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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the advantages of self-publishing?

You have complete control over all aspects of the publishing and production of your book(s). We will give you advice and make suggestions but the final decision on format, page and cover design, paper, cover material and finish and binding style rests with you.

YPS will provide all the relevant information and cost alternatives.

When the production is complete the stock of books and resulting sales are yours – you are the publisher!

Why are YPS different?

For more than 30 years we have been working with and for mainstream publishers. This publishing experience is available to you to assist in the publishing of your books. Our advice and assistance is always free, you just need to ask. We give honest advice and will not make extravagant claims about how successful your publishing will be just so you will place work with us.

What is the difference between YPS and a publisher?

Publishers commission books and pay all the production and associated costs. They make commercial judgements regarding the potential success of the books they commission.

YPS do not publish their own books, preferring to work for publishers, assisting them in the production of their publications. YPS now offer this professional service to individuals who wish to publish themselves.

Do you print the books yourself?

Yes, we have an in-house print department that specialises in the printing and binding of all types of publications.

Is YPS a vanity publisher?

Certainly not. We make no extravagant claims as to how successful you will be or offer high royalty rates which seldom add up to much in reality. Nor do we ask for money in advance.

You are the publisher and we provide you with a publishing service. The printed stock of books is yours.

How many do I need to print?

You can print as many as you want! When printing offset litho the unit cost of each book is lower the more you print. It is tempting to overprint to take advantage of the lower unit cost. However it is a false economy to print more than you are likely to need. We will advise you and provide quotations for different print quantities.

How much will it cost?

If you provide us with an outline of your ideas or proposal we will provide an initial quotation. There is a quotation form in the Guide to Self-Publishing. This requests the information we need to prepare a quotation.

We constantly revise our quotation as details become clearer.

Remember our advice is free and we do not ask for any payment in advance.

Can I visit YPS?

You certainly can. We are located close to the centre of historic York, so you could combine a visit to York with a visit to YPS! We would gladly discuss your publishing plans with you and show you around and introduce you to the people that work here.

Do I need an ISBN?

If you intend to sell your publication widely, particularly through the book trade an ISBN is essential. Full information about obtaining an ISBN is in our free Guide to Self Publishing. We cannot do this for you, although we can give you every assistance.

Will YPS market my book(s)?

We do not provide a sales and marketing service, although we will give you help and advice. We can also provide you with printed promotional material such as leaflets, fliers, bookmarks and posters.

We have in development an online bookshop, where you books could be featured.

How do I get my book(s) to bookshops and other purchasers?

You can do it yourself, in which case you should direct orders from individuals and bookshops to yourself. You would need to raise invoices and pick, pack and despatch the orders. You would also need to process the payments received and chase any unpaid invoices/accounts.

Alternatively we can do it for you! Details of our distribution service are on the website and in our free Guide to Self Publishing.

What royalty percentage would YPS pay me?

YPS do not pay you a royalty! The books belong to you so all the sales revenue is yours.