Zondervan has announced Zondervan First, a new direct-to-digital publishing imprint. The new imprint launches today with the acquisition of the first fiction title, Love in Three-Quarter Time by Dina Sleiman. I checked out the site. It’s interesting and can be a solution to traditional publishing transition into the new publishing age. Here are three things you should know about Zondervan First if you plan to submit a manuscript to them.
Why now?
Two reasons. First, traditional channels for retail are shrinking. Fewer grocery stores, drug stores, mall stores, and superstores are carrying a broad selection of titles. While there is a strong consumer market for Zondervan titles, the channels that we have always depended on to grow new voices and publish broadly are under pressure. Second, the growth of eReaders and e-books has created a new opportunity that allows us to increase the number and diversity of our list for the first time in 10 years.
Do Zondervan First authors get an advance? What is the royalty rate?
Zondervan First will not pay an advance, but authors receive a 25% royalty from the first book sold. After an e-book sells 10,000 net copies, the author's royalty rate rises to 50%. (Contracts will provide royalties for both e-book and print-to-order copies.)
Will Zondervan create covers for Zondervan First titles?
… Each Zondervan First e-book will receive a distinctive cover treatment with the Zondervan First logo, and during the publication cycle, the books will receive support from Zondervan's marketing and publicity professionals.
To learn more about Zondervan First and submit a manuscript for consideration visit the site at http://zondervan.com/first
