How It Works

We have a selective acceptance process, and we aim to work with individuals who demonstrate the following qualities:

• Market Potential: We carefully evaluate the market potential for your book. Is there a demand for your genre or topic? Understanding the marketability of your work is a critical factor.

• Originality: We value originality and uniqueness in your content. We seek authors who bring fresh and innovative perspectives to the table.

• Commitment: We value commitment to the publishing process. Authors who are willing to invest time and effort into their work tend to excel in our program.

• Professionalism: Professionalism is essential. We look for authors who exhibit professionalism in terms of communication, meeting deadlines, and their ability to collaborate effectively with our team.

• Keen Enthusiasm: Enthusiasm for your project is essential. We're interested in authors who are genuinely passionate about their work.

• Marketing Savvy: While not mandatory, having a good understanding of book marketing and promotion can be a strong asset for our program.

In addition to these qualities, we consider various factors during our evaluation process to select a small percentage of authors who align with our publishing program's goals and values.

No, you don't need to have a fully formed plan before reaching out to us, just ideas. Our Author Strategists are skilled at guiding you through a process to identify the core of your book idea and how it aligns with your goals.

We believe that your book's concept should align with your objectives and resonate with your intended readers. So, don't worry if you're unsure about your book's details – we're here to help you figure it all out.

There are several factors that can influence the nature of the publishing deal we offer:

1. Manuscript Length: The word count of your manuscript can affect the production costs, including formatting and printing.

2. Illustrations: If your book requires complex illustrations, it may involve additional design work, which could impact the deal.

3. Editing Needs: Some manuscripts may need more extensive editing, while others may require only light edits. This can influence the scope of work and the associated costs.

4. Commercial Viability: The market potential of your book, genre, and target audience can influence the terms of the deal. Highly commercial genres may offer different opportunities.

5. Personal Network: Your personal network and existing platform can play a role. Authors with larger followings may have different options for promotion and distribution.

6. Unique Requirements: Any unique requirements or specific goals you have for your book can also be taken into account when tailoring a deal.

If we decide to offer you a publishing deal, we typically evaluate these aspects on a case-by-case basis to dictate the terms of the deal. 

When you choose to publish with us, you'll experience a unique and supportive journey. After the contract is signed, you'll be assigned a dedicated 'Project Liaison', a professional who will guide you through the publishing process.

Your Project Liaison will work closely with you through a series of rigorous sessions, starting from brainstorming your initial idea all the way to planning the writing process. They will be readily available for both email and phone support throughout your project.

While they can't assist with the actual writing or your specific area of expertise, their primary role is to keep you on track and help you meet important project milestones. They are your trusted partner, ensuring that your publishing journey is as smooth and successful as possible.

The timeline for the publishing process can vary, and it depends on several factors. Here's an overview of the key stages and their estimated timeframes:

1. Preparation and Planning (2-4 weeks): After signing, we'll begin by collaborating on your book's concept and outline. This stage typically takes a few weeks as we work together to ensure your vision is well-defined.

2. Writing and Manuscript Completion (Varies): The time required to write your book depends on factors like book length, complexity, and your writing pace. Some authors complete their manuscripts in a few months, while others may take a year or more.

3. Editing and Revisions (2-3 months): Once your manuscript is ready, our professional editors will review and provide feedback. The revision process typically takes a couple of months to ensure the content meets industry standards.

4. Cover Design and Formatting (2-4 weeks): While the editing is underway, our team will work on cover design and formatting, which usually takes a few weeks.

5. Publication and Distribution (4-6 months): The actual publication process, including ISBN assignment, distribution setup, and listing on various platforms, generally takes 4-6 months.

It's important to note that the overall duration varies based on individual factors, such as the complexity of your book, your writing pace, and the level of marketing and promotion involved. On average, the entire process from signing to book release may take around 10-12 months, but it can be shorter or longer based on your specific project. We're committed to working at a pace that suits your needs while maintaining the quality and professionalism expected in the publishing industry.

We understand that for most working professionals, writing a book is a side project and not a full-time endeavor. Your book should never take precedence over your essential life commitments. We respect the fact that everyone's circumstances and priorities are unique.

However, we do require a certain level of commitment to ensure the successful completion of your book. This commitment involves setting aside regular, dedicated time for your writing. Whether it's a few hours each week or a consistent schedule that seamlessly fits into your life, the key is regularity.

If you find that you genuinely have no time at all to commit to the writing process, publishing may not be the best option for you unless you're interested in exploring our ghostwriting services. We aim to work collaboratively with authors, but there is a basic level of commitment required to bring your book to life, especially if you intend to write it yourself. Our goal is to support your journey, and finding that time within your schedule is an essential part of that process.

Absolutely not. We welcome authors from all backgrounds, and you don't need prior writing experience to collaborate with us. Our team of experienced editors is here to help transform your ideas and manuscript into a polished work that meets industry standards. Every book we publish will shine.

Additionally, for those who may need further assistance, we offer ghostwriting services. While we don't provide formal writing workshops, we empower you by setting clear milestones and assisting with brainstorming and creating a writing plan. We're here to support you throughout the writing process, even if you're new to the world of writing. Your creativity and passion for your work are what matter most, and we're here to help you bring your ideas to life.

The publishing landscape has evolved. Gone are the days when books were seen as a direct path to making millions, akin to becoming the next JK Rowling. Today, industry professionals view books as versatile marketing tools rather than standalone profit centers. 

For the most part only novelists and fiction writers rely purely on book sales as it tends to be their primary source of income. Whereas creatives and industry professionals benefit from the inherent credibility boost that comes with publishing a book.

The return on investment (ROI) for a book goes well beyond just royalties. A book can serve as a powerful tool to enhance your visibility, establish your authority, attract leads for your business, secure clients, secure speaking engagements, drive product sales, launch new ventures, and accomplish a multitude of other objectives.

Books inherently elevate an author's credibility, enabling them to reach new heights in visibility and media coverage.

We emphasise the broader potential and opportunities that come with publishing, beyond royalty earnings.

1. By being invite-only, Finesse can maintain a high standard of quality for the projects it takes on. This exclusivity allows the platform to carefully curate its roster of authors, ensuring a commitment to excellence in literary works.
2. The invite-only model streamlines the author selection process. Instead of sifting through unsolicited manuscripts and proposals, Finesse can proactively identify individuals with a large, established following and a good story to tell.
3. It allows us to provide more accessible publishing by streamlining the process from grueling proposals and literary representation searches to a straightforward call.