How do I submit a manuscript for publishing?

We don’t accept unsolicited manuscripts. We work with authors and literary agents and require a well-written query as the first step. If we’re interested in your idea, we will ask for a book proposal and follow up with a request for a partial sampling of the book or the entire manuscript if your book looks like a fit for our list. We will instruct you throughout the process. To send us a query, email us at arabellepublishing@gmail.com You may also mail a query to Arabelle Publishing, PO Box 2841, Chesterfield, VA 23832

Do you publish books from new authors?

Yes. We seek undiscovered talent. If you’re a debut author and passionate about your story, we want to hear it. We publish people, not paper. Yes, we want a quality book, but more than that, we look for writers who will work hard to see their dream come to life.

What kind of books do you publish?

Our mission is to glorify God through books. We seek to publish books that inspire, impact, and instruct our readers. We are actively seeking Bible studies, devotionals, memoirs, Christian Living, journal books, and other non-fiction books, including cookbooks and business books with a Christian theme. Arabelle Publishing does not publish thriller, horror, violence, science fiction, fantasy, or any book that would dishonor God.

How much will it cost to publish a book with Arabelle Publishing?

Nothing. We run our company with a traditional publishing model, which means we invest in the books we're crazy about. If we offer you a contract, we'll pay to produce your book. We will design the cover and interior and whatever it takes to produce and launch a quality book. There is no upfront out-of-pocket expense to our authors.

Some publishing companies say that if I go with a traditional publisher, I will lose all my rights as an author. How much creative vision will I be entitled to if I sign a contract with Arabelle Publishing?

We encourage creativity. One right we feel strongly about is your creative vision. We never hinder that. However, we will work with you to develop that vision. Yes, true, the publisher is the tiebreaker, and we will have the final say. But never at your expense. The creative direction of your book’s development is and always will be a partnership. We’ll work together to create a fantastic product we will both be proud of.

Will I be signing away my rights as an author?

No. Unlike traditional publishers who will keep your book rights for the length of the copyright (70 years), we only keep rights if we keep your book in print. If, after three years, if we haven’t reprinted your book, we will return book rights to the author so they can pursue other publishing opportunities or self-publish their book. If we feel the book is a good fit for our list, we will re-release it within 3 years.

What percentage do you give for royalty payments?

Here’s what is standard in the industry. The going rate for a traditional publishing royalty is 8-12%. If an advance is given, the royalty payments don’t start until the advance is paid back. If you go with a hybrid publishing company, you’ll spend money upfront to produce your book. They will offer you a sizeable royalty, but remember, you’ve already paid to produce your book, so you need to pay that back before you see a dime.

At Arabelle Publishing, we do things differently. There’s no charge upfront. And we give you a sizeable royalty of 18-20% off the net sales receipts before the production costs are subtracted. For example, if your book sells for $10 to the retailer and they purchase 500 books, the sale is $5,000. Your royalty is calculated off the sale, not the publisher’s commission which is less the printing costs.

How long will it take to publish my book?

Each book is unique. We only sign contracts with finished manuscripts to enable us to publish quickly. Typically, we publish books within 6-10 months from the time the contract is signed. Although we set estimated release dates, the actual date will be adjusted during the production phase.

Where will my books be sold?

Our distributors make your book available to 40,000+ retailers, including Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Walmart, Amazon, and local independent bookstores, libraries, and global distribution partners, allowing our titles to be distributed around the world. There is no guarantee which retailer will pick up your book. Our website lists some of the most common carriers of Arabelle books.

Who is the Arabelle team?

We have a team of talented designers, editors, and publicists who work with us. We're always looking to expand our creative team. If you have skills that will serve the publishing industry and a heart for God, send us your resume and let us know why you think you’d be a good fit.

Do you offer free books for Reviewers & Bloggers?

Yes! To be on our review team, send us an email, and we’ll start you with your first book. Those who wish to review our books will be given a complimentary book for an honest review posted on the major book review sites.

Can I distribute my book?

Yes. We allow authors to purchase books at a 50% discount for book signings and for sale on their websites. You will keep 100% of the proceeds from these sales.

What is the story behind the name Arabelle Publishing?

Arabelle means "answered prayer." After much prayer and an exhaustive search for the perfect company name, we stumbled across the name Arabelle. Learning that Arabelle's meaning is grounded in prayer, yielded to prayer, and prayerful, we knew it was perfect to represent us. Every step we take involves careful prayer. We hope to be led by the Holy Spirit to do God's work in sharing the words of His messengers. Arabelle has been an answer to prayer for us, and we hope we are an answer to prayer for the many authors we will serve.

Why did you choose a bird logo?

We love birds! But the Arabelle bird is special. The musical notes represent the singing of praises to God and sharing His message. We believe God has called all our authors to convey a unique message. We are here to broadcast that to the world.

What will improve my chances of getting selected?

We are impressed by authors who take time to do their homework. That means a well-written query, synopsis of the book, and authors bio. You have a vision for your book and are able to articulate it. Your manuscript should be complete and ready for review if we ask for it. If you haven't finished your manuscript, you aren't ready to submit to us.

Do I need an agent to submit.

No, authors may query without an agent. Although we do accept full manuscripts from an agent.

I don't have email. Can I mail you a copy of my manuscript?

No. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Full manuscripts will be discarded.

How long will it take to receive a response to my query?

Our response time varies anywhere between 2 days to 8 weeks. If you send a query/proposal and haven't heard from us, it's fine if you want to check in. While we try to respond back to all inquiries, it's not always possible.

When will I receive my royalty payment?

Author royalties are calculated each quarter and payment is made 90 days following the last day of the quarter. For example, 1st Quarter (January, February, and March) royalties are paid in June. 2nd Quarter (April, May, and June) royalties are paid in September, and so forth.

How many books will I sell?

We cannot guarantee the number of books you will sell. However, the more effort you put into marketing, the better you will do. And while selling books is important to us, it might not be the biggest factor of success for you. Becoming a published author will open doors for you and provide opportunities for paid speaking gigs that may be far more lucrative than book sales. Your goal should not be focused on the sales rank or number, but reaching the right buyers who will read and talk about your book, and the rank and sales will begin to fall into line.

Will I be required to purchase books?

No. We give each author 10 complimentary copies of their book. We also allow authors to purchase discounted books, but this is not a requirement.

Do you publish audio books?

At this time, no. We allow authors to retain certain sub-rights, such as audio books, and some translations. If interested in obtaining rights to an audio book, you should mention this during the contract review.

Can I design my own book cover?

We are happy to work with authors who are enthusiastic about all phases of the publishing process. Your creative input is important to us. However, the final cover will be approved by our team. If you have a design in mind, you may share it with us, and our designer will use it as inspiration and a starting point to work from.

Do you offer advances?

We do not offer advances on royalties.

Do you offer a partner publishing option for those who want to self publish?

Yes. Faith Writer's Bridge offers publishing services to help authors who only need limited services. We offer book cover design, interior book formatting, sell sheets, author pages, editing, and coaching. Through this imprint we also offer a full-service partner publishing option. With this option you are essentially hiring us to be the project manager to guide the book publishing process. We do everything from assigning the ISBN and managing the creative process to the final step in publication. To learn more about this option, email us at hello@arabellepublishing.com to schedule a call to discuss your book.