Frequently Asked Questions about publishing with Forward Thinking Press
How Publishing with Forward Thinking Press Works
Forward Thinking Press turns a thesis, research project, or expert draft into a finished nonfiction book. For the full development package, a typical 180–220 page book moves from first call to publication in about three to four months.
1. Short call and clear proposal
You send a brief description of your project (thesis, draft, or idea) plus a sample. In a 30–45 minute call we talk about your goals, target readers, and how you want to use the book. You then receive a written proposal with scope, pricing, a suggested hybrid model (partner title with shared royalties or author funded expert title), and a realistic timeline.
2. Concept, ghostwriting or coaching
Next step is the concept phase. We refine the core idea, build a chapter outline, and agree on voice and level of detail. Depending on your preference, we
interview you and ghostwrite the text based on your material, or
guide you through structured book coaching so you write each chapter yourself.
You see drafts at every stage and give feedback so the book sounds like you and fits your field.
3. Editing, design, and publication
Once the manuscript is complete, it goes through line and style editing, then into layout for print and ebook. We create the cover, register ISBNs, and set up distribution through IngramSpark and major ebook platforms. After your final proof check, the book goes live and can be used for teaching, speaking, client work, or career steps, while your publishing agreement defines clearly how fees and royalties are handled under the hybrid model you chose.
FAQ
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What makes Forward Thinking Press different from a vanity press?
Forward Thinking Press does not accept every project and does not sell generic packages. The list stays small so each book receives real editorial attention. You pay for clear services such as ghostwriting, coaching, editing, design, and production, not for empty marketing promises. You keep control over your manuscript, your rights, and your positioning as an expert. If a project is not a good match, you receive an honest no and, where useful, a suggestion for next steps.
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Do you accept every manuscript that is submitted?
No. Forward Thinking Press focuses on expert non fiction, academic non fiction, “science to public” titles, and practice based handbooks. We look for projects grounded in real research, professional experience, or lived experience in a field. If a manuscript does not fit that focus or would not benefit from hybrid publishing, we decline with a short explanation instead of forcing it into a package.
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How does your hybrid publishing and pricing model work?
Forward Thinking Press works with two paths that both fall under a hybrid approach. For books that combine strong quality with clear market appeal, we treat the project as a partner title and share royalties from sales. For many highly specialised expert books, where the main value lies in authority, speaking, teaching, and client work, we use transparent publishing fees and you keep full royalties and rights. In a first call we look at your material, audience, and goals, then suggest which path fits you best and outline the costs and royalty terms in simple language.
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How involved is the editing and co-creation process?
You stay involved at every step. Notes arrive in plain language, and you can accept or reject any suggestion. If you choose book coaching, we work chapter by chapter and help you shape structure, argument, and tone. If you choose ghostwriting, we build the text from interviews, materials, and your existing work, then revise with you until it sounds like you. The aim is always the same: a clear, accurate, readable book that still sounds like you speaking to your ideal reader.
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What do I keep ownership of?
You keep all rights to your book. Forward Thinking Press handles editorial work, production, and distribution. The content and the long term use stay with you. You can use the book in courses, client work, and speaking, and you can take it elsewhere in the future if you wish. For partner titles with royalty sharing, the agreement covers revenue split and term length, without touching your underlying intellectual property.
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How long does the process take?
Timelines depend on the stage and length of your manuscript. A finished, polished draft can usually move into editing, design, and production on a faster track. A thesis that first needs to become a book, or a project that starts from interviews and raw material, needs more time. Before work begins you receive a clear plan that fits your schedule, research or client work, and realistic revision cycles. You receive a first response quickly, then a proposed path with dates and milestones.