We will publish your book to the highest editorial and production standards

On this page:

• Introduction
• What is self publishing?
• Why self-publish?
• Why publish with Real Lives?

Ever since mankind acquired the gift of speech, we have had the urge to tell stories and relate our experiences to others.

With the emergence of script and the invention of printing, this urge could be fulfilled and reach the world at large through that most durable of media, the printed book - as yet unsurpassed in its function by any technological substitute.

We all have stories to tell, histories to relate, ideas and skills to pass on in books of our own.

While the option of finding a printer and a doing it yourself is always there, we can bring to your book professional expertise in editing, design, sales and distribution.

We have handled a great variety of material and can access editors in most fields. Please approach us with any queries you may have, and we will do our best to answer them without any obligation on your part.

Introduction

Real Lives provide an author-financed publishing service, with all the resources to publish your book to the highest standards of editing, design, printing and binding at a sensible price.

What is self-publishing?

Self-Publishing is the process by which authors underwrite the publishing of their work whilst remaining in control of the process.

This preferred option enables authors to decide everything from the size of the book, the artwork and illustrations to the release date. Publishing with Real Lives also offers a high royalty return of 45% on net sales receipts if we handle the marketing and distribution.

Why Self-Publish?

• You are an unknown author who has written fiction or poetry and wish to get your name known.
• You have written a biography or family history that deserves to be in print but with limited commercial demand.
• Your book is of specifically of local interest, for instance the history of a town, village or organization.
• You want your work to be published whilst remaining in control of the way in which your work is presented.

Every book is unique and there are many reasons why an author would choose to self-publish. But if you are proud of your work and want it produced to high standards and specifications, we strongly recommend that you ask Real Lives to quote for their services.

Some recent Real Lives publishing examples

Why publish with Real Lives?

Real Lives provide a comprehensive service to clients who are committed to publishing high quality books with excellent binding, in hardback or paperback on good paper with a high standard of cover design. We have a team of editors and designers experienced in all aspects of publishing.

• We work alongside our authors to ensure that we deliver exactly what they want, giving our experienced advice where needed.
• We give 101% effort and service to all our clients. We also ensure that Copyright remains the property of the author.
• Our aim is to keep publishing costs to a minimum without compromising quality.

We can:

• advise on layout, typesetting, book cover design, binding and formats to help you choose which suit your book best.
• give assistance and advice on marketing, such as generating Press Releases, organising Launch Parties or distributing review copies to appropriate media.
• provide your book with an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and submit details to Nielsen Book Data© (the Central Book Database) and supply a barcode which will allow distribution through all commercial outlets.
• ensure your book is available on Amazon.co.uk and other commercial websites, broadening your book’s availability to anywhere in the world with internet access.
• provide your book to the country’s leading wholesalers, supplying high street stores such as Waterstone's, Ottakars & Borders.
• advise on commercial retail distribution where appropriate.
• submit your book to the Legal Deposit Libraries: The British Library, The National Libraries of Scotland & Wales and Oxford & Cambridge University Libraries.