Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter One: What Even Is This Publishing House?
1. Are you accepting manuscript submissions?
Not at the moment! Our publishing elves are currently swamped with amazing stories, and we don’t want to keep new authors waiting forever. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates—we’ll let you know when submissions reopen!
2. Since I don’t need an agent to submit my manuscript, will you accept all authors?
We’d love to—but then our editors would need three clones and an IV drip of caffeine.
Yes, we do accept unagented submissions (we’re indie, after all), but we only take on projects we genuinely believe in. No gatekeeping, no “must-have 50k followers” nonsense. We’re looking for bold stories, authentic voices, and authors with fire in their gut and heart on the page.
Quality over clout—always.
3. Do you charge authors anything?
Not a damn penny.
We are not a vanity press. We don’t believe in charging authors for the privilege of being published—that’s not publishing, that’s predatory. There are no submission fees, no "reading assessments," and definitely no glittery “marketing packages” that cost more than your first car.
If someone’s asking you to pay to be published, they’re not a publisher. They’re a business model dressed as a book deal… Run.
4. Do you only publish fantasy books?
Fantasy and historical fiction are our ride-or-dies. Give us swords, magic, crowns, curses, morally grey disasters, and a battlefield full of emotional damage—we’re in.
But we’re not monogamous. We also fall hard for romantasy, dark romance, mythology-inspired tales, speculative weirdness, and fiction that doesn’t fit neatly in a box (and frankly would stab the box if it tried).
Basically: if it’s fiction and it slaps, we want it.
Nonfiction, though? Hard pass. No offence to your business tips, keto journey, or personal memoir—but if it doesn’t come with plot twists, high stakes, or at least one character we’d die for… it’s not for us. We publish stories, not seminars.
5. Do I keep my rights if I publish through you?
Yes—completely. You own the copyright.
At A&J Publishing, your story stays yours. We believe creativity shouldn’t come with handcuffs, which is why our authors retain full and sole copyright over their work. Always.
What do we get? You grant us an exclusive license to publish, distribute, and sell your book in print, ebook, and audio formats. That’s it. You stay the legal owner. We just help bring your vision to readers around the world—with style, muscle, and respect.
Our contract is exclusive—because we go all-in when we believe in your work. That means no self-publishing or signing with another press for the same book while our agreement is active.
We work with you, not over you. You have creative input on things like title, cover, and edits. We want your book to be the fiercest, truest version of itself—and that only happens through collaboration.
Film/TV rights? All yours. We don’t touch them without a separate agreement and your full approval. No tricks. No fine-print landmines.
Want out someday? It’s possible. Our agreement includes clear exit terms—no lock-in, no drama, just mutual respect.
So: do you “keep” your rights? Yes. And we help guard them like a dragon hoards treasure—but you're the one who owns the gold.
6. Will I make millions if I publish with you?
We love your optimism! While we can’t guarantee riches, we can promise to champion your book, help it reach readers, and celebrate every sale like we just won the lottery.
7. How long does the publishing process take?
Depends! If we had a magic wand, we'd publish books instantly, but since we don’t (yet), it takes time—editing, formatting, cover design, and making sure everything is just right. Trust us, it’s worth the wait.
8. Aren’t you just doing what any author could do themselves and taking half their royalties?
Sure, just like anyone could build a house with YouTube tutorials, design the blueprints, install the plumbing, wire the electrics, and not set the place on fire. Technically possible? Yes. Easy? Hell no.
Publishing well takes money, time, expertise, and a whole lot of emotional fortitude. Editing, design, formatting, ISBNs, metadata, distribution, marketing—it’s a full-time job (and then some). We don’t just upload your Word doc and call it a day—we invest in your book, professionally and financially, with zero upfront cost to you.
We take 50% of net revenue. Not gross. Not your rights. And not your dignity. You get a publishing team, full creative collaboration, and a book you can be proud of—without spending a single cent.
We’re not here to do what you could do. We’re here to do what you shouldn’t have to do alone.
9. Where can I buy your books?
Our books are available online—check your favorite retailers! If you don’t see them in your local bookstore, feel free to march up to the front desk and request them (politely, of course).
10. Can I get a free book?
Ah, the age-old question. We do run giveaways and send out advance review copies (ARCs) to readers, bloggers, and book influencers—so keep an eye on our social media if you’re feeling lucky (or persuasive).
Otherwise, our books are absolutely worth the price of a fancy coffee—and they’ll last a hell of a lot longer than a latte.
11. Who runs A&J Publishing?
A bunch of indie authors who love books more than sleep. We’re passionate about storytelling, fantasy, and helping fellow writers bring their worlds to life.
12. What if I have a question that’s not on this list?
Then you, our friend, should email us! We promise we don’t bite (unless it's a full moon).
📩 Email: contact@ajpublish.com