Xilvora Ink: Where Stories Come to Life
The Book Publishing Process
A simple guide to understanding how your manuscript becomes a published book with Xilvora Ink.
Journey From Manuscript to Book
The publishing process involves several key stages, each playing a vital role in transforming your manuscript into a polished, marketable book.
Submission & Acquisition
The initial phase where manuscripts are reviewed and selected for publication based on quality, market potential, and fit with our catalog.
Editorial Development
The collaborative process of refining your manuscript through developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading to achieve its full potential.
Design & Production
Creating the visual identity of your book through cover design, interior layout, and formatting for both print and digital platforms.
Marketing & Distribution
Building awareness and demand for your book through strategic promotion and making it available to readers globally via multiple channels.
Step-by-Step Publishing Journey
A closer look at each stage of the publishing process at Xilvora Ink.
Manuscript Submission
The journey begins when you submit your manuscript through our online submission portal. We request a complete manuscript, a synopsis, and a brief author bio. For non-fiction, we may accept a detailed proposal and sample chapters.
Our editorial team conducts an initial screening to evaluate if your work aligns with our publishing focus. Promising manuscripts then undergo a more thorough review by our acquisitions editors who assess literary merit, market potential, and fit with our catalog.
Submission Tips
- Follow our submission guidelines carefully for faster consideration
- Ensure your manuscript is complete and professionally formatted
- Provide a compelling synopsis that highlights your book's unique aspects
- Include relevant information about your platform or expertise (especially for non-fiction)
Typical Timeline
Initial response within 4-6 weeks; full evaluation may take 8-12 weeks for promising manuscripts.
Contract & Acquisition
If your manuscript is selected, you'll receive an offer letter outlining proposed terms including advances, royalty rates, rights, and other key details. This is followed by contract negotiations and signing.
After contract signing, you'll be introduced to your editorial team and receive a preliminary publication timeline. This is when we begin developing the publication strategy for your book, including target release date and initial marketing approach.
Contract Insights
- Understand all contract terms—don't hesitate to ask questions
- Key points include territorial rights, royalty structures, and subsidiary rights
- Consider having a literary agent or attorney review your contract
- Discuss your publication vision and goals with your acquiring editor
Typical Timeline
Contract negotiation usually takes 2-4 weeks; team assignment follows within 2 weeks of signed contract.
Editorial Development
The editorial process typically involves multiple rounds of editing to refine your manuscript. It begins with developmental editing, which addresses structural elements like plot, character development, pacing, and overall narrative flow.
Once developmental edits are complete, the manuscript moves to copy editing (focusing on language, grammar, consistency) and finally to proofreading (catching any remaining errors before publication). Throughout this process, you'll work closely with your editors to preserve your voice while enhancing the readability and impact of your work.
Editorial Tips
- Approach feedback with an open mind—editors share your goal of making the book its best
- Set realistic timeframes for reviewing editorial feedback
- Communicate clearly about any concerns or questions during the editorial process
- Keep track of major changes and decisions for reference throughout the process
Typical Timeline
Developmental editing: 6-10 weeks; Copy editing: 3-4 weeks; Proofreading: 2-3 weeks. Author review periods are allocated between each stage.
Design & Production
While editorial work is underway, the design process begins. Our design team creates cover concepts that reflect your book's content, genre, and target market. You'll have the opportunity to provide input on the direction of the cover design.
Simultaneously, the interior layout is designed, determining how your book will look on the page, including typography, chapter headings, and any special elements. For digital editions, we optimize the layout for various e-reading platforms. After design approval, final files are prepared for printing and digital distribution.
Design Insights
- Research competitive titles in your genre to provide useful cover design references
- Consider how your cover will look at thumbnail size (important for online sales)
- Notify your production team about any special layout requirements early in the process
- Review formatted proofs carefully—this is your last chance to catch errors
Typical Timeline
Cover design: 3-4 weeks; Interior design: 2-3 weeks; Production of final files: 2 weeks after final approval.
Marketing & Publicity
Approximately 4-6 months before publication, our marketing team develops a customized plan for your book. This includes identifying target audiences, planning promotional activities, and creating marketing materials. You'll receive a marketing questionnaire to help us understand your network and platform.
Marketing efforts may include social media campaigns, review copy distribution, media outreach, advertising, author events, and more depending on your book's genre and market. We'll work with you to leverage your platform and connections while expanding your reach to new audiences.
Marketing Tips
- Complete the author questionnaire thoroughly—this informs your marketing plan
- Be actively involved in building your author platform before publication
- Prepare for interviews by developing talking points about your book
- Consider your availability for promotional activities around launch time
Typical Timeline
Marketing plan development: 4-6 months pre-publication; Active promotion: 2 months pre-publication through 3+ months post-publication.
Distribution & Sales
Before publication, your book is presented to our global distribution partners. We establish pricing strategies for different markets and formats, and secure placement with online retailers, bookstores, and specialty outlets relevant to your book.
On publication day, your book becomes available through multiple channels worldwide. Our sales team continues working to expand distribution, secure special promotions, and respond to market trends. We provide regular sales reports so you can track your book's performance across formats and territories.
Distribution Insights
- International distribution may have staggered release dates based on market strategy
- E-book and print distribution often follow different timelines and strategies
- Sales efforts continue long after initial publication—publishing is a marathon, not a sprint
- Your active participation in promotion can significantly impact sales performance
Typical Timeline
Sales presentation: 3-4 months pre-publication; Initial distribution: Publication day; Ongoing sales efforts: Throughout the book's life cycle.
Post-Publication & Rights Management
After publication, we continue promoting your book through seasonal campaigns, awards submissions, special promotions, and backlist marketing strategies. We'll also explore opportunities to extend your book's reach through subsidiary rights sales.
Our international rights team works to sell translation rights, audio rights, film/TV options, and other subsidiary rights globally. We actively represent your work at international book fairs and in direct negotiations with partners worldwide, creating new revenue streams and bringing your work to new audiences.
Long-term Success Strategies
- Continue engaging with readers through your platform even after launch
- Consider creating additional content that connects to your book
- Explore speaking engagements and events that align with your book's themes
- Discuss future book ideas with your editor—building a catalog strengthens your author brand
Typical Timeline
Post-publication marketing: Ongoing; Rights sales: Continuous efforts with major pushes during international book fairs; Royalty payments: Semi-annually according to contract terms.
The Xilvora Advantage
What sets our publishing process apart and delivers exceptional results for our authors.
Global Perspective
From day one, we approach each title with international markets in mind. Our multinational team brings cultural insights that inform editing, design, and marketing strategies, positioning your book for truly global success.
Author-Centric Approach
We involve authors throughout the publishing process, valuing your input while providing expert guidance. Our collaborative approach ensures your vision is preserved while benefiting from our industry expertise.
Innovative Marketing
Beyond traditional book promotion, we leverage data analytics, digital strategies, and emerging platforms to connect your work with its ideal audience, adapting our approach based on real-time market feedback.
Comprehensive Support
From editorial excellence to platform building, we provide resources and guidance at every stage. Our author development program offers tools to build your brand alongside your book's success.
Agile Publishing
As a modern publisher founded in 2025, we're free from legacy constraints, allowing us to move quickly, adapt to market changes, and implement cutting-edge strategies while maintaining high quality standards.
Quality Focus
We publish select titles rather than high volume, ensuring each book receives dedicated attention from our experienced team. This focused approach results in exceptional books that stand out in the marketplace.
Publishing Process FAQ
Answers to common questions about publishing with Xilvora Ink.
From contract signing to publication typically takes 12-18 months. This timeline allows for thorough editorial development, quality design and production, and effective marketing preparation. The schedule may vary based on the book's complexity, seasonal considerations, and strategic positioning. We'll provide you with a specific timeline after acquisition, with key milestones and deadlines.
We value author input and collaboration in the cover design process. You'll have the opportunity to share your vision and provide feedback on concepts. Our designers bring expertise in what works commercially in your genre and market, so the final decision balances your preferences with market-tested design principles. We typically present 2-3 concepts and refine based on your feedback.
Every Xilvora title receives a customized marketing plan based on the book's content, target audience, and your platform. Standard support includes digital marketing campaigns, media outreach, review copy distribution, and metadata optimization. We also offer author platform development guidance. Additional promotional activities are determined by market opportunity and strategic fit. We believe in collaborative marketing—combining our expertise and resources with your unique connection to readers.
Royalties are typically calculated as a percentage of the book's sale price or our net receipts, with rates varying by format (print, e-book, audio) and market. Payments are issued semi-annually, with statements detailing sales by format and territory. Your contract will specify exact rates and terms. We pride ourselves on transparent reporting and timely payments. Our author portal provides access to sales data between formal reporting periods so you can monitor your book's performance.
Yes, global distribution is a cornerstone of our publishing strategy. Your book will be available in English through our international distribution partners across 40+ countries. Additionally, our rights team actively pursues translation deals to bring your work to readers in their native languages. The specific international strategy is tailored to each title, with some books receiving simultaneous global release while others follow a strategic rollout approach by region.
Most manuscripts undergo three main editorial stages: developmental editing (1-2 rounds), copy editing (1 round), and proofreading (1 round). The exact number of edits depends on the manuscript's initial state and the complexity of revisions needed. Our goal is quality, not adhering to a rigid process—we'll work with you until the manuscript reaches its full potential. Throughout editing, you'll have clear deadlines and open communication with your editorial team.
This is a wonderful "problem" to have! We monitor inventory levels closely and typically order reprints when stock reaches a predetermined threshold, preventing out-of-stock situations. If demand exceeds projections, we can expedite reprints. Strong early sales may also trigger increased marketing investment, special retail promotions, or acceleration of planned subsidiary rights efforts. We view initial success as an opportunity to build momentum and expand your readership further.
Pricing decisions are made strategically based on production costs, market standards for your genre, page count, format, and competitive positioning. While we welcome your insights about your target audience, final pricing decisions rest with our sales and marketing teams who specialize in optimizing price points across global markets. We regularly review and may adjust pricing based on market response and for special promotions that can boost visibility and sales.
Ready to Begin Your Publishing Journey?
Take the first step toward bringing your book to readers worldwide with Xilvora Ink's author-centric, globally-focused publishing program.
Submit Your Manuscript