Q: Can't I do all of this myself?
Yes. Of course, people have been doing it for centuries. It can be hard and expensive too. This is often the barrier to publication. Author’s hope their book will be a best seller. Sadly, few are. Many self-published books sell less than 200 copies.
Vanity press publication can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the services included and the publisher.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Marketing and Promotion: Costs can vary significantly, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Vanity Publisher's Fee: This is the primary cost and can range from $1,000 to over $10,000.
Editing and Proofreading: Costs can range from $500 to $5,000.
Cover Design: Costs can range from $100 to $1,500.
Formatting: Costs can range from $50 to $700.
Q: Do I retain the rights to my book?
Yes. You are the sole copyright holder. We act as the publisher and assist with production and distribution, but you own your words.
Q: Will my book be available on Amazon?
Yes. We publish through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), which distributes your book on Amazon globally. eBook, paperback, and hardcover options are available.
Q: Can I publish my book elsewhere too?
If you publish through our standard plan using our ISBN and imprint, the book will be distributed exclusively through KDP. We can discuss other distribution options case by case.
Q: Do I need to set up my own KDP or other Direct-to-Print account?
No. We handle the publishing process under our imprint. You don’t need to touch KDP unless you want to take over later (which we can arrange).
Q: What is Direct-to-Print?
Your book is printed only when someone orders it — no big upfront costs, no stacks in your garage.
Direct-to-Print (sometimes called Print-on-Demand or POD) is a way to publish your book without printing hundreds of copies in advance.
When someone orders your book online, a single copy is printed and shipped just for them — no warehouse, no upfront stock.
Why it matters for first-time authors:
Think of it as having a virtual printing press standing by — it only runs when a reader presses “Buy.”
Q: What does it cost to publish through Mystery and Whim Press?
We offer tiered services typically ranging from $500–$1,500 depending on your needs. See our Services & Fee Menu for details.
Q: Is this a vanity press?
No. We are selective, collaborative, and transparent. We don’t promise bestseller status—we promise care and clarity.
Q: Can I pay in installments?
Yes. We typically split payments into 2 or 3 phases based on project milestones.
Q: Are you open to bartering or flexible arrangements?
Sometimes. If you have a story worth telling and limited resources, let’s talk.
Creative Process
Q: Will you edit my book?
We provide light editing and feedback in most packages. Full editorial services can be added if needed.
Q: Can you help with cover design?
We offer consultation, referrals, and AI-assisted mockups. You maintain final approval.
Q: What about marketing and promotion?
We provide launch basics (metadata, keywords, advice). Advanced marketing is up to you—but we’ll cheer you on and offer occasional help.
Q: Do you use AI in the publishing process?
Yes, selectively. AI helps with layout, proofreading, image concepts, and even poetic nudges—but always under human direction.
Q: How do I get paid?
We collect royalties through KDP and issue payments to you quarterly (or monthly, if agreed). You’ll receive a report with sales and breakdowns.
Q: Will I see my book’s performance?
Yes. We provide a royalty tracker and transparent reporting.
Q: Can I eventually take over publishing my own book?
Absolutely. We can arrange a rights and account transfer after a set time (usually 1–3 years) or sooner by mutual agreement.
Q: What if I want to publish another book?
Welcome home. Returning authors may receive discounts or advanced support packages.
Q: Why is it called Mystery & Whim Press?
Because most good stories begin with a little mystery… and end with a little whim. The & contains sweat hard work and some mystery of its own.
Q: Can I meet the team?
Sure. He’s in the next room wearing a bathrobe and drinking coffee. She’s busy writing under a pen name.
How Does a Book Get a Library of Congress Number?
There are two main types of Library of Congress identifiers:
For books likely to be purchased by libraries.
This is assigned by librarians, not by authors or publishers. It's what libraries use to shelve your book—not something you can apply for.
Q: Will my book get a Library of Congress number?
Possibly. If you’re publishing through Mystery and Whim Press, we can help you apply for a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) through the PCN program. This number is useful if you want libraries to catalog or shelve your book.
The process is free and takes a little planning, but it's optional—your book can be published and sold without it.
(For authors publishing through Mystery and Whim Press or on their own)
Additional Information
How to Register Your Copyright in 5 Easy Steps
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the U.S. Copyright Office:
🔗 https://www.copyright.gov
Click “Register a Copyright” or go directly to:
🔗 https://eco.copyright.gov
Step 2: Create an Account
Sign up for a free account on the Electronic Copyright Office (eCO) system.
You'll use this to file your registration and track progress.
Step 3: Choose Your Work Type
Most books or poetry collections fall under:
For poetry, essays, and mixed content, “Literary Work” is still the best fit.
Step 4: Fill Out the Application
You’ll need:
You can also designate Mystery and Whim Press as the publisher or leave that blank if publishing independently.
Step 5: Upload Your Work + Pay the Fee
✍️ Notes:
📫 Questions?
Feel free to ask us for help—we’re happy to guide you through it, but the process is designed to be author-friendly (even if a little clunky).