FAQ

Writing and publishing books is a long and (sometimes) complex process. You probably have a lot of questions, and we are happy to answer them.

Why is the book coaching process so long?

Writing is hard, and writing takes time, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience or you are doing a lot of research. Also, there is this thing called life that often gets in the way. We understand, we’ve been there. Our book coaching component is geared to fit into your schedule. This means that some people might finish their first draft quickly, while others may not. Our timeline of twelve months is an estimate based upon experience and observation.

Why is the indie publication process so long?

It takes a village to publish a book, and we want to make yours the best it can possibly be. We work with vetted professionals who are at the top of their game, which means that they are in demand and may have a schedule that requires some wait before they can begin. Whether it’s interior layout or cover art, you’ll have a say in how your book looks. This takes time.

How soon can I expect to traditionally publish my book?

We sincerely wish that we had an answer for you. Unfortunately, no one can answer this question because there are so many variables. Please don’t trust anyone who says they can guarantee traditional publication. Agents are busy, and they don’t always respond quickly; sometimes they don’t respond at all. This is an art; it’s not science. What we can promise is that we will position you in the best possible way for success. 

Will I get a say in how my book looks and where it will be published?

If you are indie publishing then the answer is, absolutely! We will be with you every step of the way, but ultimately, the final decisions will be yours. 

When it comes to traditional publishing, you are signing a contract with agents or small presses, and they will determine the title of your book, the cover design, and the timeline for publication. Sometimes you will have input in those processes; sometimes you won’t. 

What’s better, indie publishing or traditional?

There is no right answer to this question. You need to decide what works best for you. The indie publishing process means that you will be required to spend more money up front, but you will keep almost all the profits. With traditional publishing, you will not be required to spend as much up front (and sometimes very little at all), but you will be receiving a smaller percentage of your books’ earnings. 

What are the differences between the development editing, line editing, and proofreading? 

Developmental editing focuses on the book’s content as a whole. We will give you advice on structure, world-building, narrative arc, character development, and anything else that we see your book needs to bring it more fully into the vision of what you have for it. 

Line editing focuses on the sentence-level structure and consistency of information throughout the manuscript.  In a line edit, we will be sure your timelines cohere, check facts to be sure they are accurate and consistent in the manuscript, and also correct errors in grammar, typography, and formatting. 

Proofreading is the final stage of the editing process and focuses on correctness. In a proofread, we will review word by word, punctuation mark by punctuation mark to be sure everything is correct and accurate. 

More Questions? 

Reach out to us at info@mountainash.press. We’ll get back to you as quickly as we can. 

Not sure about our pricing? Take a look at our cost breakdown.

Not seeing a plan that fits your needs? We are offering customized plans on a limited basis. Get in touch!