vulnerability. A publisher can...

  It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side. This week we take a small step aside and focus on another narrow topic, one for authors of books that benefit from referencing. If you're writing nonfiction, memoir, or any work where readers might reference themes, terms, or names, an index isn’t optional—it’s a strategic asset. But what does it cost, who creates it, and how do publishing models affect the process? 💰 What Does It Cost? Typical Rate: $1,100–$1,500 for ~100,000 words Pricing Basis: Usually charged per typeset page Timeline: 2–4 weeks for professional completion Rush/Complexity Fees: Can push the rate higher 🛠️ Who Actually Creates It? Professional Indexers:...

It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side. This week we take a small step aside and focus on a narrow topic, one for authors of books on neurodiversity. The question is how to get these books discovered. Here are some suggestions. Hoping they will have some authors. 📚 Optimize Metadata & Keywords Use inclusive, specific terms like neurodiversity , ADHD , autism , OCD , executive function , and creative cognition in book descriptions and tags. Include emotional or experiential keywords: resilience , focus , pattern recognition , creative energy , lived experience . 🌐 Leverage Niche Communities Share excerpts or author interviews in neurodivergent-friendly forums (e.g., Reddit...