Frequently Asked Questions & Vital Information
Informational packet for new authors
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Do you have freebies to help me?
We do.
1. HOW DO I ORDER BOOKS
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2. What is Wicked Little Things?
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3. Does JEA offer advances?
Advances are difficult to find and lower than ever before. We do offer editing, cover art, formats, etc We do not charge authors for any of that; never pay to publish.
Royalties are paid within 95 days of end of quarter. Quarters are Jan-Feb-Mar, Ap-May-June, July-Aug-Sept, Oct-Nov-Dec.
Each person must handle personal income tax. We pay via Pay Pal only.
Royalties are paid within 95 days of end of quarter. Quarters are Jan-Feb-Mar, Ap-May-June, July-Aug-Sept, Oct-Nov-Dec.
Each person must handle personal income tax. We pay via Pay Pal only.
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4. Copyright/Release rights
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With any press (hopefully), you keep your copyright. The press has release rights. That means you own the work but we may publish it. If, after the terms set in the contract, you don't want your book with our press, you may ask for the release rights back. Some presses may grant this and some may not. (We might consider it after 1/2 the contract time has passed. Cover art is not released unless the 4 year contract period is up).
Anthology stories are non-exclusive contracts so you can sell/share as desired. We do not give up the right to print these and we do NOT take the copyright. |
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Miscellaneous
1. Will I get rich or be able to live off what I make?
A: No. Some books take a year or more to really sell. there is a lot of sludge out there and many freebies. Be patient. Write another book.
2. Why does it take so long to get a book released?
A: Because we may have a few ahead of you on the schedule, because it takes at least 2 edits, art takes time, formats take time, and because most work at JEA as a second job and still have to parent, sleep, and eat. We move quickly but never sacrifice quality.
3. How can I help it go faster?
A: Have a clean copy to begin with. No typos. Correct grammar. If your editor hands something back because he has been though a chapter that is all passive, misused commas and semi colons, and quotes, then he is not there to repair but to show you how to fix that. If an editor must clean up constantly, it will take a very long time to edit.
4. I want certain elements on my cover!
A: okay. But staff artists know trends and limitations, so that may not be possible. We can't make a model in art "turn her head slightly". Trust that we know what colors pop, what gets muddy, and what is just a bad/good look.
5. Should I pay for marketing?
A: If you wish to pay for marketing beyond what is offered by JEA, that is fine. However, be weary of predatory marketing schemes. We can offer advice and direction, if needed.
6. What about Beta Readers?
A: Be careful. Readers and grammarians are not editors. Editing is a skill set. Readability, grammar, trends, voice, and style all matter and editors try to balance that. Editors can be a bit more rough and force you to dig deeper. Mom will say it's perfect. A mean friend will say you're all wrong. A good editor will push you, not for your sake, but for the sake of the story.
7. I have a bad review!
A: They happen, but a bad review does not have to be a negative. Remember, the review is only one person's perspective of the story. Our staff can help you turn the bad review into a positive marketing tool.
8. Someone found a mistake.
A: Recently someone had that issue. The sentence was debated for hours among grammarians. I had someone who writes handbooks for grammar usage look and explain why the sentence was exactly right. it was along the lines of a very obscure rule. it happens, but not as much as a few people think.
9. Can I self publish the rest of my books? Or go to another press?
A: If not part of a series, then sure! We support several presses we like and encourage diversity. If part of a series, then we'd like to discuss.
10. Can you drop me?
A: Not "drop", but release. Yes. If we see plagiarism, something in conflict with your contract, or if you ask and we are agreeable to that. If sales are very low and we think you can do better with the freedom to release via another press, then we can release. If we do release a book, we do not release the cover art. A release upon request would be considered if the book has been out for at least six months and there is a written request. It is very rare.