Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the self-publishing process? Find complete answers to common queries about editing, design, formatting, and distribution.

Self-publishing is much faster than working with a traditional publisher, which often takes a year or longer. You can essentially print your own book and have it be available for worldwide distribution in 4–6 weeks as standard (occasionally up to 8 weeks). You don't need to be a computer expert to self-publish with us. Harmony Publishing has a robust technological infrastructure that handles all the technical aspects — from formatting to distribution — while you focus on what you do best: writing. If you do have questions, our support team is available to help. How it works: You begin with a free consultation with a publishing specialist to discuss your book project and choose the services that align with your goals. From copy editing to promotional press releases, you have the flexibility to create a custom plan for the production and promotion of your book. Manuscript submission: We accept manuscripts in electronic format — preferred file types are Word (.doc/.docx) or Adobe InDesign. Submitting electronically gives you more direct control over appearance and content. Please complete all final revisions before submission to speed up production. We also offer professional copy editing, proofreading, indexing, and developmental editing services to ensure your manuscript is publication-ready.

No. You do not need a literary agent. Harmony Publishing works directly with authors at every stage of the publishing process.

Yes. You retain 100% copyright and ownership of your book. Harmony Publishing never takes your rights — we empower you to publish on your own terms.

We publish books in the following formats: - Paperback — Perfect binding, glossy or matte finish - Hardcover — Case binding with dust jacket options - eBook — Kindle (MOBI/KPF), EPUB (Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble Nook) - Audiobook — Professional narration and production available We can print both black & white and full-color interiors.

Our Book Printing Calculator supports 19 trim sizes including: Standard sizes: - 5″ × 8″ (digest) - 5.5″ × 8.5″ - 6″ × 9″ (trade) - 6.14″ × 9.21″ - 7″ × 10″ - 8.25″ × 11″ - 8.5″ × 11″ Specialty sizes: - 4″ × 6″ (pocket book) - 4.25″ × 7″ - 4.25″ × 8″ - 5.06″ × 7.81″ - 5.25″ × 8″ - 5.83″ × 8.27″ (A5) - 6.69″ × 9.61″ - 7.44″ × 9.69″ - 8″ × 10″ - 8.27″ × 11.69″ (A4) - 8.5″ × 8.5″ (square — great for children's books) - 11″ × 8.5″ (landscape)

Yes. Black & white books can include grayscale images. Full-color books can include vibrant, full-color images, illustrations, and photographs. This is especially popular for children's books, art books, cookbooks, and photo-rich publications.

We are a full-service self-publishing company — we publish what the author wants to publish, including: - General and literary fiction - Creative non-fiction and memoirs - Historical fiction - Children's books (picture books, chapter books, middle-grade) - Poetry and spoken word - Religion, spirituality, and devotional - Educational and academic texts - Business and professional development - Self-help and personal growth - Cookbooks and lifestyle - Art and photography books - Science fiction and fantasy - Romance and thriller

Turnaround is 4–6 weeks standard; occasionally up to 8 weeks. This does not include editorial, illustration, or special design services which require additional time. Step-by-step timeline: - Step 1 — Confirmation: You confirm you're ready to publish and select your package. - Step 2 — Submission: Submit your manuscript and book information. We review content within 1–2 business days. - Step 3 — Layout & Design (1–2 weeks): Our design team creates the cover and interior proofs. You review, request revisions (1 round of cover changes + up to 10 interior changes included), and approve. - Step 4 — Proof Revisions: Interior and cover revisions are implemented within 2–3 business days. Revised proofs are sent for final approval. - Step 5 — Print Production (7–14 business days): After final approval, files go through quality assurance and are sent to our printing partners. Books are printed and shipped. - Step 6 — Distribution & Promotion: eBook is distributed to global platforms. Print copies are delivered to you. Marketing services begin if selected.

You can submit your manuscript through our online submission portal after signing up for an author account at harmonypublishing.com.ng. Alternatively, email your manuscript and supporting materials to publish@harmonypublishing.com.ng. Please include: - One or two sample chapters - A synopsis of the plot or content - A short author biography - Your preferred format and package

Offset printing is a mass-production method where digital book files are converted into film negatives, used to etch pages into custom metal plates. Ink is applied to the plates and transferred to paper via large rollers. Offset produces the highest quality output and is most economical for large print runs.

Offset printing is quoted on a case-by-case basis depending on your book's format, page count, paper stock, cover finish, and quantity. Use our Book Printing Calculator at harmonypublishing.com.ng for an instant estimate, or contact us for a custom quote.

Yes. To benefit financially from offset pricing, we recommend a minimum of 1,000 units.

Print-on-demand (POD) means books are printed only when ordered — one copy at a time. There's no minimum order quantity, no storage costs, and no upfront inventory investment. POD is ideal for authors who want to test the market or avoid large upfront costs.

Digital Printing vs. Offset Printing: - Best for: Digital is best for small runs (1–500 copies); Offset is best for large runs (500+ copies). - Setup cost: Digital has low setup costs; Offset has higher setup costs. - Per-unit cost: Digital has higher per-unit costs; Offset features a lower per-unit cost at volume. - Turnaround: Digital has a faster turnaround; Offset is slower. - Quality: Digital quality is excellent; Offset is superior.

Our Book Printing Calculator includes 6 paper stock options: - 50# White — Standard novel/textbook paper - 60# White — Slightly thicker, premium feel - 60# Cream — Warm, classic book paper (ideal for fiction) - 70# White — Heavyweight, minimal show-through - 80# White — Premium quality, great for image-heavy books - 100# Gloss — High-gloss, photo-quality (full color only)

We offer: - Gloss Lamination — Shiny, durable, scratch-resistant - Matte Lamination — Smooth, sophisticated, fingerprint-resistant - Soft Touch — Velvety premium texture

Editing timelines depend on manuscript length and the level of editing required. Typical turnaround: - Copy editing: 1–2 weeks - Line editing: 1–2 weeks - Developmental editing: 2–4 weeks Editing is fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis.

We offer: - Copy editing — Grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency - Line editing — Sentence structure, flow, word choice, tone - Developmental editing — Big-picture structure, plot, character development, pacing

We maintain a confidential editor-author relationship. While we do not disclose editors' identities, your project manager facilitates all communication and revisions. This ensures honest, professional feedback and protects both parties.

Higher editorial quality builds credibility as an author. A book filled with errors damages your reputation and reader trust. Professional editing is the hallmark of a published author who takes their craft seriously.

Our cover design service includes: - Custom front cover, spine, and back cover - High-resolution print-ready files - eBook cover version - Multiple design concepts to choose from - One round of revisions included - 100% ownership of final design

- Professional typesetting and layout - Chapter headings, page numbers, headers/footers - Table of contents - Consistent spacing and font styling - Print-ready PDF + eBook conversion files

Yes. You retain 100% ownership of the final cover artwork. We only keep the right to showcase it in our portfolio.

Yes. Ghostwriting services are available for authors who want professional assistance writing their book. This is included in the Legend package or available as a standalone service. Our ghostwriters work closely with you to capture your voice, ideas, and vision.

Yes. Audiobook production is available — including professional narration, editing, mastering, and distribution to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. This is included in the Legend package.

Yes. We offer a full suite of marketing services: - Social media campaign development (Facebook & Instagram ads) - Amazon listing SEO optimization - A+ Content strategy - Press release writing and distribution - Book launch planning - Author website development - Influencer partnerships - PR & crisis management Marketing services can be added to any package or purchased separately.

Yes! We have dedicated children's book publishing services including: - 100% unique custom illustrations - Colorful layouts designed for young readers - Picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade options - Durable printing options for little hands

Absolutely. Our Amazon KDP integration service handles: - KDP account setup guidance - Manuscript formatting to KDP standards - Professional cover design meeting KDP requirements - Metadata and keyword optimization - Full upload and publication

We offer 5 tiers designed for authors at every stage: - Essentials — ₦1,048,500: Go for this if your book is already well-edited. Basic cover design, Book interior design, ISBN assignment, Account setup and full publishing submission (KDP / IngramSpark), Worldwide distribution network, 100% royalty to the author. - Complete — ₦1,948,500: The essentials for a professional book release. Proofreading, 200 paperback books, eBook conversion and distribution, Print-on-demand distribution, ISBN barcode, Standard cover design, Printed book and eBook interior formatting, Book promotion, 100% royalty to the author. - Premium — ₦3,748,500: The best way to print, publish and promote your book. Professional copyediting and proofreading (up to 60,000 words), 300 paperback books, eBook conversion and distribution, Print-on-demand distribution, ISBN barcode, Deluxe cover design, Printed book and eBook interior formatting, Creatives for social media, Amazon listing SEO optimisation, Facebook and Instagram advertising campaign development, Press release, Book promotion, 100% royalty to the author. - Rockstar — ₦7,498,500: Position yourself as a thought leader in your niche. Comprehensive developmental and editorial review (up to 80,000 words), 400 paperback and 100 hardcover books (mix and match), eBook conversion and distribution, Print-on-demand distribution, ISBN barcode, Deluxe cover design, Printed book and eBook interior formatting, Book indexing, Creatives for social media, Advanced Amazon listing SEO and A+ content strategy, Facebook and Instagram advertising campaign development, Custom author website (1-year hosting included), 30-day post-launch marketing management window, Press release, Book promotion, 100% royalty to the author. - Legend — ₦20,000,000: Designed for top CEOs, executives and senior citizens documenting their experiences, ideas and legacy in a professionally crafted publication. Ghostwriting service, 500 hardcover and 500 paperback books, eBook conversion and distribution (including Amazon), Print-on-demand distribution, ISBN and barcode, Deluxe cover design and interior formatting, Book indexing, Amazon SEO optimisation, Author website, Book launch plan: event strategy and execution, Articles on high-authority platforms (BusinessDay, Guardian and others), Articles on 6 micro blogs, Google indexing, 4 press releases, Full report with links, PR and crisis management consultation, Audiobook production (narration and editing for Audible), International distribution to retailers and bookshops, Advanced social media management, Book signing and VIP event planning, Exclusive author merchandising, Professional video trailer, Media training for the author, Influencer partnerships, Targeted ad campaigns (LinkedIn, Google and social media), Monthly analytics and reporting, Private author consultation, 100% royalty to the author. Prices are in naira and include perfect-bound paperback books in digest, A5 or trade trim, 200 pages, black text interior and a gloss cover. Shipping is not included.

We distribute to all major global platforms: - Online retailers: Amazon (Kindle + paperback), Barnes & Noble (Nook), Apple Books, Kobo, and IngramSpark.

Absolutely. We publish and distribute worldwide. Our global printing network covers the USA, UK, Europe, Africa, and beyond.

It's a smart tool on our website that analyzes your book idea. Tell us your name, book description, and genre, and the AI will give you insights on your book's viability, target audience, and publishing recommendations — all in seconds. No commitment required.

Our 7-step calculator gives you an instant quote in minutes: 1. Choose your trim size — Pick from 19 options 2. Cover style — Paperback or hardcover 3. Cover finish — Gloss, matte, or soft touch 4. Print type — Black & white or full color 5. Paper stock — Choose from 6 paper options 6. Quantity & page count — 1 to 10,000 copies, 24 to 840 pages 7. Your quote — Instant price with option to talk to a specialist No login required. Try it at harmonypublishing.com.ng.

Yes! Visit our Author Resources page for free downloadable PDF guides: - How to Publish Your Book - Best Book Marketing Secrets - Manuscript Preparation Guide - The Author's Guide to Publishing - 5 Steps to Self-Publishing - Mastering Your Book Launch - AI and the Future of Book Publishing - Write Faster, Write Better

Yes. Our blog features expert insights on publishing strategies, book marketing, ghostwriting, editing, and author success stories. Visit harmonypublishing.com.ng/blog.

Yes. After signing up for an author account at harmonypublishing.com.ng/signup, you can log in to your dashboard to track your project's progress, communicate with your project manager, and upload files.

Email: publish@harmonypublishing.com.ng Phone: +234 703 221 2481 Address: Plot 8 The Providence St, opposite Halifield School, Lekki Phase 1 106104, Lagos.

Yes. Harmony Publishing accepts manuscripts from authors worldwide and can publish and distribute globally.

Pricing depends on your book's specifications and the services you need. For printing, send us your specification for a quote in naira; our self-publishing packages start at ₦1,048,500.

- Pay in full online, or call us to discuss a deposit. - You approve the design before anything is printed - Timeline: 4–6 weeks standard; occasionally up to 8 weeks - Estimates valid for 7 days

We require full payment of the selected package before production begins. Contact us to discuss options.

Preferred: Microsoft Word (.doc / .docx) or Adobe InDesign. We also accept properly formatted PDF manuscripts.

Once you approve your final proofs and they go to print, no further changes can be made. Please review all proofs carefully. What is approved on the print files is exactly what will appear on the physical copy. We are not liable for errors approved during proof review.

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier for your book, required for retail distribution. It is included in all our self-publishing packages. We handle the registration and barcode setup for you.