FAQs
At Fablesmithy, we forge your manuscript into a market-ready book. We can edit and proofread it, design its cover, format its interior, and record your audiobook. From there, you choose where, when, and how you’ll sell your finished book. We won’t take a cent of your royalties, either.
Nope. A press purchases the rights to your book and distributes (sells) it while you earn a share of their profits from royalties and/or advances.
Fablesmithy isn’t a press. You’re not selling any rights to us. We don’t take any of your profits from selling your book. We create the files you’ll need to publish your book, but we don’t handle distribution. It’s up to you to choose where, when, and how you’ll sell your book, such as through Amazon’s KDP or Draft2Digital.
The length of your book, how much you want us to do with it, and our slate of other projects determine our turnaround time. When we provide you with a free quote, you’ll also receive an estimated completion date. We’ll do our best to meet that deadline and will keep you updated as to any changes therewith.
If you need to get in touch with any of our forgemasters, they can be reached at forge@fablesmithy.com. Before we begin to hammer away on your project, you’ll have an opportunity to speak directly with our team so that they’ll be aware of your vision.
We use Stripe, which offers a wide variety of payment options:
- ACH / direct debit (preferred)
- Bank transfers
- Credit cards
- Wallets
Striple also enables us to accept payments from international clients.
No problem! So long as we speak your language, we’d be delighted to work with you. Via Stripe, we’re able to accept more than 135 currencies.
Before we begin to work on your book, we require a deposit equal to 50% of your expected invoice. When we’re finished, you’ll receive an invoice for the remainder of your account balance. After your second payment clears, we’ll provide to you your book’s final, non-watermarked files.
We have a hard no-generative-AI policy. We won’t use generative AI to create your book. We also won’t work with manuscripts that were written by generative AI.
PACKAGES
Do I have to buy a package, or can I pick and choose?
Feel free to solicit only those services that you want or need! Please note, however, that our packages are substantially discounted as compared to our a-la-carte offerings. We also offer different tiers of packages to suit a variety of budgets.
Can I upgrade after I buy a package?
Yes. Please contact us to let us know to which new package you’d like. You’ll then receive a new invoice for the difference in cost.
What's your workflow for packages?
After you’ve paid your deposit and provided us with your manuscript, our editor will begin to work with it. While he’s forging away, our designer will begin work on your front print and audiobook covers. If applicable, the spine and back cover will be completed once your book interior is finalized (page count and paper type determine cover sizing). After your manuscript is completed, our narrator(s) will record your audiobook. If your package includes additional design items, those will be created during this time.
What if I change my mind partway through?
Deposits are non-refundable. If applicable, you’ll also be billed for work already completed beyond the scope of your initial deposit.
EDITING
Are your editing services limited to certain genres?
Nope; however, before we begin editing your manuscript, we’ll discuss its contents with you. If our editor isn’t the best fit for you, you’ll know before you hire us (or very early in the editing process).
What's your preferred editing workflow?
Our editor is most experienced with and prefers to use Microsoft Word. Because editing suggestions are often subjective, we’ll add comments to the margins of your manuscript rather than make changes to it; however, minor corrections will be made to the text itself, albeit with Track Changes enabled. We’re also happy to provide developmental commentary via a formal letter, informal e-mail, or conversation (voice-based; our editor dislikes texting, as his thumbs are clumsy except for when commanding Mario to run and jump). With all of the above said: our aim is to accommodate your preferred workflow.
Can I see a sample of your work?
We don’t blame you for feeling hesitant about blindly hiring an editor from all the way across the Internet. Not only can you see a sample of our editor’s work, it can be a sample of your work! With some exceptions, we’re willing to prove ourselves by editing the first chapter (or the first five pages) of your manuscript before you hire us. Contact us for details.
How do I get started?
Click any of our links with that exact verbiage, e-mail us, or leave us a voice message! We’re eager to help launch your manuscript over the finish line.
DESIGN
How many revisions will you do?
Cover designs are limited to three revisions.
Do I pay for stock images or fonts?
A vast array of stock images and fonts are included in our prices. For specific images or other design elements to which we don’t have publishing rights, contact us.
Are the images and fonts you use commercially licensed?
Yes! Aall design elements are commercially licensed through Envato or similar sites. You can read about Envato’s licensing here: https://elements.envato.com/license-terms
Can you paint a custom illustration for my cover?
At this time, we’re offering this service by special request only and at an additional cost. Contact us for a free quote. If we can’t accommodate your request, we’ll let you know before any work begins.
What if I already have an illustration and only need text?
If you already have artwork ready for your cover and only need text and simple graphic additions to it, we can create your print and ebook cover for $150. Please note that we will not create a cover if you provide us with an AI-generated image. We also require a copy of the license or the artist’s written permission to use the artwork in your cover.
Do you use AI-generated Images?
Fablesmithy has a hard no-generative-AI policy. We believe in safeguarding human creativity from the encroachment of AI.
AUDIOBOOKS
What counts as a "revision"?
Some small corrections (such as pronunciation, changes to minor characters, etc.) are included in our prices. We define a “revision” as a change requiring more than 10 minutes of re-recorded content.
Do these services include sound mastering?
Yes. All audio files will be mixed, mastered, and publication-ready.
How much directorial input do authors have?
Prior to beginning work on your audiobook, we’ll discuss your creative vision so that we’ll be prepared and eager to execute it. Let us know how you want certain characters to sound, which emotional beats to highlight, and anything else your heart desires.
How often will you send me updates?
We’ll provide to you an estimated timeline before beginning to narrate your audiobook. You’ll know when to expect each batch of recordings.
Can I contact my narrator after hiring them?
Of course! You can always reach us at forge@fablesmithy.com.
Still have questions?
Get in touch.
We're happy to answer any and all questions you may have before diving in.
