MSI Press Blog

  Understanding royalties is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of publishing. The numbers look simple on paper, but the basis on which they’re calculated can dramatically change what an author actually earns. Below is a clear, practical overview of what’s typical, what’s fair, and how to protect yourself from the “hidden math” of net‑based royalties. 1. The Two Royalty Models: List vs. Net Royalties on List (Cover Price, MSRP) Calculated on the book’s full retail price Transparent and predictable Example: 10% of a $20 hardcover = $2 per copy Royalties on Net (Net Receipts) Calculated on what the publisher actually receives after retailer discounts and other deductions Retailer discounts are typically 40–55% A “10% royalty” on net often yields far less than a “10% royalty” on list “Net” may include deductions such as freight, warehousing, marketing fees, and returns Which Is Better? List‑based royalties are almost always better for authors Ne...

  I have been thinking a lot about authority and autonomy lately. I know I would like some standard--or algorithm, in today's language--as to when to follow authority and when to follow our own judgment.  The truth, though, is that it always comes down to the latter. Even if we defer to some authority, we have made the choice of which authority to follow--a choice already influenced by our own upbringing, values, experiences, etc. I guess there is comfort in projecting those values on an Authority "out there," but that "plausible deniability" is really illusory.  In that context, we may need to reconsider some of some of our mythic heroes and the decisions that they made. Maybe the Biblical Abraham was wrong in offering to sacrifice his son, Isaac, at God's command. Maybe Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita was wrong in suppressing his compassion for his kin because of Krishna's demand that he fulfill his duty as a warrior. Or, put another way, maybe Jean Paul S...

  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 unique and creative hybrid division, may be able to help. See our contact page for information on publishing options and guide to making a book proposal.  Write to us at info@msipress.com. Read more posts on hybrid publication . Sign up for the MSI Press LLC monthly newsletter (recent releases, sales/discounts, awards, reviews, Amazon top 100 list, author advice, and more -- stay up to date) Follow MSI Press on  Twitter ,  Face Book , and  Instagram .   Interested in publishing with MSI Press LLC? Check out information on  how to submit a proposal . 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 any MSI Press LLC book  in exchange for  reviewing  a ...

    It is Tuesday. Time to tall turkey. 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. Today's topic is about a creative when to gain some oomph for your book from blogging if you do not have a blog. Blogging does indeed have certain advantages for book promotion, but not all authors are inclined toward blogging or have the time to do so. Still, the blogosphere can be kind to them. First, let's look at what blogging offers: It gets your head above the waves of millions of books out there and thousands more published daily. For non-fiction books on popular topics and especially for memoirs, this is pretty important. If you are consistent -- you must be consistent -- and your blog catches on, you co...

  CB and the late Carl Leaver, MSI Press authors Meet our author-dads who have written absolutely splendid books for fathers (and others) about all sorts of topics! (Some are no longer with us, but their works in life and in literature live on.) And, yes, of course, we continue to sell their books. Wally Amidon (deceased) The Musings of a South Carolina Yankee Read MSI blog posts about Wally . TL Brink How to Argue with an Atheist Read more posts about TL Brink  HERE . Dave Brown (co-author) One Simple Text.. KOPS-FETRHLING.INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD LEGACY. AWARD: INSPIRATION/MOTIVATION HOLLYWOOD BOOK FESTIVAL FINALIST Read MSI Press blog posts about Dave  HERE . Dr. Frederic Craigie Weekly Soul AMERICAN BOOKFEST BEST BOOK AWARD FINALIST; INSPIRATION BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD GOLD: MIND, BODY, SPIRIT READER VIEWS LITERARY AWARDS SILVER: MIND/BODY/SPIRIT READER VIEWS LITERARY AWARDS SILVER: RELIGION KOPS-FETHERLING INTERNATIONAL BOOKS AWARDS HONORABLE MENTIONN: INSPIRATION/MOT...