How publishing actually works, what things genuinely cost, and what to be careful of. We wrote these because authors kept asking the same questions, and because most of the answers online are written by people selling something.
Turning your manuscript into a finished, professional book.
Editing works in layers — structure first, then language, then a final error check. Each layer has a job, and skipping them is the fastest way to a book that reads like a draft.
Read thisTypesetting turns an edited Word document into a properly designed book interior — margins, fonts, spacing, chapter openers and page numbers — ready for both print and digital.
Read thisBook design covers the front cover, the full print wrap (spine and back), and the overall visual identity. A standard cover is clean and professional; a premium cover is custom-illustrated for maximum impact.
Read thisMost self-published titles use print-on-demand — books are printed as they are ordered, so there is no large upfront stock. Your trim size, page count, colour and binding all affect the production cost and therefore your royalty.
Read thisThe same book, made ready for every kind of reader.
An eBook is a reflowable digital version of your book. It needs its own formatting and metadata — done right, it reaches global readers instantly and earns you 70% of the net receipt.
Read thisAn audiobook is your book, narrated and produced for listening. You can choose AI or human narration, with optional music, and distribute to 40+ platforms including Audible, Spotify and Apple Books.
Read thisGetting your book in front of the right readers.
Distribution puts your book on the shelves and screens where readers buy. It comes in three flavours — online listings, offline retail, and global reach — and Ink Orbit sets these up as part of publishing.
Read thisMetadata is your book's title, description, categories and keywords. Get it right and readers find you through search and browse; get it wrong and even a great book stays invisible.
Read thisBook marketing has two parts: a focused launch and ongoing promotion. Ink Orbit builds a practical plan from modular tools that fit your book and budget — with no false promises about sales.
Read thisWe share your book with relevant reviewers and reader communities and provide review copies. Reviewers form their own honest opinions — we never buy, script or guarantee reviews.
Read thisBook fairs and signings put your book (and you) in front of readers face to face. They take planning — copies, logistics and timelines — but create memorable moments and word-of-mouth.
Read thisOwnership, identification and how you get paid.
An ISBN is a unique 13-digit identifier for a specific edition of your book. Each format needs its own ISBN. Ink Orbit includes ISBNs in its packages, and having one does not affect your copyright.
Read thisCopyright is the legal right to your original work — it exists automatically the moment you create it. With Ink Orbit you always retain your copyright; publishing with us never transfers ownership.
Read thisYour royalty is what remains after production cost and the store's fee are taken from the selling price. Print, eBook and audiobook each work slightly differently — and our calculator shows the real numbers.
Read thisNo topics match your search. Try another word — or ask us directly.