Frequently Asked Questions
About Green Hill Publishing
Are you based overseas?
No, we are the Australian company.
We have a real office, a real design studio and a team of real book designers who work from the studio.
This is a question well asked because the last thing you need as an Australian author is to be trying to call Toronto at 12 noon Sydney time to discuss your book.
Many of the UK and North American companies do have a hole-in-the wall office in Sydney or Melbourne – but you won’t have any idea who your designer is. You’ll be speaking to an account manager/salesperson.
You don't seem to offer the range of services like overseas providers
No, we don’t.
We do everything that is critical to the success of your book, performing over 120 actions/tasks in making ready each title. There are simply too many of these to list.
But we don’t do the junk (and charge for it). This is because services like book stubs, book trailers, movie scripts, business cards and fake paid reviews are next to useless. Some of these can even have a negative impact not only on your hip pocket but on your reputation as an author. If you are enamoured by the long lists of gimmicks offered by our UK, US and Canadian competitors (and you are prepared to pay their hefty price tag) then Green Hill is not the publishing option for you.
Having said that we can do anything if you ask for it.
We do offer professional digital marketing services, publicity, author websites, eBooks, audiobooks, illustration, book mentoring and distribution services.
Though for the record, because we are committed to serving authors in any way, we can do book stubs and posters (if you really want)!
Package inclusions and exclusions
Is editing included in my publishing package?
Are illustrations included in my childrens book package?
No, illustration commission is not included in your standard childrens book package and is a separate cost that will need to be quoted in conjunction with the illustrator.
Do I get to speak directly with my Book Designer?
Keepsake Package
No, Green Hill will supply you with a written brief form to fill out which will act as your brief. You will choose the images and fonts to be used for your design.
Professional Package
Yes, a Briefing Session will be arranged with you and the Book Designer to discuss your project. This can be in-person OR via phone call.
Premium Package
Yes, a Briefing Session will be arranged with you and the Book Designer to discuss your project. This can be in-person OR via phone call.
Are images included in my package?
Am I allowed to make alterations/changes to the typesetting?
Keepsake Package
No, the manuscript you supply will be considered final. Any alterations to the text will be performed at an hourly rate.
Professional Package
Yes, 1 round up to 20 minor text alterations are included in this package. Additional rounds/alterations will be charged at an hourly rate.
Premium Package
Yes, 3 rounds of alterations to text are included in your package. These alterations will be made by you in the review document that Green Hill will provide during alteration stages. Additional rounds/alterations will be charged at an hourly rate.
What format of my book is included?
Keepsake Package
Only a hardcover/casebound format is included in this package. Conversion to a different format is an additional cost.
Professional Package
Only a softcover/paperback format is included in this package. Conversion to a different format is an additional cost.
Premium Package
Both hardcover and paperback formats are included in this package.
Will my book be distributed through Print-on-Demand Distribution?
Keepsake Package
No, this package does not include distribution.
Professional Package
Yes, your book will be set up for distribution with either IngramSpark or Amazon KDP for global distribution. You will need to set up an account with either or both companies to make use of this feature.
Premium Package
Yes, your book will be set up for distribution with either IngramSpark or Amazon KDP for global distribution. You will need to set up an account with either or both companies to make use of this feature.
Is eBook included in my package?
Submitting your content
Can I send you my manuscript as a Google Doc/Reedsy doc/PDF/Handwritten manuscript?
Green Hill does not accept manuscripts in any format other than Microsoft Word documents as this is the most compatible with the design software used to design your book. There can be ways to convert other types of documents to Microsoft work documents, but if you’d like for us to do this for you, we would have to charge an extra fee.
How do I send you my photos?
When sending photos to be included in your manuscript, it’s best to place them directly in your manuscript and use the inline text wrapping option. Our design team will place the images in a stylish and pleasing way, so don’t worry about how they look, just make sure they are in the correct position.
You can also submit your photos separately in a folder, just make sure that they are named clearly and consistently with their captions, and that the captions are in the manuscript so that our design team can easily recognise where the image is supposed to go.
Please do not use text boxes for captions. Instead, just write them directly underneath the photos and make sure to style them according to our word template and styles guide.
Please make sure to submit your photos in one go. If you have to send multiple rounds of photos, it can get confusing and you may end up with the wrong images in your book. We allow up to 20 photos included within our Keepsake Package.
If I don't use the Word Template and Styles Guide, will you still accept my manuscript?
We cannot accept manuscripts that don’t adhere to our styles guide. If you’re having trouble formatting your manuscript along with our documents, let us know and we can organise one of our in-house pre-studio staff to do it for you at an extra fee.
How do I send you my manuscript?
Keepsake Package
Use this link to submit your manuscript.
Before you submit your manuscript, make sure that you download the template and style documents and watch the tutorial on how to format your manuscript for submission to Green Hill.
Professional and Premium Packages
If your manuscript is ready to submit before you sign up for your package, use this link. For those who don’t have their manuscript finalised before signing up, you will be able to submit your manuscript via your personal author portal.
Before you submit your manuscript, make sure that you download the template and style documents and watch the tutorial on how to format your manuscript for submission to Green Hill.
Getting your book edited
Does Green Hill edit books?
Green Hill has a collection of trusted editors we have worked with extensively over the years. Your project manager will connect you to one of our editors who best suits your project.
Is editing included in the packages?
Keepsake Package
No, editing is not included in any of our packages as the cost of editing is different for each manuscript depending on the level of editing required.
Professional and Premium Packages
No, editing is not included in any of our packages as the cost of editing is different for each manuscript depending on the level of editing required. Instead, included in these packages is a free editing assessment valued at $120. This is done by one of our editors and includes a quote, a summary of the editing required, and a sample of the work the editor will do on your manscript.
Will the designer edit my book as they typeset?
No they will not. The designer’s job is to visually prepare the files. Their expertise does not lie in proofreading/editing.
The book design process
Cover design
Can I change the direction of the book design after I have approved the Meeting Summary?
If you decide to change the design direction, Green Hill will need to restart your project from the Briefing Session stage and charge an additional fee for repeating this process.
How many cover designs will I receive?
Keepsake Package
You will receive 1 Final Cover based upon your Written Brief.
Professional Package
You will receive 2 cover designs within your Book Concept based on your Briefing Session with the Book Designer.
Premium Package
You will receive 2 cover designs within your Book Concept based on your Briefing Session with the Book Designer.
Do you read the book before you start the design?
Green Hill will read your blurb and snippets of your book, however Green Hill does not have time to read every book they work on in full so we will rely on you as the author to give us an accurate representation of your book and the themes therein.
How do I supply alterations?
Please include your alterations in the feedback forms supplied. You can attach documents eg. images to show the alteration that needs to occur.
Otherwise, always list page number and if possible line number for alterations.Â
How much are additional alterations?
Additional alterations are performed at $110 (GST included) per hour.
If I send two forms back-to-back because I forgot something does this count as one round of alterations?
If the team has started on the edits or the submission has caused confusion, the team may need to charge for the additional round, however it is at the discretion of Green Hill whether to allow this. It is best to take your time and ensure you only make one submission.
Typsetting and interior design
Can you start laying out my book with a draft manuscript?
No, Green Hill is unable to begin the typesetting of your book with a draft manuscript. This causes confusion in the studio as to file accuracy. Also, your manuscript may change to the point the design is no longer reflective of the manuscript.
Can I resupply my manuscript after typesetting has started?
Submission of a new manuscript after typesetting has commenced will incur a fee for re-teching and re-typesetting of the manuscript
Do you design my book in Microsoft Word?
No, Green Hill uses a design software called Adobe InDesign to design your book. The Word file is imported into the design software using Green Hill’s re-teching process.
Do you read the book before you start the design?
Green will not read your book in full. Green Hill relies on you as the author to give us an accurate representation of your book and the themes therein.
Will the designer proofread the book as it is typeset?
No they will not. The typesetters’ job is to visually prepare the files. Their expertise does not lie in proofreading/editing.
What is a text alteration versus a design alteration?
A text alteration only includes text and may involve a typo, a deletion of a word/sentence or an addition of a word/sentence.
A design alteration may include a change to the font, hierarchy/heading style, change to the chapter opening image, etc, and/or deletion of large sections of the manuscript.
What constitutes a typesetting error?
A typesetting error is when an error has been introduced during the typesetting process by one of our team members (e.g. a typo was introduced). This does not include errors that were already included in the manuscript provided and approved.Â
Alterations
How do I supply alterations?
Keepsake Package
You will need to email Green Hill at support@greenhillpublishing.com.au to notify the team you will need to make alterations, as these are not included in your package.
Professional Package
Please supply alterations in the feedback forms provided.
Premium Package
Please supply alterations in the feedback forms provided.
If I send two feedback forms back-to-back because I forgot something, does this count as 1 round of alterations?
How much are additional alterations?
What is an edit versus an alteration?
An edit is a change performed during the manuscript editing process.
An alteration is a change performed during the production/design process.
Do I have to pay for additional alterations before they are started?
Printing your book
Can I print in hardcover and paperback?
Keepsake Package
Only a hardcover/casebound format is included in this package. Conversion to a different format will be an additional fee of $220.
Professional Package
Only a softcover/paperback format is included in this package. Conversion to a different format will be an additional fee of $220.
Premium Package
Both hardcover and paperback formats are included in this package.
Can you give me a print price before the design phase so I can decide on colour or black and white print?
Keepsake Package
Professional Package & Premium Package
Can I choose my printer?
Keepsake Package
Your Print-ready files will be set up for printing with IngramSpark print-on-demand, so you will not be able to choose your printer.
Professional Package
Yes, you can choose whether we set up your files for either IngramSpark or Amazon KDP or both.
If you would like us to work with a different printer, you will need to provide the specifications prior to us providing the Print-ready Cover PDF and the Print-ready Typesetting PDF.
Premium Package
Yes, you can choose whether we set up your files for either IngramSpark or Amazon KDP or both.
If you would like us to work with a different printer, you will need to provide the specifications prior to us providing the Print-ready Cover PDF and the Print-ready Typesetting PDF.
If there is a print error, what do I do?
How long does print take?
Keepsake Package
Typically, print will arrive within 5-10 business days.
Professional and Premium Packages
This is dependent upon the printer you choose. If Green Hill is arranging print we will advise you of the service standards given to us and any updates, however Green Hill is not able to guarantee a print timeline as it is a third party and therefore outside of our control.Â
Distributing your book
Is Print-on-Demand included in my package?
Keepsake Package
No, this package does not include distribution.
Professional and Premium Packages
Yes, your book will be set up for distribution with either IngramSpark or Amazon KDP for global distribution. You will need to set up an account with either or both companies to make use of this feature.
Do you distribute my book?
Green Hill will provide you with information on how to distribute your book yourself. We can advise on this process.
How do I get my book into bookstores/libraries?
Keepsake Package
No, this package does not include provisions for library or bookstore distribution.
Professional Package
Green Hill can provide you with advice on how to get your book on consignment in bookstores. We can also advise you on how to contact the Australian library service to get your book distributed in libraries around Australia.
Premium Package
Green Hill can provide you with advice on how to get your book on consignment in bookstores. We can submit your book to the National Library of Australia for library distribution.
Can you tell me how much I will make per book or how much I should sell my book for?
Keepsake Package
No, this package does not include distribution.
Professional Package
Until the design of the book has been completed and the print price the cost to procuce the book is unknown. Without the cost to produce, we cannot recommend retail prices.
When it is possible, Green Hill will notify you and you will be able to determine pricing in your account with either IngramSpark or Amazon KDP.
Premium Package
Until the design of the book has been completed and the print price the cost to procuce the book is unknown. Without the cost to produce, we cannot recommend retail prices.
When it is possible, Green Hill will help you to determine retail prices.
What do I need to know about distribution through IngramSpark?
IngramSpark is a large global book distributor that can make your book available for stocking by bookstores and online retailers. You will need to set-up an account on IngramSpark and have an Australian Business Number (ABN) to use their distribution chanels.
What do I need to know about distribution through Amazon?
Amazon is a large global online book retailer. You will need to have your own account in order to distribute your book through Amazon.
Marketing your book
Does Green Hill Publishing market my book for me?
While it is not included in the packages, a marketing package can be included in your project for an additional cost. Our marketing professional can help you market your book by soliticiting reviewers, creating graphics for your social media, conducting research on how to boost your Amazon rankings, and more.
Should I schedule/advertise my book launch while the book is in production?
Green Hill strongly advises that you do not schedule your book launch until you have received your physical proof and have begun to arrange print.
This is to ensure that you will have your books ready and available for purchase when you launch. The last thing you want is for your book launch date to arrive but your book hasn’t.
Do you stock my book?
Green Hill does not sell your book, therefore we will have no stock of your book in our offices.
Copyright information
Can I reserve/copyright my book title?
You cannot copyright a book title. In very rare cases you can trademark a title but this involves you paying a fee to have the trademark. It is not standard to do so, and many books share similar titles.Â
Do I own the rights to my book?
You currently own the rights to the book’s content as you created this. Upon receipt of the final payment, Green Hill assigns the rights of the book design to you as well, but until this stage Green Hill owns the rights to the design.Â
Payment information
Where do I find Green Hill Publishing's payment details?
Green Hill Publishing’s bank account details are located on the bottom of the invoices that we will provide you.
Is the full editing cost separate to the publishing package?
Keepsake
Yes, it is separate. Included in your package is a complimentary editing assessment voucher, but the full editing is a separate cost.
Professional
Yes, it is separate. Included in your package is a complimentary editing assessment voucher, but the full editing is a separate cost.
Premium
Yes, it is separate. Included in your package is a complimentary editing assessment voucher, but the full editing is a separate cost.
Is illustration included in my childrens book package?
No, illustration commission is not included in your standard childrens book package and is a separate cost that will need to be quoted in conjunction with the illustrator.
Do you take royalties?
Unlike other publishing companies, Green Hill does not take a percentage for Royalties made on your book. We are a fee-for-service business, so, once we receive the final payment the book, we transfer the control of the book distribution over to you, and you can manage everything.
Can you tell me how much I will make per book or how much I should sell my book for?
We cannot advise on how much you can sell your book for or profits at this stage as a determining factor of this is how much it will cost to print your book.
Do I have to pay for additional alterations before they are started?
Yes, unless otherwise stipulated we require payment upfront for any additional alterations not included in your publishing package before work begins.