SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICES FOR AUTHORS BY AUTHORS
You Crafted the Story, We Craft the Publication
We're authors too—helping you on your journey from manuscript to published book
Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Publishing
Everything you need to know about publishing your book with Oak and Apex
About Self-Publishing
Q What is self-publishing, and how does it work?
A Self-publishing allows authors to publish their work independently without going through a traditional publishing house. You control every aspect—writing, design, pricing, and distribution. We help guide you through the process from manuscript to marketplace.
Q Which platforms can I publish my book on with Oak and Apex?
A We assist with publishing on all major platforms, including Amazon KDP, Apple Books, Google Play Books, Barnes & Noble Press, IngramSpark, and Lulu.
Q Do I retain all rights to my book?
A Yes. You keep 100% ownership of your content, royalties, and creative rights. We’re simply here to support and streamline the publishing process for you.
Q What’s the difference between eBook and print publishing?
A eBooks are digital files available on devices like Kindles, phones, or tablets. Print publishing produces physical copies through print-on-demand platforms. We offer formatting and support for both.
Our Publishing Services
Q What services does Oak and Apex offer?
A We provide formatting, cover design, ISBN registration, platform setup, and distribution support. Our goal is to help authors publish professionally without technical headaches.
Q Do I need to purchase a full package, or can I choose individual services?
A You can choose individual services or opt for one of our all-in-one packages. We're flexible to your needs and budget.
Q What’s included in the formatting service?
A We prepare your manuscript for both digital and print publishing, ensuring it meets each platform’s technical specifications—clean layout, correct fonts, chapter structure, page breaks, and more.
Q Can you design a cover if I only have a rough concept or sketch?
A Absolutely. Whether you have a full vision or just an idea, our design team will work with you to create a compelling, professional cover.
Q What’s the difference between a free and a paid ISBN?
A Free ISBNs (often offered by platforms like Amazon) list them as the publisher. A paid ISBN registered under your name gives you full publishing rights. We assist with both options.
Q Do you handle uploading my book to the platforms and distribution?
A Yes. If you choose, we can assist with uploading your book, filling in metadata, pricing, and publishing it on your chosen platforms.
Pricing & Packages
Q How much do your services cost?
A Our services are competitively priced, starting from individual options to complete packages. Contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your project.
Q Is there a monthly or ongoing fee?
A No. Our pricing is one-time per service or package. You won’t be charged ongoing fees unless you request future updates or changes.
Q What does the premium package include?
A Our premium package includes manuscript formatting, custom cover design, ISBN registration, publishing on multiple platforms, and post-publication support.
Q Are there any hidden fees?
A No. We’re fully transparent. All costs are clearly outlined before we begin any work on your book.
Timeline & Process
Q How long does it take to prepare and publish my book?
A Turnaround depends on the service. Formatting and cover design typically take 7–10 business days. Complete projects including distribution may take 2–3 weeks.
Q What’s the process once I contact Oak and Apex?
A We start with a discovery conversation to understand your goals. Then we outline the services you need, send a proposal, and begin working on your book once approved.
Q Can you help me if my book is already published but I want to improve it?
A Yes. We offer redesigns, reformatting, and revised editions—even if your book is already live.
Ownership & Royalties
Q Will Oak and Apex receive a share of my book sales?
A No. You keep 100% of your royalties. We do not take a cut of your book’s sales revenue.
Q Who sets the pricing for my book?
A You do. We can advise on pricing strategy, but you retain full control over pricing on every platform.
Q Will I be listed as the publisher?
A Yes—especially if you purchase your own ISBN. We help you publish under your own name or brand.
Support & Revisions
Q Can I request changes after the formatting or cover design is complete?
A Yes. We offer a revision round with each service to ensure you’re satisfied. Additional edits may incur small fees.
Q What kind of support do you provide after publishing?
A We offer limited post-launch support for updates, corrections, or guidance. Extended support is available upon request.
Q Do you offer marketing or promotional services?
A Not at this time. However, we’re happy to offer general advice or refer you to trusted marketing professionals.
Taxes & Legal Forms
Q Do I need a W-8BEN if I live in Europe?
A Yes, if you're earning royalties from U.S. sources like Amazon KDP or Apple Books.
Q Can Oak and Apex help me fill it out?
A We’re happy to guide you through the basics, or refer you to a qualified tax advisor.
Q What happens if I don’t submit a W-8BEN?
A Without it, U.S. companies like Amazon are legally required to withhold up to 30% of your royalties.
Common Self-Publishing Problems (and How Indie
Authors Fix Them)
Stuck in Self-Publishing? Clear Answers for Indie Authors
Why is my Amazon KDP book stuck in review for so long?
Amazon KDP reviews usually take up to 72 hours, but first-time books often take longer due to manual checks. Delays are commonly caused by metadata issues, formatting problems, or content compliance reviews. In most cases, nothing is “wrong” — Amazon is simply being cautious.
Why is my book live on Amazon but not showing in search?
This usually happens because Amazon’s search index takes time to update. New books can appear on their product page before they’re fully searchable. Category selection, keywords, and recent metadata changes can also temporarily affect visibility.
Why do first-time self-published books get rejected?
Rejections are most often due to technical or policy issues, not content quality. Common reasons include formatting errors, missing rights information, misleading metadata, or cover design problems. These issues are fixable once identified.
Why isn’t my self-published book selling on Amazon?
Most books don’t sell immediately after launch. Low sales are often linked to limited visibility, weak metadata, pricing issues, or unrealistic expectations. Selling books is usually a gradual process, not an instant result.
Why aren’t Amazon ads working for my book?
Amazon ads struggle when a book’s product page isn’t optimised. Poor keywords, weak covers, unclear descriptions, or targeting too broadly can all limit ad performance. Ads amplify what’s already there — they don’t fix foundational issues.
How long does it take for a self-published book to start selling?
For most indie authors, sales build slowly over weeks or months. Early traction depends on genre demand, discoverability, and consistency rather than launch-day spikes. Sustainable sales usually come from long-term visibility, not quick wins.
Why isn’t my book appearing in Amazon categories?
Category visibility depends on correct metadata, BISAC choices, and how Amazon interprets your keywords. New books or recently updated listings may take time to settle into categories, especially if changes were made recently.
What keyword mistakes hurt book discoverability the most?
The biggest mistakes are using overly broad keywords, repeating the title or author name, and targeting terms readers don’t actually search for. Keywords work best when they match real reader intent, not what sounds impressive.
Why did my book lose visibility after an update?
Changes to metadata, categories, pricing, or descriptions can temporarily reset Amazon’s internal signals. Visibility drops are common after updates and usually stabilise once Amazon reprocesses the listing.
Do I need an author website before publishing a book?
No — an author website is not required to publish. Many first-time authors publish successfully without one. A website becomes useful later for branding, mailing lists, or multiple books, but it’s not a prerequisite.
Should I use my real name or a pen name?
There’s no single right answer. Pen names can help with privacy, genre separation, or branding, while real names can support authority and recognition. The best choice depends on your goals, genre, and long-term plans.
Why isn’t social media growing my author platform?
Social media alone rarely builds a strong author platform. Growth depends on consistency, audience alignment, and having something to lead readers toward — like books or email lists. Followers don’t automatically translate into readers.
How do I fix interior formatting errors on Amazon KDP?
Interior formatting errors usually come from incorrect margins, page size, font styles, or missing front/back matter. Amazon is strict about technical layout, and small mistakes can trigger errors or delays.
Why is my book cover rejected by Apple Books?
Apple Books often rejects covers due to incorrect dimensions, low resolution, text placement issues, or metadata mismatches. Their visual and technical standards are stricter than many other platforms.
Why do ebooks look different on Kindle vs iPad?
Ebooks display differently because Kindle and Apple Books use different rendering engines. Fonts, spacing, and layout adapt to each device, which is normal unless the file is improperly formatted.
Can you change your ISBN after publishing on Amazon?
Once your book is live, the ISBN cannot be changed for that edition. To use a new ISBN, you must upload a new edition, which will be treated as a separate book.
Draft2Digital vs Amazon KDP – which distribution option is right?
KDP handles Amazon exclusively, while Draft2Digital distributes to multiple platforms. Your choice depends on whether you want global reach or focused Amazon exposure.
What are the hidden costs of “free” book distribution?
Even “free” services can reduce royalties, charge for updates, or limit control over your book. Understanding these trade-offs helps avoid surprises and protects your earnings.
All-Purpose Self-Publishing FAQ for Indie Writers
The Self-Publishing Knowledge Base: Everything you need to know to successfully launch your independent writing career
Costs and Pricing
How much does it cost to self-publish a book?
Costs can range from free to several thousand euros, depending on whether you hire professionals for editing, design, and formatting. Budget at least $300–$799 for a polished, market-ready book.
Can I self-publish my book for free?
Yes, platforms like Amazon KDP and Barnes & Noble Press allow you to upload and publish for free. However, investing in quality design and editing improves your chances of success.
What's the cheapest way to self-publish a book?
Use free tools for formatting (like Reedsy or Kindle Create), design your own cover with Canva, and publish on free platforms like Amazon KDP.
How much is it to publish a book on Amazon?
Publishing itself is free. You only pay for printed copies if you order them, or for optional services (like ads or ISBNs).
How much does it cost to print a 300-page book?
Printing costs vary by platform and trim size. On Amazon, a 300-page black-and-white paperback typically costs around $4–$6 to print.
What is the minimum cost to publish a book?
You could publish for €0 if you do everything yourself. But to ensure professional quality, most authors invest in cover design, editing, and formatting.
Is it normal to pay to publish a book?
Yes—especially for professional services like editing, design, or distribution assistance. Be cautious of vanity presses that charge high fees without offering value.
Do self-published books make money?
Many do, especially in niche genres. Success depends on your marketing, book quality, and reader demand.
How much money can I make if I publish a book?
This varies widely. Some authors earn a few hundred euros, others earn full-time incomes. Royalties range from 35%–70% depending on platform and price.
Platforms and Publishing Process
Which platform is best for self-publishing?
Amazon KDP is the most popular, but other great platforms include IngramSpark, Lulu, and Barnes & Noble Press. Each has pros and cons depending on your goals.
Is Amazon KDP worth it?
Yes, especially for indie authors seeking broad visibility. It offers global reach, easy uploads, and strong royalty options.
Is Barnes & Noble self-publishing free?
Yes, Barnes & Noble Press is free to use and offers both ebook and print publishing.
How long does it take to publish a book on Amazon?
Most books go live within 72 hours after upload.
Can you publish a book with no money?
Technically yes, but success usually requires some investment in quality and marketing.
How many books should I publish each year?
There’s no rule. Some authors publish one polished book a year, others release multiple shorter works. Consistency is key.
Can I publish a book in 6 months?
Absolutely. With good planning, it’s possible to write, edit, and publish a book within 6 months.
Legal, Copyright, and Protection
Do you need a license to publish a book?
No license is required to publish your own work.
Do I need to copyright my book if I self-publish?
Copyright is automatic upon creation, but registering it formally provides legal protection in disputes.
How do I copyright my book?
In the U.S., register at copyright.gov. In the UK, consider depositing with the British Library.
Can I copyright my book for free?
Copyright is free by default, but formal registration usually carries a small fee.
How do I protect my book from being copied?
Use copyright notices, register your work, and avoid sharing full content online. Watermarking and secure formats help too.
Can I sell my book without copyright?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Protecting your intellectual property is important.
Who owns the rights to a self-published book?
You do, unless you sign a contract transferring rights.
Does Amazon automatically copyright your book?
No. Amazon publishes your content, but you must handle copyright separately.
Book Format and Requirements
How many pages do you need to self-publish a book?
There’s no strict minimum, but print books generally require at least 24 pages. Ebooks can be any length.
Can I publish a book with 100 pages?
Yes. Many nonfiction books and novellas are under 150 pages.
Is 30 pages enough for a book?
Possibly, if it’s a children’s book, short story, or guide. For print, minimum page count rules apply.
Can I publish a book with 30,000 words?
Yes. That’s a standard length for a novella or short nonfiction work.
How old does a book have to be to be free?
Books enter the public domain typically 70 years after the author's death.
Age and Author Identity
What age books sell the most?
Young adult, middle grade, and adult fiction tend to dominate sales.
What age do most authors get published?
Authors debut at all ages—many in their 30s or later. There’s no “right” age.
Has a 10-year-old ever published a book?
Yes! Several young authors have published books through self-publishing platforms.
Is 30 or 40 too old to publish a book?
Not at all. Many successful authors began their careers later in life.
What famous writer started late?
Toni Morrison published her first novel at 39. Frank McCourt won a Pulitzer after publishing his debut at 66.
Are you an author if you self-publish?
Yes. Publishing independently still makes you a published author.
Can you sell a book after self-publishing?
Yes. Many authors sell directly, in bookstores, or through online platforms.
How do I protect my book before publishing?
Avoid sharing the full manuscript online, register your copyright, and work with trusted professionals.
Can I sell my book without publishing it?
Yes—via PDFs, private distribution, or personal networks.
Take the next step toward publishing your book
At Oak and Apex, we support indie authors with professional, stress-free publishing services
Independent Publishing: Guides, Fixes & Insights
Practical answers to real publishing challenges faced by indie authors
Publishing Basics & Workflow
Marketing & Book Sales
Metadata & Discoverability
Author Platform & Branding
Formatting, Design & Structure
Get Our Free Guide for Aspiring Publishers
A clear and helpful overview of formatting, cover design, ISBNs, and distribution—ideal for getting started on your publishing journey
Oak and Apex helps indie authors publish confidently. We provide expert support, pro tools, and custom services to bring your book to life—and help you thrive in today’s competitive self-publishing world.
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