Author questions, answered.
Before we begin.
A few practical answers about working with Ancestral Editions.
Do I keep the rights to my book?
Yes. You retain your rights to your work. Hiring Ancestral Editions does not transfer ownership of your book to us. Any permissions needed to carry out the agreed services, publish, or distribute an edition will be discussed and set out in your project agreement.
How is a project quote prepared?
We begin with your manuscript’s language, approximate word count, stage of development, and the help you need. We may request a representative sample to understand the work involved. Your quote will identify the agreed services, deliverables, fees, and proposed timing. Translation languages, formats, and any optional promotion are considered as part of that scope.
What does publishing support include?
We can coordinate manuscript assessment, editing, proofreading, cover design, interior formatting, print and ebook preparation, publication setup, and distribution. Translation can be included when needed. The exact services, formats, and distribution channels are agreed for your project, rather than assumed to be included in every package.
Can I hire you for editing or translation only?
Yes. You can enquire about a specific service or support through the complete publishing process. We will discuss what suits your manuscript and confirm the scope before work begins.
Which languages do you work with?
We consider translation projects in English, French, Italian, and Spanish, supported by native-speaking collaborators. Other languages may be possible on request. We confirm the source and target language, subject fit, and collaborator availability before accepting a project.
How will my translation be reviewed?
Before work begins, we agree who will translate and review the text, the review stages included, and how questions about terminology, meaning, and authorial voice will be handled. Native-language fluency matters, but so does understanding the source text and its subject. Any separate editorial review or proofreading will be identified in the project scope; it should not be assumed to be included unless agreed.
Does paying for services guarantee catalogue acceptance?
No. Author services and acceptance into the Ancestral Editions catalogue are separate. You can work with us on your manuscript without a promise that it will be published under our imprint. If you would like catalogue consideration, tell us when you enquire so that we can discuss it explicitly.
Are marketing and promotion included?
They are optional add-ons, not automatically part of the core publishing service. We discuss the activities, duration, fees, and any advertising budget separately. Neither promotion nor distribution guarantees sales or bookshop stocking.
How are sales income and royalties handled?
Those arrangements depend on the publication and distribution setup agreed for your book. We will clarify payment responsibilities, any applicable platform or distribution costs, and how sales income is handled before you commit. We do not publish a standard royalty rate here because those terms have not been set as a single policy.
What should I send, and how long will it take?
Start with a short introduction, the book’s subject and intended readers, approximate word count, language, manuscript stage, and services you are interested in. Mention any target date. Please wait until we request it before sending a full manuscript. A realistic project schedule is agreed after we understand the scope and availability; we do not promise the same turnaround for every book.