Publishing A Book with WISP
There are multiple routes to getting your book published with WISP. We accept both original works and previously self-published works that the author owns the rights to. Authors can choose to publish strictly on the WISP website or to have WISP publish their book wide by partnering with a distributor. We offer multiple formats so of which can only be published through the WISP website while others can be distributed to other sales channels.
Formats we publish include traditional and non-traditional revenue streams including;
Web Novels - Published entirely on the WISP website. Authors are free to also offer their web novel free on WISP while holding advanced chapters on Patreon. If authors choose to request editor, alpha/beta readers, or any other form of collaboration, they must publish their finished long form book exclusively through WISP for global distribution.
eBooks -
PDFs
Self-Bind Print Files
Paperback
Hardcover
Special Editions
Hand Bound Hardcovers
Expand the tabs below to read more about these options.
Web Novel
WISP editors recommend that new authors start their publishing journey with WISP by publishing a web novel with new chapters anywhere from once a month to multiple days a week. This is the fastest way to get published because:
1) Editorial Review is not required for every chapter of a web novel, it is optional. Once the first chapter is approved, authors are free to publish their novels in accordance with our site's content guidelines. Web novels reported for violating content guidelines will be held for review.
2)When an author requests an editor, alpha reader, or beta reader to work with them on their web novel, those individuals can read, make editing suggestions, and submit them to the author far faster with individual chapters of up to 5,000 words than if reviewing a full 70,00+ word novel. If using the services of collaborators, authors will be required to sell the finished long form works generated through these collaborations exclusively through WISP.
3) Authors are permitted to publish web novels free on WISP while charging for advanced chapters on their Patreon or other funding site. Or authors can set their novels to charge for reading from the start.
Authors can sell their completed novels as a plain long form PDF through the WISP shop. Many readers prefer PDF format and appreciate the option to purchase a cheap low data form of a book.
Books that are published with the assistance of a royalty share arrangement may only be distributed through WISP whether that be through the WISP site only or through partnership with other distributors.
Self-Binding Print File
A self binding print file is a file formatted to be printed on 8.5"x11" paper and collated into booklet format so that hobby binders can receive an unbound copy of a story they like and bind it by hand themselves into exactly the artistic creation they want it to be.
Books that are published with the assistance of a royalty share arrangement may only be distributed through WISP whether that be through the WISP site only or through partnership with other distributors.
eBook with WISP Distribution
These are ebooks in ePub format published exclusively through the WISP website. For authors who are unsure how well their book will be received, whose book has not been reviewed and approved by a WISP editor, or who have already published their book wide through another distributor.
Books that are published with the assistance of a royalty share arrangement may only be distributed through WISP whether that be through the WISP site only or through partnership with other distributors.
eBook Wide Distribution
For books which have never been published in ebook format previously or are not currently in wide distribution and have been approved by a WISP editor for wide publishing.
Books that are published with the assistance of a royalty share arrangement may only be distributed through WISP whether that be through the WISP site only or through partnership with other distributors.
Paperback
Once a book has been approved by an editor, authors have the option to have their book formatted and sold as a paperback through WISP as long as it is not currently contracted with another publisher. If the author formats their book and provides their covers and their ISBNs themselves, the author receives the standard royalty rate minus the percentage WISP claims.
If WISP provides any formatting, cover art creation, or other services, we will reduce the royalty rate by the standard deduction you would have shared with a collaborator from the Creator Marketplace.
Books that are published with the assistance of a royalty share arrangement may only be distributed through WISP whether that be through the WISP site only or through partnership with other distributors.
Hardcover
Once a book has been reviewed by an editor and is properly formatted, authors have the option to release as a hardcover. As long as the author holds the rights to the book WISP is willing to help publish it. If the author has not used any collaborator services and has provided all their own formatting and cover, they receive the full royalty amount minus the percentage WISP claims. If they request any assistance from WISP we will deduct the same percentage for services that would be shared with any collaborator. Books that are published with the assistance of a royalty share arrangement may only be distributed through WISP whether that be through the WISP site only or through partnership with other distributors.
Special Editions
Authors have the option of requesting that their book be published as a special edition.
The first publishing run of the first book in a new book series is most never approved as a special edition. However, if it becomes popular enough special editions may be published for sale at a later date.
Special editions often have primarily cosmetic difference, thicker paper stock, hard covers, fore-edge printing, and jackets. Some may contain commentary like a forewords, afterwards, illustrations, or other special content from the author, editor, or other notable persons.
These printings are usually reserved for special events like anniversaries of publishing, book conventions, signings, and tours.
Books that are published with the assistance of a royalty share arrangement may only be distributed through WISP whether that be through the WISP site only or through partnership with other distributors.
Hand Bound Hardcovers 1 & 2
Just as WISP supports hobby book binders being able to self-bind their favorite stories, we also provide authors with the opportunity to partner with professional book binders to sell unique versions of their books. Authors must request this option and receive approval through a collaboration request for a particular work.