FAQ

Do I need a finished manuscript before contacting you?

No. In fact, I encourage you to reach out before paying for anything. Tell me about your book, where you are in the process, and what you need. We’ll talk first and determine whether Lucky Makes is the right home for your work.

Does submitting my manuscript mean you’ll publish it?

No. I’m intentionally keeping Lucky Makes Books small, which means I have to be selective about the projects I take on. I want to understand the book, the author behind it, and whether I’m the right person to help bring it into the world. A rejection from LMB simply translates to "normal publishers would publish this for free", not "this is unpublishable".

Do I pay before you read my manuscript?

No. Do not purchase a publishing package before we’ve spoken about your book. Money changes hands only after we’ve discussed your manuscript, I’ve agreed to take on the project, and we both understand what comes next.

What kinds of books do you publish?

I’m particularly interested in books that are unusual, personal, difficult to categorize, or might be overlooked elsewhere. Genre matters less to me than whether there is something worth finding in the work and whether I believe I can help the author bring it out.

Will you tell me if my book needs work?

Absolutely. I’m not going to tell you everything is wonderful just because you hired me. I’ll tell you what I love, what confuses me, what isn’t working, and where I think the writing can become stronger. You’ll always know why I’m recommending a change, and the conversation remains a conversation.

Will you change my writing or voice?

The goal of editing is to make your book better at being your book. I’m interested in understanding your voice and strengthening it, not replacing it. Significant editorial decisions are something we work through together.

Do you use AI to edit manuscripts or create books?

No. Manuscripts published through Lucky Makes Books are read and edited by me. I do not feed your manuscript into generative AI for editing, rewriting, continuity checking, or evaluation. The same human-first principle applies to the creative publishing work I personally provide. Nothing against AI personally, but overuse has muddled too many industries and the lifeless and countless essays are boring to read. I hate boring.

How involved will I be?

Very. I expect us to talk. You’ll be involved in editing, creative decisions, cover development, and the process of turning your manuscript into a finished book. Lucky Makes is designed for authors who want a relationship with their publisher.

What does my publishing package include?

Both packages include the core Lucky Makes publishing experience: personal manuscript attention, editing and continuity work, cover development, book preparation, publishing setup, ISBN and registration, physical publication, a presence on Lucky Makes, and copies of your finished book. The expanded package adds additional copies, promotional materials, and greater launch support.

Is there a manuscript length limit?

Standard package pricing covers manuscripts up to 100,000 words. Longer manuscripts are welcome, but may require additional editing and production fees. We’ll discuss that before you purchase anything.

Do you publish ebooks?

No. Lucky Makes Books publishes physical books. Physical media matters to me, and putting an actual book into an author's hands is an important part of what I'm building here.

Does Lucky Makes take royalties?

Lucky Makes does not take a traditional percentage royalty from the author under the publishing-service model we’re building. There are still unavoidable costs associated with printing, fulfillment, retailer/distributor discounts, payment processing, shipping, and similar expenses. Your publishing agreement will spell out exactly how sales proceeds and those costs are handled before you sign anything.

How many copies of my book do I receive?

The $1,200 package includes 10 author copies, and the $1,800 package includes 20 author copies. Additional copies can be ordered separately.

Will you arrange a book signing for me?

Signing support is available as part of the publishing experience, with expanded support in the higher package. I can help approach and coordinate with booksellers or suitable venues, but the final decision to host an event belongs to the venue.

How long does publishing take?

It depends on the manuscript. A book requiring substantial editing will take longer than one arriving close to publication-ready. We’ll establish a realistic schedule for your project before work begins, and part of my job is helping both of us stick to it.

Can I contact you while we're working on my book?

Please do. Direct communication is part of what you're paying for. You aren't sending a manuscript into a portal and waiting months to hear whether somebody has looked at it. Call me. Text me. Email me. Send a raven. Tell me what's up. Kick your feet up and spill the tea.

What happens after my book is published?

You get to hold it like a lil baby. :) You’ll receive the author copies included with your package, your book will have its place with Lucky Makes, and we'll complete the launch and promotional work included with your package. From there, your book gets to do what books are supposed to do, which is find readers.