Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Catawba Publishing?
Catawba Publishing is a leading provider of printing and publishing services for book publishers and self-publishing authors. We are also a publisher of custom academic materials.
What are printing services?
Catawba Publishing offers its print-on-demand capabilities and experience to other publishers and self-publishing authors.
What are publishing services?
Catawba Publishing offers publishing services including layout and design, ISBN assignment, production, distribution and order fulfillment, development of marketing materials, online bookstore listing and more.
Will Catawba Publishing "publish" my book?
Yes, take advantage of the wide array of services we offer to get your book published. We also publish material for academic use. If you are interested in producing a textbook or a custom course pack, please contact us by e-mail at info@catawbapublishing.com.
Who owns the copyright?
As an individual author or publisher, you retain all rights to your book.
How do I copyright my book?
Under Federal law, your book was copyrighted and protected as soon as your started writing it. To formally register your copyright, contact the U.S. Congress Copyright Office. To learn about copyrights please visit http://www.copyright.gov.
How do I get an ISBN?
Catawba Publishing owns a selection of ISBN numbers that it assigns to books produced as a part of the "My Book" program. We will be listed as the publisher of record and contacted whenever the book is ordered by a book vendor. If you would like to purchase your own ISBN number they are available from R.R. Bowker at http://www.isbn.org.
How much will a book cost?
The cost of each book is determined by many factors including the number of pages and the size of the book. The retail price of a book is determined by the author. Contact us for a personalized quote for your project.
How much should I charge for my book?
The final selling price of a book is always determined by the author. Catawba recommends that the selling price be at least three times the cost of production. Bookstores and other vendors will often ask for a discount off the cover price, as high as 60%, so the book should be priced to ensure profitability even after a steep discount.
Who qualifies as a publisher?
Catawba Publishing defines a publisher as an individual or company with a library of at least 10 titles, who provides all files in the correct format and has an ISBN prefix. An author is
What is the "My Book" program?
The "My Book" program is a service designed to help self-publishing authors get their book into print. It covers a wide spectrum of services focusing on the design and layout of an author's book.
What is Direct-to-print?
Direct-to-print is designed for authors and publishers who want to have their book printed but elect not to use the benefits of the "My Book" program. More information on "My Book" and Direct-to-print, including several templates for cover and page dimensions are available under Downloads.
What's an author bio?
This is usually a paragraph about the author with items relevant to writing and publishing. Things to include are publishing credits, author influences, how you came to write the book, where you're from and other pertinent information. Placement is usually at the end of the book or on the back cover.
How do I get a price quote?
Publishers and authors can contact Catawba Publishing at any time for a price quote or an update on their project. We can be contacted at 704.717.8452 or e-mail us at info@CatawbaPublishing.com.
Do you provide copy editing or proofreading services?
Catawba Publishing does not currently offer any proofreading or copy editing services.
How do I make changes or corrections to my book after it is submitted?
Please make sure your manuscript is fully edited and spell checked before it is submitted. For "My Book" customers, any errors introduced by Catawba Publishing during the layout process will be fixed free of charge. Spelling and punctuation are the responsibility of the author and are subject to a per instance corrections fee. Authors may order a Corrections Package if a large number of corrections is required. Adding significant additional body copy or new sections require the purchase of the Alterations Package.
For Direct-to-print customers a file resubmission fee may apply when submitting new files.
Can I include pictures, maps and charts?
Yes. Publishers and Direct-to-print customers may include as many images as they want. The images must meet our image guidelines. Each "My Book" package includes a different number of images. Please see our "My Book" packages for details.
Can I submit a hard copy of my manuscript?
Catawba Publishing does not currently accept hardcopies of manuscripts. Please submit your manuscript according to our submission guidelines.
Will you provide a table of contents?
Yes, the "My Book" package includes a free table of contents.
Can I use my own photo or image for the cover?
Yes. Please review our image guidelines before submitting any image for use.
Can I place a rush order?
Yes, however rush service fees will vary based on season and project. Please contact us directly for additional information.
What does it cost to list my book in your online bookstore?
It is free to list your book in our online bookstore. Catawba Publishing charges a nominal 7.5% fee on each book sold to cover administrative costs and credit card processing.
How do I submit my manuscript?
We accept manuscripts via e-mail at info@catawbapublishing.com or you can mail a CD to:
Catawba Publishing Company
5945 Orr Road, Suite F
Charlotte, NC 28213
How many copies of my book do I have to buy?
10 copies is our minimum book order.
How long does it take to create my book?
Catawba Publishing requires four weeks to complete the production of your book under the "My Book" program. Direct-to-print orders take five to seven days upon proof approval.
What is your return policy?
Only books damaged by defective manufacturing will be replaced. Please send us the defective copy and we will gladly send you a replacement. Catawba Publishing cannot be held responsible for any shipping damage.
How do I market my book?
The only way to effectively market your book is through hard work and dedication. Catawba can assist you in the process by providing quality marketing materials to help you promote it. Please review our Marketing Packages for additional information.
Do you pay a royalty?
Catawba Publishing pays a royalty on the books sold through our online bookstore. Your royalty is determined by subtracting the print cost from the cover price. Books ordered from our online bookstore are subject to a 7.5% handling fee.
When do I get paid for books sold through Catawba Production's online bookstore?
We write checks for profits from online sales of $25 or more at the end of each quarter.
Will you provide illustrations for my book?
Illustrations and other graphics can be provided for an hourly design fee. Please contact us for more information.
May I use a pen name?
Yes. We will need your legal name on the contract and for payment purposes; however, we can publish the book under a pen name.
Do you have an age requirement?
All authors published with Catawba Publishing sign a contract to have their work published therefore we can only enter into a contract with those authors who are eighteen (18) or older.
Do I need an agent?
We do not require that you have an agent to submit your work to us.
Do you have any testimonials from satisfied customers?
Here's a small sampling of the hundreds of complimentary notes we get from our satisfied customers:
Authors who want to get a book in publication quickly with far better royalties than from standard publication processes will find Catawba an excellent approach. I recovered my up-front printing costs in very short order. Catawba is an excellent company for the "print-on-demand" market that is growing by leaps and bounds. The staff is competent and accommodating. The print-on-demand approach used by Catawba made publication quick and easy -- just what I needed!
— Tom M.
Good artwork and layout!
— Thomas F.
Praises for Catawba! I feel you are all doing such a wonderful job and have great customer service.
— A. Mushaba
We used Catawba for the first time recently and were pleased with the results as well as had a wonderful experience with their customer service.
— Layla Y.