Welcome to Grendel Press! We know starting your publishing journey can feel overwhelming, so we’ve compiled this list of frequently asked questions and helpful insights to guide you every step of the way.
1. What marketing support does Grendel Press provide?
We offer teasers, preorder campaigns, ARC distribution, and access to promotional resources. Additionally, our Discord community connects you with other authors for ideas and support.
2. How can I make my book successful?
Success is a partnership. Grendel provides tools like professional editing, marketing campaigns, and design, but your active involvement—sharing on social media, engaging with your audience, and networking—will amplify your book’s reach.
3. Why are discounts, promotions, and giveaways important?
Promotions help build awareness and attract new readers. While sales are critical, giveaways and discounts are a powerful way to expand your audience and generate buzz.
4. What formats do you suggest?
We focus on the “holy trinity” of book formats:
5. Why not hardback?
Hardbacks are often best for established authors with a large fanbase. We recommend focusing on formats with wider appeal first.
6. How can I track my book’s sales?
You can find your royalty statements here in your author portal. We will try to update with links to analytics periodically, but you are welcome to open a ticket (<— left menu under “Requests”), and we can pull additional analytics upon request.
7. How do I identify my target audience?
We’ll help you refine your audience based on your book’s themes and genre. Avoid overestimating your reach or misunderstanding market trends. If you’re unsure, lean on our team’s expertise.
8. Will [specific audience] enjoy my book?
Your book’s audience depends on genre expectations and appeal. For example:
9. How does Discord help authors?
Our Discord server is a dynamic space where authors connect, share advice, and build relationships. It fosters community, support, and collaboration among both new and seasoned writers.
10. Why should I follow Grendel Press guidelines before submitting?
Adhering to submission standards saves time for both you and our editors. Proper formatting, clean grammar, and well-structured sentences allow us to focus on your content, not minor errors.
11. How long does the publishing process take?
The timeline varies:
12. What steps are involved in publishing?
13. What if I don’t know what I want for my book cover?
Our team will guide you through the design process. Share your ideas, and we’ll collaborate to create a concept that captures your book’s essence. Revisions ensure it aligns with your vision.
14. Are awards, reviews, and book fairs important?
Yes! Awards can enhance your book’s credibility, reviews boost visibility, and book fairs connect you with new opportunities, but that’s not always the case. Some awards are more prestigious within the author community itself than it is for readers. We are happy to submit your book for any awards that interest you. Submit a request on the left and include the name, description, deadlines and links to any awards you are interested in.
15. Should I create a book trailer?
Yes, especially for social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. A well-made trailer can generate buzz and attract readers who prefer visual storytelling. If you need assistance, we can help you, we just need your cooperation such as scene excerpts from your book, etc.
16. How do I create buzz for my book?
17. Why is buzz important?
Buzz generates excitement and anticipation, driving early sales and reader interest. Consistent engagement keeps your book in the spotlight.
18. What are some interview dos and don’ts?
19. How do I survive as a new author in a non-reading world?
Expand your reach through audiobooks, social media platforms, and multimedia content. Adapt to modern consumption trends—many readers prefer listening to reading. Youtube and long form content is not dead, it just takes longer to find your audience.
20. Is an author website important?
Yes, it establishes your online presence. Include your bio, books, blog, and contact information.
21. How much should it cost?
A basic website should cost $100–$500 annually, depending on features. Avoid scams by using reliable providers like Squarespace or WordPress. We do offer free web hosting for our authors upon request. We offer both Sitepad and WordPress with limited assistance and maintenance. (As in, we can set up a basic website that you can then customize further. We do not have the staff to provide a continuous design service, but will keep security up to date.
If you have additional questions, let us know!