Why are you self-publishing most of your stuff?
Many reasons!
First, it’s important that I keep as much control of my projects as possible to keep a lower pricepoint and be able to offer affordable resources to those who most need it. If I were to use a commercial publisher, I would lose creative control of what I produced, and the cost would go up (sometimes prohibitively) to feed all of the profit-margin expectations of that company.
Second, that creative control allows me to make changes/corrections to most anything immediately, offer special editions, make special arrangements for buyers or sellers, etc. I can also make experiment with projects at lower risk: if few want a print book, I have not lost much in upfront costs.
Yes, I am almost entirely reliant upon social media and customers for marketing, but that might be true with a larger publisher who is busy with “big ticket” titles, too. However, self-publishing allows me to select all of my business partners, price how I wish, and offer what I wish.
Create as little as possible on someone else’s platform!
Why should I buy it from you instead of some other online dealer?
I understand if you do. I can’t compete with the big online stores, so basically, by ordering from me you are supporting me as an independent author and also my independent printer, which is much appreciated!
In addition, I get a higher percentage of the purchase price (no middle dealers), and I’m paid within hours or days, rather than months! Your purchase history from me will also tell me what similar projects to produce and to even let you know about variations and supplements to that project, which larger stores won’t do.
But don’t worry. If you buy elsewhere, I am still appreciative! Indie authors just know that other dealers have pages crowded with other products, and it’s hard to be seen if we sell there alone!
When will my order ship?
If it is digital, you should be able to access it immediately. If that does not happen, please write to me and let me know.
If it is a print book or other print-on-demand object, it may be a few days. Print-On-Demand (POD) means that your purchase is literally made at the time of the order, so it takes just a bit longer because there isn’t a random copy in a corner of a warehouse somewhere for someone to pack up. See the next question for more information on this process..
Production for any book might take 3-5 business days from time of order. Production for print books is in the US, so if you are in another country, it will take a little longer to deliver, as well.
Why does it take so long to get my book?
I use a method called Print-On-Demand (POD) to produce print products. That means that there isn’t a warehouse (or even a home closet) somewhere that hundreds of books are kept. Instead, every time an order is placed, the printer will produce that copy from scratch, bind it, package it, and distribute it to you. Amazon has created an expectation for single-day delivery which has created Amaz-ing strains on publications. Instead, to maintain a quality product and keep the price low, the trade-off is a little longer anticipation for delivery!
There are other huge advantages, too:
- POD is better for the environment. It reduces waste by only producing products when they’re ordered, so there’s no excess stock that ends up in landfills. POD often reduces carbon emissions by producing goods closer to where they’re sold and only producing what’s needed. Books are moved just once, from printer to you.
- POD means books are never out of print!
- The printer I have selected, Lulu, is currently the only one that is B-Corps Certified, which is a standard for transparency, accountability, and measurements for social and environmental justice.
So we’ll take a few extra moments to let the glue dry!
How Your Book is Made: https://youtu.be/OdqofKwxq50?si=-SxV_yNPcWMwxH-a
How can I track my order?
All of my orders are shipped with tracking information, which is why shipping and handling costs are a little higher than some companies. Print book orders should also give a tracking number when your book is completed and shipped
Can I return my order?
For digital items, a “return” doesn’t really work. But a refund might be possible depending on the nature of the concern. See below.
For print items, it is possible to ship a return if that is what you wish. If an item is damaged or otherwise not of high quality, please let me know directly and I will see to a replacement (rather than a “return” which may not be worth the cost of return shipping).. If you are unsatisfied with your order otherwise, just contact me and I will try to help you.
If you purchased the product from a third party retailer, please contact them.
What is your refund policy?
I want you to be satisfied with what I produce at Waywords. Please contact me directly if you are unhappy with anything I produce and the purchase was less than 60 days ago. I will be happy to assist in replacements or other arrangements that would make sense for the purchase. Refunds are also possible on most print and POD items.
Because of the nature of digital products, I generally do not refund purchase price, but I will work with you to find the best solution.
If you purchased the product from a third party retailer, please contact them. If they do not assist you, then please write to me!
Can I exchange my item for a different item?
Almost certainly in the case of printed products! Digital items are more difficult to exchange by their nature. However, I will work with you to find a suitable solution!
What should I do if there is an issue with my order?
If a book is delayed, damaged, or otherwise of poor quality, contact me immediately so I can work with the printer to fix the problem for you.
If a digital project does not render or open, contact me for an alternative method for delivery.
Need more help?
Contact me at steve@waywordsstudio.com for questions related to refunds and returns.