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What is North Star Ministry Press LLC (Nsmpress)?

Nsmpress publishes soft-cover and e-books (hard-cover for select offerings). We focus on publications that fit comfortably within the historic Christian faith. Of special interest are works in theology, Biblical interpretation, Christian living, cultural analysis, empowerment for the underprivileged, church history and personal piety. We publish non-fiction and fiction. This is not a self-publishing, indie, hybrid or vanity publisher.

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Must approved authors subscribe to a particular statement of faith?

No. However, our  Worldview Statement describes our convictions. The bottom line is that through publishing, we desire with your partnership, to proclaim the truth of God's Word for the love of God's people.

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Will the publishing of my book cost me anything?

Your contribution, which is significant, consists of the time, toil and tears it takes to write your book! If your book is selected for publication, there will be no financial costs or fees expected from you, the author. As a not-for-profit organization, our priority is to publish books for the quality of their contents, not their potential for profits. Still, we do know that promoting good books should sell as well.

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Is there the usual lengthy, arduous and complicated submissions process?

No. Simply email a one-page summary of your book, along with your CV, to support@ nsmpress.com. We will respond by letting you know of our plans for your manuscript.

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Could you describe in general terms how the process goes when you inform me that you would like to consider my manuscript for publication?

   1. Only submit a manuscript when invited in response to the inquiry as described above.

   2. That manuscript must be in an unformatted Word doc (paragraph markings only--no indents). Your  manuscript

        must be finished, fully edited and proofed prior to submission. Do not send a draft. We adhere to Chicago Style.

   3. If accepted for publication, Nsmpress will send you a contract to sign.

   4. Nsmpress sends you the formatted pdf proofs of the content and cover of the book for your review.

   5. Nsmpress sends you a hard-copy proof of the book to review.  While the publisher retains the right for all decisions              regarding the book, we value your input. Ultimately the author is responsible for the proofs in so far that they are

        error-free for the final printing.         

   6. Nsmpress launches the book on its regional and global marketing platform and outlets.

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Will I need to purchase an ISBN?

No. Nsmpress absorbs the cost of your ISBN registration along with the other publishing expenses.

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May I submit a PDF of an already typeset manuscript?

No. All manuscripts should be submitted in “clean,” unformatted Microsoft Word files (with only paragraph markings, with no indents). Your manuscript will be professionally typeset and formatted by members of our team.

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Which Bible translations should I use in my book?

Nsmpress currently sanctions the KJV, ESV, the English Dort Version (EDV), ASV and NASV. If you desire to use other translations, you must secure permission in writing from the publishers where appropriate.

 

And who will be designing the cover?

Nsmpress graphic designers will create a cover for your book and Nsmpress will make the final decisions.  However, we do invite and value input from the authors themselves.

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Should I find endorsers for my book?

We encourage having someone of some influence to write a Foreword and finding others to write endorsements.

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Should I find reviewers for my book?

When the book is released, it will be a good idea for you to contact publications to review your book. Nsmpress will do this in a limited way to select publications, as deemed appropriate. We will provide review-copies of your work (pdf or hard copy) to those willing to review your book.

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Will my book be available as an eBook?

Yes, in most all cases, as per your book contract. We generally roll out books in order from hard-cover (if yours is selected for a case-bound edition), to paperback, to e-books.

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How much will my books sell for on the market?

Selling and listing depend on book size, as well as our estimation of its current market value. Pricing may vary due to ongoing sales negotiations. Occasional, or seasonal, book sales may be run to promote your print or e-book. Bulk sales to distributors are priced wholesale. We will strive to get the best price possible for your book.

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Do I, as the author, receive a discount on my book?

Yes. Your contract will stipulate a generous author's discount for any number of your books, now at least 50% off the list price. You may distribute or sell these copies as you wish.

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Will I receive royalties for my books sold?

Yes. Your book contract will provide details.

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Where will my book be sold?

Nsmpress will make your book available throughout our global and regional marketing network on platforms not only like Amazon and Barnes & Nobles, but also Walmart, Target and bookstores, as well as our own website, online book stores, and newsletters. 

 

Should I be involved in promoting my book?

Yes. Definitely. Your promotional activities will be key for your book to gain traction in the market. We encourage a vigorous social-media presence  (blogs, Amazon Author page, your personal website, email lists, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, podcasts, et al.), as well as activities such a speaking-events, book-signings, conferences, book reviews, publishing articles on related topics, book giveaways, radio-tv-internet interviews, etc. You are free to sell as many of your books as you like, at the price of your choosing, based on your author's discount. Note: If you wish to finance the placement of an ad in a magazine, journal or online, we will design and deliver a professional ad at no additional cost to you.

 

Will my book be available in my local bookstores?

Make an appointment with the bookstore manager or book buyer to discuss the possibility of carrying your books. Either you can provide copies or we can, if they establish an account with Nsmpress. Less than 1% of published books are carried in bricks-and-mortar establishments but there is often a willingness, even desire, to carry books of local authors.  Nsmpress stands ready, at no cost to you, with professional support and advice for all your promotional efforts.

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How long does it take to get my book published with Nsmpress?

Ordinarily, six months or less from the time your book contract is signed to the day the finished product is in your hands and hits the market.

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Will my book become a best-seller?

Does your book come from your heart? Do you desire to share your heart with others? Then we can help. If your book submission is accepted by Nsmpress, that means we believe in your book to the extent of making a sizable investment to get it published and on the market, at no cost to you.  Sometimes it takes a subsequent book for an author to get noticed. All that stated, perhaps your book was written for such a time as this to touch the hearts of many, near and far.