Publication Consultants specializes in publishing works of first time authors. We've been in the publishing business since 1978. We're not only publishers, we're writers, and know many problems confronting writers. How to solve those problems and bring your work to market is our business. We welcome this opportunity to become acquainted with you and your work. Most questions about publishing your book will be answered as you read this booklet.

While this booklet describes how we bring your book to market, we also work with writers who do not intend to sell their book, but are publishing for self, family, friends, or business purposes. We can publish your book if you don't intend to sell your book, or if you only want a few copies printed-even only one copy.

Publication Consultants produces books and publications of any size, number of pages, and variety of binding and covers. We think there is more to book publishing than just putting ink on paper. Our services include design, typesetting, printing, binding, and all the necessary steps to bring your book to market. We take your book from conception to completion and bring your work to market with one of five different programs:

1-Diamond Publishing Program

We assist you to publish your work--We become your publishing consultant, helping in areas you are unable to do yourself. We do as little or as much as you like. Generally, we take your manuscript and produce a finished book following the steps listed later in this booklet under the title, Making a Book. Before we begin, we decide, with you, what you want us to do. We agree on a fee for our services and determine a timeline for its accomplishment. We assist you in decisions about the details of producing your book, such as style, paper, printing, binding, illustrations, and other aspects. We bring the possibilities to you. You make the final decision.

We obtain the copyright for you in your name. The copyright and all subsidiary rights belong exclusively to you. We also obtain a Library of Congress number, UPC code, and ISBN number for your book. These numbers and codes are required for sales of your book to libraries, bookstores, or newsstands.

Most Diamond Publishers do their own promoting, marketing, and distributing; however, we can assist you. Under the Diamond Publishing Program, you receive all proceeds from the sale of your book, fill all orders, and pay all costs for mailing, shipping, and distribution. Again, we do as little or as much as you want us to do.

2-Ruby Publishing Program

We share the expense of publishing with you--similar to the Diamond Publishing Program, we take your manuscript and produce a finished book following the steps under the title, Making a Book. Before we begin publishing your book, you as the author, and we as the publisher, sign a Publishing Agreement detailing the terms of our contract. Different from the Diamond Publishing Program, we become more involved in the design, layout and other aspects of producing your book, and in promoting, marketing, and distributing. Details of style, paper, printing, binding, illustrations, time and manner of production, price, publication, and the number of free copies for promotional distribution is by mutual agreement between Author and Publisher. We still rely on you as the best marketer of your book, but we supplement, complement, coordinate, and direct your efforts.

We handle all details of obtaining the copyright for you in your name. The copyright and all subsidiary rights belong exclusively to you. We also obtain the necessary Library of Congress number, UPC code, and ISBN number for your book to be purchased by libraries and sold retail.

Under this program, we handle all normal business transactions associated with marketing your book. We receive all proceeds from the sale of your book, fill all orders, and pay all costs of mailing, shipping, and distribution. You receive regular royalty payments, as per terms of a Publishing Agreement.

The Ruby Publishing Program seems best for authors who want to be involved in production and marketing their book and whose work has regional or national sales and distributing possibilities.

3-Sapphire Publishing Program

Under this plan, you as the author, and we as the publisher, sign a Publishing Agreement detailing the terms of our contract. You furnish us with a copy of your manuscript, and we handle all details of producing and selling your book. We make all decisions as to style, paper, printing, binding, illustrations, time and manner of production, price, publication, and the number free copies for promotional distribution. You proof and approve the final proof copy before your book goes to press. We handle all details of obtaining the copyright for you in your name. The copyright and all subsidiary rights belong exclusively to you. We also obtain Library of Congress number, UPC code, and ISBN number for your book so it can be sold through normal distribution channels.

We handle all normal business transactions associated with delivering your book to market, however, we may ask you to appear on radio and television talk shows, attend book autographing sessions, and make public appearances to promote your book. These appearances are voluntary and not part of the Publishing Agreement. We receive all proceeds from the sale of your book, fill all orders, and pay all costs of mailing, shipping, and distribution. You receive regular royalty payments, as per terms of a Publishing Agreement.

This plan seems to be best for authors who don't want to be involved in production and marketing of their book, or whose budget doesn't allow either the Diamond or Ruby Publishing program.

4-We Buy Your Manuscript Outright

Under this plan, you as the author, and we as the publisher, agree on price and terms of buying your manuscript. You receive a one-time fee, but no future royalty payments. We make all decisions as to style, paper, printing, binding, illustrations, time and manner of production, price, publication, and all other decisions relating to publishing, sales, and marketing of your book. Copyright and all subsidiary rights belong exclusively to Publication Consultants.

This plan seems to be best for authors who want to sell their manuscript for a one-time fee, and don't want further involvement in their book.

5-Consulting

In addition to the four programs to bring your book to market, we also consult with authors about their publishing project. If you need experienced assistance for any writing, printing, marketing, promoting, distributing, or other publishing endeavor, we can help. For example, because of our experience in dealing with printers, we have helped many authors select the correct printer, and obtain the right price, paper, and binding for their book. We charge an hourly rate for this service. If you're unsure on how to proceed in any area of publishing, or desire only specific information or service, a short session with us may save you hundreds of dollars and wasted effort.

About Publication Consultants

Publication Consultants is an Alaska company with offices in Alaska. We know and understand Alaska and Alaskans. We've been in Alaska more than five decades. We specialize in working with Alaska writers. We're here where we can give you continuing help. Although we specialize in working with Alaskans, Publication Consultants works with clients from other areas as well. We have published work of authors who do not live in Alaska. Alaskans who enjoy the professional way we have treated them and their work have recommended us to their friends and family Outside. We're experienced in working with Alaskans who do not live in Anchorage and in dealing long-distance with printers and distributors throughout the United States. Publication Consultants is equipped to do business from great distances. Our staff is experienced in assisting clients we have never met or who have never been to our office. This leaves us uniquely suited to work with authors regardless of where they live.

Owners and operators of Publication Consultants published an outdoors magazine, produced a television show, videos, and hosted a television program and a call in radio show. In addition to publishing a magazine, we have been published in Fishing and Hunting News, Trailer Life, Chevrolet Outdoors, Alaska, Sport Fishing, and This People magazine. We have authored three books: Angler's Guide to Alaska, Hiker's Guide to Alaska, and One Last Cast and have published more than 130 books.

Publication Consultants has published works of poetry, history, fiction, drama, religious, and juvenile literature as well as scholarly works, theses, essays, textbooks, workbooks, collections, memoirs, Alaskana, Americana, biographies, autobiographies, family histories, directories, brochures, and catalogs.

We specialize in books and publications by new authors. Whatever the scope of your work, length of your manuscript, number of copies you want, grade and quality of paper, type of cover, or type of binding, you'll find we have the experience to produce a book you'll be pleased with.

We take great pride in our personal, friendly, and helpful service. Your book is not just another job to us--we want you to succeed, and will help you in every way we can. We invite you to call, write, or come by and talk to us about publishing your book.

How to Proceed

The best way to get a complete and accurate idea of how we can help bring your book to market is to let us examine your manuscript. We can use either a hard copy or a copy on computer disk. We'll give you a firm quote, and suggest one of our five programs for publishing your book. We give you a decision about publishing your book within 10 days of receipt of your manuscript. You are under no obligation.

Your book receives absolute confidentiality while your manuscript is entrusted in our care. We will not permit others, whom you have not approved, to read your work, nor will we discuss terms of your contract, publications dates, content, or other details about your book with anyone else, unless you give permission. We may ask to send a copy or portion of your manuscript to a few select people for comment to use as endorsements for book covers or to write a foreword. In all cases, we will obtain your approval first.

Your material is returned promptly, whenever you request. We'll be happy to discuss your book and give you an idea of what we can do. We'll give you a firm decision after we meet with you and examine your manuscript.

Secret of Our Low Production Costs

We can handle almost any type of book or publication, with virtually any type of binding or paper stock. We are not printers, but use the services of many printers. Your book isn't limited to the facilities of one printer. We place your book for printing with the printer who can give the best possible quality at the lowest price. We match your book with the best qualified printer. Because we're writers ourselves, and publish our own works, we know how important it is to have the right printer.

We maintain a small staff with limited office expenses. We have state-of-the-art computer, scanning, and photo CD equipment to give the highest possible quality at the lowest possible price. Most of the work of producing your book will be done in house by a member of our staff, or by free-lance professionals, when required.

How to Prepare Your Manuscript

We prefer your manuscript to be submitted on computer disk, along with a hard-copy backup. Hard-copy, or copy in the absence of a computer disk, should be typed, double-spaced on one side of 8 1/2 inch X 11 inch sheets. Include page number and book title on each page. If you like, include a "dummy" with the manuscript showing position of headlines, illustrations, photographs, and other artwork. If a dummy is not submitted, we use our own judgement.

Photographs and Artwork

We can use slides or photographs, either color or black-and-white. If color photographs or slides will be used as black-and-white photographs in your book, we will convert them to black-and-white. The same goes for color illustrations.

Illustrations and photographs should be submitted flat and protected to prevent bending. Slides should be in plastic slide holders. Please put your name and phone number on all slides, art work, and photographs.

Do not tape or paste illustrations to your dummy or to the manuscript. Do not write on front or back of photographs-suggest position by labeling with a sticky-back note, file-folder label, or mailing label on the back of the photograph with a number. Place a corresponding number in the manuscript or dummy. Include captions for photographs and illustrations on 8 1/2 inch X 1 l inch sheets and on your computer disk.

Proofreading

Almost all manuscripts require proofreading. Unless you object, your manuscript will be read and corrected by a qualified member of our staff. Spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, and style will be corrected. We change nothing you claim is fact. We may question you and give suggestions about grammar or sentences we feel may be confusing or hard to read or understand. The corrected manuscript will be returned to you for final approval, before sending to the printer. You'll have one more opportunity to read the proofs, correct errors, and make revisions before printing. When you've proofread and returned the proofs, we correct errors, and send your book to the printer for printing and binding.

Making a Book

Here are the steps generally taken to make your manuscript into a book:

1. You entrust us with your manuscript and tell us what kind of book you have in mind, how many copies you want, any other information you think will be helpful, and which one of our five publishing programs you think will work best for you.

2. We carefully examine your manuscript and give our suggestions and/or an alternate plan and give you a contract outlining the best proposal, along with your exact costs. We give you a decision about publishing your book within 10 days of receipt of your manuscript. If you are not satisfied for any reason, we'll help you make adjustments or promptly return your manuscript.

3. With your signed contract, if it's not included with your manuscript, we need the following information to obtain your copyright:

a. Title of book and subtitle, if any.
b. Author's name, as it will appear on the title page.
c. Author's full, legal name, birthplace, date of birth, citizenship, and legal residence.
d. Name of person or organization to whom copyright shall be issued.

4. When you return your signed contract and your deposit, and we have the final hard-copy manuscript and computer disk copy, we do the following preliminary work before setting type:

a. We proofread your manuscript and make necessary corrections.
b. We design your book's cover, title page, and chapter headings; select type style and size paper quality, weight, and brightness, and handle other necessary details to manufacture your book.
c. If your book is hardbound, we select color and grade of cloth and specify color stamping for your cover.
d. We apply for copyright in your name or the name of the organization you designate.

5. We then convert your manuscript to a computer copy. We use sophisticated, state-of-the-art, computerized phototypesetting and proofing equipment. Your manuscript and graphics are stored in our computer so we can make changes, revisions, or update your manuscript any time.

6. We next make a proof copy of your book, and one of our proofreaders reads it. We correct obvious errors.

7. We give you a corrected proof copy for your final approval.

8. You return the proof copy with your corrections. Your second deposit is usually due at this time. We make any corrections you noted and send the book to the printer. This is the last chance to make changes and corrections without incurring additional expense. If it is necessary for you to make changes on the printer's proofs, there will be an additional charge.

9. The printer, following our instructions, makes a proof of your book. The printer sends us the proof for approval and necessary corrections, if any.

10. You receive a copy of both proofs and make necessary corrections. This is not the time to revise or change your book. That should have been done prior to sending it to the printer. The purpose of this proof is to confirm the printer followed our instructions and your book is as we conceived it. Your final deposit is generally due when you return the proofs to us.

11. We make the final corrections and return your book to the printer for manufacture.

12. The printer manufactures your book and ships it per instructions. Shipment is most often made by truck, with a few advance copies by air. The books are placed in cartons and cartons are banded on a skid for protection.

13. You receive your book, and hopefully you're on your way to fame and fortune.

Archiving Your Work

After your book has been printed, the necessary preparatory items will be stored in anticipation of reprint. Because much of the cost for the initial printing involves typesetting and platemaking, there is usually considerable saving on reprint. We also store your book on a computer disk for changes, updates, or revisions for a future edition.

Terms

Our terms for publishing books on either the Diamond Publishing or Ruby Publishing Program are as follows: one-third down with signed contract, one-third when you return the corrected proof copy with your final approval, and balance when you return the printer's proof. These are our only terms for these two publishing programs. We do not publish on open account.

Production Time

Pamphlets, brochures, catalogs, and small, saddle-stitched books can often be produced in three to five weeks. Delivery of hardbound and perfect-bound books takes from 8 to 10 weeks, depending on kind and length of manuscript, number of copies, length of time it takes you to read, correct, and return proofs, type of binding, and previous commitments. Delivery time may be adjusted to fit your budget. We'll give a firm printing date when you sign the publishing contract.

Caution and Advice

Unless you're a nationally known author, or your manuscript has a high sales potential, a definite outlet, or guaranteed advance sales, we usually recommend a small initial press run for books, although the price per copy drops substantially with larger printings. We don't guarantee, or even imply, that any given book will sell thousands of copies. Any publisher who makes such claims is probably misleading you. Printing 1,000 copies of a book is generally sufficient to test its sales potential. Our printers save the plates and negatives after your book has been printed. This allows economical reprints when your book sells more than the original press run.

Our experience tells us the best marketer of a book is usually the author. Any one of our five publishing programs will probably involve you in marketing your book. Depending on the publishing program, we'll get your book into bookstores, newsstands, supermarkets, and other outlets. We assist you to be interviewed about your book on radio and television. Even with this exposure and distribution, you still may be your book's best salesperson.

What's Next

Thanks for your interest in Publication Consultants. If you have questions not answered in this booklet about book publishing, manufacturing, or distribution, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our relationship with you begins with a complimentary consultation to help you determine the feasibility of bringing your book to market, and the most cost-effective specifications and print run of your book. You may contact us by telephone, email, or fax communication. Our number is:

Phone: (907) 349-2424
FAX: (907) 349-2426
Email: books@publicationconsultants.com
8370 Eleusis Drive
Anchorage, AK 99502

We consider bringing your book to market the beginning of a long-term relationship, and will do all we can to be prove worthy of your trust.

Our Authors Write

It's a very important decision to turn one's book over to a company. After meeting Evan, I concluded that he was a man whom I could trust with my baby. Since 1999, Publication Consultants has helped me with eight print runs of FAMILY, including translating the book into Spanish. I have sold every one of them via my website, national seminars, and private practice.  In summary, he has helped me touch the lives of many families across the USA and around the world in a very positive way. If you're looking for a company that is headed by a man of integrity who is ethical and fair in his business practices, then Evan Swensen is your man and Publication Consultants is your company. There's no need to look anywhere else to publish your book.  You can relax. You have found a home and family with Evan Swensen and Publication Consultants. Dr. Matthew A. Johnson--FAMILY Rules

I have worked with Evan Swensen and Publication Consultants on both of my books, each of them under completely different circumstances--the first through my then employer and the second by myself. In both cases, Evan has been kind, patient, and more than helpful in getting me through the process. He restored my confidence when I was flailing and he provided direction where his voice of experience could best guide me. He is open to both ideas and suggestion, and works in a true collaboration with his authors. Beyond that, he is honest and reliable. I don't think a person could find a better person to help them produce a book that imparts a more polished and professional effect. Evan and Publication Consultants are the best choice for authors who really want a quality product and I could not give them a higher recommendation as both people and as professionals. Marianne Schlegelmilch--Solo Flite and Raven's Light

No publisher I've had is up to the level of Publication Consultants. Evan Swensen is a hard-working perfectionist. He keeps in constant touch and makes it easy to work with him. Best of all, he has a great capacity for patience and will stand by his responsibilities. Dianne Barske--Two Bears There Evan, thanks for all your help in publishing our book. As this was our first endeavor, we had no idea what we wanted, we wanted help.  You provided it in spades.  The result was, The Day Trees Bent to the Ground.  It has been a good seller, and you have been great about helping us with sales. Now that we are doing our second book, In the Light of the Night and the Dark of the Day, we wouldn't think of using a different publisher.  Janet Boylan--The Day Trees Bent to the Ground

No publisher I've had is up to the level of Publication Consultants. Evan Swensen is a hard working perfectionist. He keeps in constant touch and makes it easy to work with him. Best of all, he has a great capacity for patience and will stand by his responsibilities. Publication Consultants has integrity and is a first class operation.
Sarkis Atamian-The Bears of Manley

Without Evan Swensen and the staff of Publication Consultants of Anchorage, The Last Phoenix would not have been published. The author is grateful for their incomparable professionalism.
Carl Douglass-The Last Phoenix

Evan Swensen, not only helped me create Alaska on the Fly, but without whom there would not have been the experiences to write it. I will be indebted to him always.
Dan Heiner-Alaska on the Fly

I sent Evan Swensen a manuscript I believed in. Luckily so did he. Remaining approachable through the entire bookmaking process, he helped take the manuscript and turn it into a finished, marketable work. I'll always appreciate Evan's professional attitude and his willingness to guide a greenhorn like me.
Mark Otte-Pray for Justice

Publication Consultants and Evan Swensen have the professionalism to quickly bring a book to market. They handle all the problems while keeping the author in the loop, helping with proof reading and editing. Their expertise makes for a smooth transition to a finished book.
Tom Willard-Demons of Stony River

I appreciate the expertise and encouragement I received from Publication Consultants to get Udder Confusion published. They're tops on my list for professional editing and integrity.
Elverda Lincoln-Udder Confusion

Publication Consultants made the editing and publishing phase of writing my book both painless and rewarding. Evan Swensen helped make my rough and raw manuscript a readable, professional work. He edited and instructed, always in a constructive and cooperative way. He provided guidance in every stage. Without Publication Consultants, my manuscript would still be lying on the shelf, gathering dust.
Ron Walden-Cinch Knot

Gold in Trib 1 was written over a five year period, then it gathered dust. I had resigned myself to fact it might never be published. Then, Publication Consultants took over and my book was published within three months. A very satisfying experience.
Douglas Anderson-Gold in Trib 1

A special thanks is due to my friend and publisher, Evan Swensen. His efforts have been of great worth to the coming forth of this work. Without his believing in the value of Following the Light of Christ into His Presence, it would still be just a manuscript.
John Pontius-Following the Light of Christ into His Presence

I appreciate the good work you did on preparing my book, Our Side of the River, for publication. I've had many compliments on how well you prepared my manuscript for publication. Thank you.
Sis Laraux-Our Side of the River

Publication Consultants has been a godsend to the Adventures of Dusty Sourdough. The professionalism of Evan Swensen and his staff are unequaled anywhere.
Glen Guy-Adventures of Dusty Sourdough

Evan Swensen was user friendly. His assistance invaluable! It was a delight to see No Half Truths emerge from a rough manuscript to a polished and attractive book, which sold easily. I wholeheartedly recommend Evan to anyone thinking of publishing their first book.
John Nicholson-No Half Truths

As a first-time author I found Publication Consultants to be extremely helpful in getting me through the maze of the publishing game. Evan Swensen did an excellent job of transforming my photos and text into a readable and visually-pleasing book. His patience and willingness to work with authors is to be commended.
Joseph Kurtak-Mine in the Sky

Publication Consultants
8370 Eleusis Drive
Anchorage, AK 99502
Phone (907) 349-2424 Fax (907) 349-2426
email address: books@publicationconsultants.com
URL: www.publicationconsultants.com