Author FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional Publishing & Self-Publishing

Traditional vs Self-Publishing - Which Option is Best?

Both options have their pros and cons. If you opt for traditional publishing with Cedar Fort, we will acquire production and distribution rights for your book in exchange for a royalty. You will not need to invest money into editing and printing your book. Your book will benefit from the resources and connections of Cedar Fort. We will market your book to Amazon, Target, Walmart, Costco, Deseret Book, and small bookstores. We will also highlight your book on our website and newsletter. However, avoid the danger of thinking your book will earn money passively once it is published. Readers don't buy books—they buy connection. Author marketing is indispensable to the success of a book, no matter how it is published.

Cedar Fort's self-publishing services can be used by anyone, even if we haven't accepted your book for publication. You will select the services you need and then pay all production costs up front. Our self-publishing services put the publishing and marketing in your hands, providing you with a finished product that you can bring to the marketplace. You keep the rights to your book. We can also act as a fulfillment center for your book.

If you'd like to publish your book with Cedar Fort, we invite you to click an option below to get started.

Are all traditional publishers the same?
No, every publishing company does it differently. Cedar Fort Publishing & Media works as one team to produce and publish every book. Once Acquisitions has decided your book is a good fit for our company, we will reach out to negotiate a contract for the rights to produce and distribute your book. You will work closely with our team to edit and refine your book into a finished product, then we will place it in online and in-person stores. It is then up to you to put a face behind the book and earn recognition and sales as an author.

Marketing

How do I market my book?
Visit our author marketing guide to learn how to sucessfully market your book.

Will Cedar Fort support me if I run a giveaway to promote my book?
Yes! Authors are allowed up to 10 physical books and 15 ebook downloads for giveaways.

I need to send a copy of my book to podcasts for reviews. Can I get a copy?
Yes! We can provide an ARC download link with 20 downloads that expires in 3 months. Let us know if you need more downloads or an extension.

How do I get featured in Cedar Fort's newsletter or on social media?
Click on the link to the request form below. (Note: we don't currently produce a podcast.)

Does Cedar Fort print custom swag for authors?
Yes! If you would like custom bookmarks, brochures, or stickers we can print them. Please see our Author Merchandise page for pricing and instructions.

I can't find my author website — Cedar Fort used to host it.
We no longer host author websites, but we're happy to help transfer your domain to a host of your choice. Let us know which service you'd like to use.

How do I set up an author event? Does Cedar Fort support or coordinate events?
Check out our Event Policy and Event Request Form below.

Editing

I can't edit the document my editor sent me. How am I supposed to make changes?
Log in to your Launchbay account and find the task labeled "Edit." Scroll to the bottom of the page — you'll find two documents, "Showing" and "Accepting."

• The Showing document displays your original manuscript alongside the editing team's suggested edits. This document is read-only and shows you the editorial process.
• The Accepting document is a clean version of the manuscript with all edits already applied. This is the document you can edit — review it (side by side with the Showing document, if you'd like) and make any changes you want. Once you're finished, submit this document back to the editorial team.

Copyright

Can I create an ARC (advance reader copy) of my book?
We don't allow authors to create their own ARCs, since Cedar Fort holds the distribution rights. We'll create the ARC and provide you with a link, which you're welcome to share according to our guidelines.

Can I create a translation or audiobook of my book?
Yes, if you'd like to pursue this, please reach out so we can discuss an agreement.

Can I distribute my book myself?
All online distribution — aside from giveaways — needs to be created and hosted by Cedar Fort. However, you're welcome to distribute physical copies at events and run giveaways.

An author has passed away. How do I update the royalty recipient?
If you need to update the copyright owner or the tax ID we have on file, please fill out a W-9 and send it to our royalties team.

Royalties

How do I check my royalties?
Royalty statements and checks are sent out monthly to authors who have earned $50 or more since their last payment.

How do I find out how well my book is selling?
A: Royalty statements are your most useful resource for month-to-month sales data on your books. In addition to your royalty information, these documents show units sold since publishing and monthly sales.

When will I receive my tax form?
Form 1099 is sent out annually in January.

Why haven't I received a tax form or royalty payment?
1099s and checks are only issued once you've earned $50 or more. It's also possible we have an outdated email or mailing address on file for you — please reach out to confirm your information.

Author Orders

Can I get discounted shipping?
Author promo copies receive a flat $20 off shipping, which can carry over to an author order placed at the same time.

Can I buy copies of my book cheaper elsewhere?
As your publisher, we offer books to authors at 60% off market price — a better rate than our wholesalers receive, since they also need to build in their own profit margin.