Welcome to Grendel Press

Congratulations on joining Grendel Press! You are now part of a passionate publishing house dedicated to bringing dark fantasy, horror, and dark romance to life. Below, we outline each step of your journey from signing your contract to your book’s thrilling launch. Whether you’re here for a quick two-month turnaround or a detailed six-month process, we’re here to make your publishing experience exceptional.

Step 1: Contract Signing

With your contract signed, your publishing journey begins! Here’s what happens next:

      • You’ll receive a welcome email with access to our Author Portal and helpful resources.

      • We’ll assign your editor and publishing coordinator, who will guide you through the process.

    You’re officially part of the Grendel Press family!

    Step 2: Editorial Process

    Each book has unique needs, and we tailor our editing process accordingly. You may receive:

        1. Developmental Edit (if applicable): Structural feedback to refine story elements like plot, pacing, and character arcs.

        1. Copy & Line Edit: A combined focus on grammar, consistency, style, and sentence-level clarity.

        1. Post-Format Proofread: A final check to catch errors after typesetting.

      Timeline: Editorial timelines range from 1 to 6 months, depending on the book’s requirements and editor availability.

      Step 3: Cover Design

      Your book’s cover is its first impression. At Grendel Press, we create dark, striking covers that embody your story’s soul.

          • Illustrated Covers: For some projects, we collaborate with talented artists to craft bespoke illustrations.

          • Designed Covers: Other books feature stunning covers designed by our expert team or contracted professionals.

          • Author Input: After gathering your feedback, we’ll present a detailed concept for your review and input.

          • Revisions: You’ll have an opportunity to request changes before finalizing the design.

        Outcome: A hauntingly beautiful cover ready to captivate readers.

        Step 4: Marketing & Promotions

        Marketing is key to building excitement for your book. While cover reveals are primarily reserved for you, Grendel Press will focus on:

            • Teasers: Sharing snippets and visuals that entice potential readers.

            • Preorder Campaigns: Building hype and securing early sales.

            • ARC Campaigns: Distributing advance review copies to influencers, bloggers, and early readers.

          Throughout this stage, we’ll provide promotional materials you can use to amplify your book’s reach.

          Step 5: Production

          Your manuscript transforms into a polished, professional book during this stage.

              • Typesetting: Interior formatting for digital and print editions.

              • Final Proofing: A last review of the formatted manuscript for any lingering issues.

              • Printing & Distribution: Preparing your book for release through major retailers, libraries, and our website.

            You’ll receive ARCs during this phase to share with reviewers and fans.

            Step 6: Pre-Launch Preparation

            As we approach launch day, we’ll work closely with you to finalize every detail:

                • Listing your book on major platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others.

                • Confirming any personal events you wish to host (signings, online chats, etc.) to be sure we can get your author copies to you in time for the event.

                • Scheduling ads and posts to build momentum for your release. These posts extend past your pre-launch as the first few months indicate your book’s success more than the launch day. (It’s normal for a new author to need time to grow an audience.)

              This stage is critical to ensuring a smooth and successful launch.

              Step 7: Launch Day!

              The big day has arrived! Together, we’ll celebrate the release of your book with:

                  • A coordinated launch announcement across Grendel Press platforms.

                  • Continued marketing support to maintain buzz after launch.

                  • Monitoring of initial sales and reviews.

                Your book is officially in the hands of readers!

                What Happens After Launch?

                The journey doesn’t stop at launch. Grendel Press will:

                    • Provide regular updates on sales performance and royalties via your Author Portal.

                    • Continue to promote your book in relevant campaigns.

                  • Explore opportunities for future projects.

                  We’re Here for You

                  Every step of this process ensures your book reaches its full potential. If you have questions or need support, don’t hesitate to contact your publishing coordinator or use the resources in your Author Portal.

                  Welcome to the world of Grendel Press—we can’t wait to share your story with the world!