What is custom publishing?
We are often approached by organisations and individuals wishing to engage the services of skilled industry professionals – on a consultancy, fee-for-service basis – to create a unique publication for them. These projects might be large-format pictorial works, such as special editions, fine art catalogues, or quality academic publications. We also specialise in children’s books, and a range of general non-fiction and fiction formats in both print and eBook.
If you choose Fremantle Press to custom publish your story, we will handle the administrative requirements of book publishing, as well as editing, proofreading, briefing designers, selecting the right format and paper stock, printer liaison and quality control, checking colour proofs, and managing delivery and distribution.
We will help you create an impressive and unique book that reflects your aims and appeals to your audiences.
What consultancy and project management services does Fremantle Press provide?
We manage custom projects from receipt of the finished manuscript (completed, unedited text and images) through to delivery of finished books:
Phase 1: Editing, proofreading, indexing and design, to print-ready files.
Phase 2: Production and delivery of printed books (and eBook files if requested).
We also offer distribution and sales advice, and for some products we can offer sales and distribution services. We can advise on what will work best for you.
What services does Fremantle Press not provide?
Unfortunately, we do not assess manuscripts or offer one-off editorial advice for self-publishing projects. If you would like to submit your manuscript for consideration by the Fremantle Press editorial team, visit our Submissions page.
Fremantle Press is not a printing company, so if you are looking for a printing quote only, we may not be the right choice for you. If your project is a small size and you only want a few copies, you might wish to find a local printer, or contact Writing WA or Editors WA for editorial or print-only assistance.
Fremantle Press does offer print management services, working with a network of Australian and international printers to provide high-quality, professionally printed books in all formats. We can provide small quantities as well as larger print runs, with variable pricing depending on your specifications and budget. Please contact us if you are interested in this service.
What do I need to know before I start my custom publishing book project?
If you are thinking about publishing a book to commemorate a company milestone or anniversary, or perhaps to create a lasting legacy of an important or interesting story within your community, here are some helpful initial guidelines. Note that there is a minimum order of 500 copies.
What does it cost and how long does it take to get a custom book published?
Costs and timing vary, based on the scope of the project, the format of the book and the quantity to be printed. Professionally published books take time to produce, so if your organisation has a major anniversary in three to five years, is thinking about publishing a book or is already in the process of writing one, then talk to us now so that we can look at what might be a realistic timeline and budget. The rule of thumb is to allow 9–12 months to produce a large-format book once the text and images have been supplied. For a no-obligation quote, complete our online form or contact CEO Alex Allan on +61 (0)8 9430 6331 or admin@fremantlepress.com.au.
Can I include images in my book?
If your organisation is already working on a book project and is wondering how and when to gather images for inclusion in the book, here is a list of dos and don’ts of gathering images for consultancy projects.
Who benefits when you use Fremantle Press for your custom book project?
As publishing specialists, Fremantle Press can be engaged to create an impressive and unique book that reflects your aims and reaches your audiences.
Our clients benefit from decades of publishing expertise in project management, editing, proofreading, indexing, design, print management and, if required, distribution.
Having your book produced to industry standards by a well-regarded national publishing house is not inexpensive, but it does give your audience, booksellers and general book lovers confidence in the rigour and quality of your book that they may not otherwise have.
Our custom publishing clients are diverse and include community organisations, Aboriginal corporations, art collections, corporate clients, educational bodies and local governments.
While hiring a publishing consultant can seem like a big expense, it’s an investment that ultimately saves any organisation time, money and resources. As the old saying goes: If you think hiring a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur.
Income from our consultancy work helps support our core activity as a not-for-profit arts organisation dedicated to publishing the works of new and emerging Western Australian writers and artists. This makes an important contribution to our national literary heritage.
Are custom publishing projects published under Fremantle Press’s imprint?
Custom publishing projects are not part of the Fremantle Press annual publishing program. Custom-made books are published under the client’s own imprint and use the client’s own ISBN and logo. Fremantle Press provides its publishing expertise on a fee-for-service, arm’s-length basis.
Can I advertise my organisation’s support of Fremantle Press?
By choosing to undertake your custom publishing project with Fremantle Press, you are making an important contribution to our literary heritage for future generations. We would love you to acknowledge our work with you. Custom publishing clients wishing to include Fremantle Press branding on marketing or communications materials should discuss the requirements with CEO Alex Allan or Marketing and Communications Manager Claire Miller.
I’ve already published a book but need to get it into shops. Can Fremantle Press help with distribution?
We offer some limited distribution support depending on the content and format of your book. If you would like to find out more, please contact CEO Alex Allan.
Who should use Fremantle Press’s custom publishing services?
Any individual or organisation that would like a quality publication produced to national and international industry standards. Many of our clients have a small and specialised market to whom they sell their books directly, but at retail rates, so they require an exceptional standard of production and finish. Other clients wish to create high-value corporate gifts or milestone publications. Fremantle Press has the expertise to turn any project into a quality publication.
Why use Fremantle Press instead of self-publishing or going directly to a printer?
Booksellers can be wary of self-published books because they do not guarantee editorial, design and production quality and standards. If a book has been through the meticulous workings of a publishing house such as Fremantle Press, it has rigour and authority for which customers are willing to pay commercial retail prices.
Where can I find samples of Fremantle Press’s previous consultancy books?
The Fremantle Press online gallery has a comprehensive list of successful consultancy projects with images.
How do I request a quote?
To request a quote, please complete our online form. Note a minimum print run of 500 copies applies to all custom publishing projects.