FAQ

Readers

What is Author Direct (AD) about?

It’s about helping published authors sell their work directly to readers, in digital form.

Does that make things cheaper?

Yes, almost always. Logically, the fewer people in the chain, the lower the production costs and end price.

Is there DRM or other restrictrions on AD ebooks?

None of our ebooks have DRM and we encourage our authors to supply books without it.

Authors

I’m an Author – what percentage of the sale price will I get?

Seventy per cent (70%) on every sale.

Why publish with Author Direct?

You have nothing to lose. You retain all rights to your books, and you may publish them elsewhere as well. We want more freedom in publishing, not less.

Do I have to be a published author to publish with you?

Yes. We have this rule to help ensure we only publish quality work.

How long would I have to stay with you?

As long (or as briefly) as you like. It’s a non-exclusive deal, so you can publish elsewhere at the same time if you like.

Do I have to own the electronic rights for the book I’m publishing?

Yes. You can’t sell something that you do not own. If a publisher retains the electronic rights to your work, try to get them back, then publish here.

How do I know if I own the e-rights to my backlist books?

If you have previously published through a publisher, examine your contract. Look for anything that details electronic right, or spells out when your rights “revert” back to the author. Often after a period of (for example) five years without a reprint, rights will return to you.

Can I publish my ebook if I own the e-rights to it it offer it for sale somewhere else?

Yes. It’s your book.

Do you only publish digital books?

Yes. The costs are lower, the delivery is free, and the store is always open.

What format ebooks do you publish?

EPUB. Currently it’s the open-source industry standard. We are looking to also publish in PDF and .mobi formats in the future.

Will my ebooks have DRM applied?

No, they will not.

How much should I charge for my ebooks?

That’s up to you. We strongly suggest that you definitely keep the price under $10, and preferably under $5. We recommend $2.99 for a full-length novel.

How and when will I get paid?

You’ll be paid monthly within five working days of the end of the month, if your total earnings are more than $10. If they aren’t, the earnings will roll over to the following month. Payment is currently through PayPal.

How will I know how many books I’ve sold (or have been downloaded)?

You’ll get an email statement at the end of every month detailing sales and/or downloads.

Can I publish any length of ebook?

Yes, within reason. But adjust your price accordingly (especially for shorts and novellas.).

Can I publish previously unpublished works?

Yes. As long as you are a published author (obviously via another book).

How else can I earn money through Author Direct?

You can refer other authors to us. If a new author mentions you as his/her “referrer” when they upload their work, you receive 5% of all sale revenue that the author makes, for as long as they stay selling through us. The author continues to earn the standard 70% of the sale price too.

I love this. How else can I help this enterprise (and myself)?

Tell people about us! The more people you tell, traffic you direct to us, or links you point to us, the more eyeballs and potential sales we all get. It’s a win-win.