Frequently asked questions
Here’s answers to some questions you might have if you’re thinking about making a book with us. For anything else please contact us.
Is echofolio a publisher?
We’re not a traditional publisher. We’re a publishing facilitator.
We adapt your content for the page. And use self-publishing methods to produce and distribute your book online via print-on-demand.
What does it cost?
No up front costs. We make money by profile share.
When do I get paid?
We make payments to authors twice annually – in February and July.
How much could I make from sales?
We aim to ensure your profit per unit sold is $3 or more.
We anticipate a 0.5–1% conversion rate for sales from your audience.
If you have 100,000 followers, this could amount to $1,500–$3,000.
With 1,000,000 followers, potential earnings range from $15,000 to $30,000.
Who owns the copyright?
Publication Rights We request the right to publish the book and in specific formats (print and digital).
Distribution Rights We don’t impose any restrictions on distribution.
Translation Rights We seek the right to translate the book into other languages.
Adaptation Rights We don’t request rights to adapt the book into other media.
Royalty Rights The contract specifies how royalties from sales are calculated and paid.
Exclusive Rights We ask for exclusive rights for a set period, during which the author cannot publish the same work with another publisher.
Where is my book sold?
Online. And worldwide.
You can sell it on your website, and we sell it on ours as well. It will likely also be available through our network of distributors: Amazon, Apple, INGRAM, Lulu, Gardeners, Kobo, Libri, and Scribd.
How will I know how sales are going?
We’ll send you a monthly sales summary. Feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions.
Can I get copies?
Certainly. We provide a complimentary proof copy and a published copy. Additional copies are available for purchase at the retail price minus the profit margin.
What can be published?
Primarily non-fiction books but we like to think of the book-form fluidly so many things are possible;
- Essay collections with illustrations and graphics.
- Medium content books (eg. planners)
- Essays with data visualisation or maps.
- Board and card games.
- Poetry collections.
- Photo books.
- Comic books.
- Cook books.
- Artist books.
- Calendars.
- Wall art / posters.
- Selected merchandise.
Is it also an e-book?
The book will be available as both a print-on-demand physical copy and an e-book.
What is a manuscript?
The text before it’s set in a book.
In the past authors submitted handwritten drafts to publishers. They called this a manuscript – “Manus” Latin for hand and “scriptum” meaning to write. Now first drafts are rarely handwritten but we continue to use this term for what is submitted.
In our case we curate content from your catalogue and craft a manuscript on your behalf.
What is copy editing?
It brings a professional polish to the manuscript.
A first pass to catch any errors in spelling and grammar. Some fact checks are done too. Effort is taken to maintain the author’s voice and intent while providing a professional finish.
Will there be artwork?
We like visuals. Adapting from video means there’s opportunities for illustrations and graphics. We adapt not just the transcript but also any visual elements.
Do I need to provide illustrations and graphics?
We handle all the design and illustration for you. You’ll have opportunities to provide feedback and direction throughout the process.
We’ll interpret your branding and recreate it for print based on your content. If you have a brand guide, that’s even better.
If you already have diagrams, charts, graphics, or illustrations, you’re welcome to provide them. We’ll make them print-ready.
Will it be black and white or colour?
We love colour. The reason is adapting visual media like video often means bringing in illustrations, graphics, and charts. These elements can benefit from colour.
However this comes at a cost. The retail price difference can be more than $5.
Is AI used to make the book?
There is no content generation using AI. The content source is your own work.
The editorial process makes use of integrated grammar and spelling checks which is powered by AI and all editorial decisions are made my humans.
Are the books in a warehouse?
No. We use a print-on-demand model.
Print-on-demand is a publishing model where books are printed only when ordered, eliminating the need for warehousing inventory. This approach offers cost-effectiveness, efficient logistics, and improved sustainability in book production and distribution.
Why print-on-demand?
Cost-effectiveness, efficient logistics, and sustainability.
Print-on-demand near customers results in shorter shipping distances and times. This reduces costs associated with production, logistics, and warehousing while also minimizing environmental impact.
Which print-on-demand service is used?
We publish through Lulu.
Why not traditional publishing?
Traditional publishing offers the opportunity of reaching a wider audience, potentially more sales, and getting your book in bookstores.
- It’s typical to earn 7.5% to 10% with traditional publishing. With us it’s 18% to 22%, but with fewer sales.
- Traditional publishers can offer promotion, PR, and marketing. But you have already done the work to find an audience and have a method to reach them.
- It requires engaging a literary agent and gaining their trust in your project.
- Agents receive high volumes of submissions from unknown authors. It might take considerable time to find one that’s interested.
- There’s no guarantee a publisher will pick it up.
This could be an attractive option for you. We can work together with you to produce a strong manuscript and print-ready book to shop to agents.
Can I self-publish or use another publisher?
Our business model focuses on adapting your content into a polished manuscript and publishing it as a print-on-demand book.
If you prefer to self-publish or use another publisher, you’re welcome to discuss options with us for handling just the editorial work and book design.
Our standard contract will request exclusive publishing rights for 2 years. After which we can renegotiate to continue or you may wish to allow the contract to end and self-publish or engage another publisher.
Will the book be good?
We exclusively collaborate with content creators we genuinely admire and follow. This approach ensures our passion for each project we undertake. Our primary focus is on delivering high-quality content and creating exceptional experiences for our audience.
You’ll have the opportunity to review a sample chapter before signing any contract. If you’re not completely satisfied with the quality at that stage, you’re under no obligation to proceed.
Want to make a book?
Choose a time for a short chat or share your idea.