There are a lot of nuances to publishing, so this can be a longer answer (that I’m happy to talk more about if you’d like more clarity). For the sake of FAQs, here’s a basic comparison:

• Traditional Publishing: Consider this to be like Shark Tank. You, the entrepreneur, are trying to sell your book to one of the investors, the publishing houses. You can do this with or without a literary agent (though many publishing houses require connections that only an agent can give you) and can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years (if your book is chosen). The majority of publishers require you to have a significant following and engagement on social media, email lists, or podcast views (or all three combined) because they’re looking for an author who will go BIG to sell book copies. In exchange for picking up the cost of production (including editors, cover designers, etc.), publishers take all the creative control and rights to your book. Additionally, they take around 90% of the royalties (the leftover profit after production fees) per copy, leaving authors with very little in terms of net royalty payments. This is a good option for authors who want to be exposed to a greater market, have a large following, and are comfortable with little profit. However, beware the myth that, by going the traditional route, the publishing house will handle all marketing and launch-related tasks. Oftentimes, all marketing efforts are on you, the author! 

• Hybrid Publishing: This is a mix between traditional and self-publishing. These types of publishers charge for the services of publishing (a model that our publishing company is most similar to) such as editing, cover design, and other administrative or project-management services. However, you have to be careful with hybrid publishers (more specifically, vanity presses) because some either don’t give quality services and/or take a level of royalties on top of the charge for services. (B&V, on the other hand, offers quality services while refusing to take any royalties. We believe that authors should retain ALL creative rights and net royalties!) The process can take anywhere from four to twelve months. This is a great option for authors who want to retain full creative rights, control the publishing timeline, and keep all net royalties but still have someone who knows the industry do the heavy lifting. Think of this model like having a project manager handling all the details so you, the author, don’t have to!

• Self-Publishing: This type of publishing is exactly how it sounds. It’s all on you. While there are options to still hire professionals to assist with editing, cover design, and formatting, you also have the option to do everything on your own through services like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). You’ll continue to retain full creative rights of your book while keeping all net royalties (just like in working with hybrid publishers) and working on your own timeline. The process can take as short or as long as you want since you’re the one doing the work. This is a good option for authors who don’t fit into traditional publishing and either can’t afford or don’t want to work with a hybrid publisher. Think of this option as the ultimate DIY. It’s definitely cheaper to go this route; however, you exchange that for the amount of time you’ll spend figuring it all out (if you’re unfamiliar with the process) and may receive lower-quality work without the proper resources, softwares, designers, and industry-level knowledge. If a lack of finances or platform is keeping you from the previous publishing models, this is a great place to start!

The short answer: yes. If you’re looking for assistance with building an idea into a rough draft, one of our Author Accelerator Consultation Packages may be a better fit for you. When starting a publishing package at B&V, we begin immediately with developmental editing (for all packages besides The Seedling), which must be done on a first draft. However, this version of the manuscript is usually a very rough draft. Don’t think that you need a perfect version—the developmental edit will be all about identifying different areas that need expansion, revisions, clarification, etc. There will be plenty of work to do from there on out on your book!

We’ve partnered with Storyteller Factory, an amazing kingdom-minded marketing company, to create custom marketing packages for our authors. Each one of our publishing packages (except The Seedling) features a different tier of marketing assistance. Here’s a brief overview of them:

• The Branch | Essential Launch Package: This is ideal for authors looking for foundational marketing support to build visibility and engagement. It features a custom 4-week launch plan, social media templates, optimized keywords for Amazon rankings, email template, and bestseller category research.

• The Vine | Momentum Launch Package: This is designed for authors who want increased exposure and engagement with a broader audience. It features the above elements plus one week of mini social media support, a book promo video (for Nashville, TN locals only), a 30-minute strategy call, custom outreach strategy, and a press release.

• The Fruitful Author | Bestseller Accelerator Package: This is the ultimate package for authors who want a powerful, high-impact book launch. Featuring all the above, it additionally gives a one-hour strategy call, extended 2-week media support, custom graphics, custom podcast pitching strategy, mini ad strategy guide, and Amazon ad setup.

No matter the package, each of these marketing plans will be sure to help authors effectively market their books!

The process length depends on a few factors. Mainly, it’s dependent on the level to which you can respond to editing. The quickest turnaround we offer is four months, and the maximum timeline we offer is one year. The sweet spot is somewhere between six to nine months to adequately prepare for a book launch and create a quality book from beginning to end.

Throughout the process, you have exclusive access to a Slack channel with me. Any time you have questions or want to check on the progress, you can send a message there. Additionally, we have multiple calls in most packages. While the number of check-in calls varies by package tier, all of our packages (except The Seedling Package) include a kickoff call, a developmental edit review call, anywhere between 3 to 5 check-in calls, and a pre-launch call. 

In all honesty, there isn’t too much of a difference in the services we offer compared to other companies, including self-publishing service companies. HOWEVER, I’d like to say that I’ve created B&V because I know exactly what it’s like to be in your shoes. I’ve intentionally built every aspect of this service to help others create books they can be proud of at the lowest cost I can possibly offer. 

While other companies operate at a purely corporate, business level, B&V operates at a kingdom level while entertaining the business end of things as necessary. My passion is lifting others up—helping others find breakthrough and confidence—which I get to do on the daily through this company. Our publishing services don’t revolve around “How much can I charge?” For me, as the founder, it’s all about how I can best serve you and help you share the message God has given you. During our process, expect to receive monthly prayer focuses and pray together in our check-in calls for your book. This publishing process is about Him, not how much money I make or how prominent of a business B&V becomes. Expect that everything I do and the work ethic I have for your project to reflect this. I’m deeply honored to be part of your project, and I take that responsibility seriously in every decision and task I have during your publishing process. 

So, in all, B&V may not offer some exclusive, “never-done-before” service, but I can promise you that the heart behind what I do will rival anyone else! This is a kingdom-centric company with a mission to help kingdom-minded believers. I don’t know about you, but I think that’s pretty special!

Referring back to the first question about different publishing options, B&V operates most like a hybrid publisher. However, I’ve chosen to go against the norm of taking royalties on top of package fees or charging astronomical prices for services. So, what I get out of this is the cost of the package—no additional or hidden fees. This pays for all the marketing, production fees, and designer and editing wages. My promise is for all authors to keep 100% of the net royalties and creative rights/ownership. When publishing through B&V, your book will be listed under Branch & Vine Publishing and feature a tiny version of our logo on the back. Again, you still retain all the rights and ownership to your book, but because we’re the ones publishing the book, your book will reflect that B&V is publishing it (by self-publishing, you can put yourself as the one publishing it). One other thing: I’ll be listing all publications in our online storefront. This means that your book is featured in an additional marketplace (good for you), and when it’s sold, you’ll receive net royalties (also good for you)!