Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harvardwood Publishing?

Originally conceived as way to give writers more opportunities to have their work published and reach a wider audience rather than languish unread, undistributed and non-revenue generating, the program is now moving full speed ahead with books, novelizations, and short story publishing opportunities for writers, as well as providing a resource for top quality books and short stories written by Harvard and Harvard-affiliated authors.

Who should submit their work to this program for publishing?

Anyone seeking to have their written work published or republished, be they emerging or established writers. All people interested in having their work published by Harvardwood Publishing must be a Full Member of Harvardwood. If you are an Affiliate and wish to upgrade to Full Member status, please click here. If you are new to Harvardwood and wish to join, please register as a Full Member, Affiliate, or Friend of Harvardwood.

What is print-on-demand?

Print on Demand is exactly what it sounds like: the customer orders a book and the publisher prints and sends it in response to this "demand.” In fact, the book is created expressly for the individual ordering it. As a result, the expense of an initial print run and the cost of warehouse space for books that have been printed but not purchased become insignificant. The only books created are those that have been ordered and the entire process of producing books is made more efficient. A byproduct of Print on Demand is that publishing becomes more egalitarian since authors no longer need to persuade a publishing house that the book will sell lots of copies in order to justify printing. Thus, Print on Demand allows a publisher to take a chance on an unpublished author because the investment is much more limited.

Will the work be available for purchase through mainstream publishing outlets and retailers such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.?

Each new book starts in limited advance release, as a paperback available to order exclusively from the web sites of Harvardwood and its members, and Unlimited Publishing and its printer(s). Those that demonstrate meaningful public demand become eligible for broader distribution through additional printers and wholesalers that supply mainstream booksellers. The most popular can even become eligible for in-store stocking by bookstores.

What are the main submission requirements?

Harvardwood Publishing needs to review all submission materials at one time, not piecemeal. Please submit all of the following for consideration:

-- The text, which is not to exceed 50,000 words (200 pages), on a CD in Rich Text Format, a standard 'save as' option for Microsoft Word. Where applicable, indicate locations of drawings, e.g., "[insert drawing #1 here]”

-- An exceptionally clean and simple 10 page excerpt in Rich Text Format

-- 100 word summary of entire book

-- 100 word bio

-- Where applicable, line drawings on CD in Tagged Image Format.

-- Clear copyright or, where applicable, copyright release from former publisher.

-- Detailed marketing plan of the writer's efforts, including monthly live events at locations other than bookstores; a web site or free blog account; regular postings to sites that focus on related topics; and listing of efforts to reach readers of previous book(s).

Why a marketing plan?

A detailed marketing plan demonstrates the writer's commitment to promoting the completed book in tightly-targeted markets (rather than general interest booksellers) during the first year in print, and thereby assists Harvardwood Publishing in its policy of expanding distribution in direct proportion to proven public demand.

Why do you need an excerpt?

The excerpt will allow Harvardwood Publishing to assess both the quality of writing and the writer's level of technical ability, which is important in holding publication costs down.