What is custom publishing?
We are often approached by organisations 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 are usually large-format pictorial works such as special corporate or community histories or anniversary editions, fine art catalogues, or quality academic publications.
Many people find it surprising to learn that publishing a book to professional standards requires expertise. They might also be unaware of the unique legal and administrative requirements of book publishing – not to mention the intricacies of editing, proofreading, briefing designers, selecting the right format and paper stock, printer liaison and quality control, checking colour proofs, and managing delivery and distribution.
As publishing specialists, Fremantle Press can be engaged to create an impressive and unique book that reflects your aims and reaches your audiences.
What consultancy and project management services does Fremantle Press provide?
Fremantle Press provides a full suite of publishing and project management expertise including editing, proofreading, indexing, design and print production. Sometimes clients request advice at the concept developmental stage of their book even before they have engaged an author. Typically we manage the project from receipt of the unedited text and images through to delivery of finished books. Some clients may already have a finished product and only require our Australia-wide distribution services. We can advise on what will work best for you.
What services does Fremantle Press not provide?
Fremantle Press is not a printing company and we do not provide print-only services. We do not offer services for projects of less than 1,000 copies (depending on format). 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.
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.
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 1,000 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 nine to 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 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 are 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 four decades of publishing expertise in project management, editing, proofreading, indexing, design, print management and, if required, distribution.
Having your own 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 their 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?
If your book is a fit with the quality and content of books we publish, Fremantle Press may be able to distribute your book through our distribution arrangement with Penguin Random House. This would be undertaken on a consignment-only basis and attracts a distribution fee. Examples include Penguins and Primus, Through the Artists’ Eyes and Light: Photographs by Christian Fletcher. For all enquiries, contact Jane Fraser on +61 (0)8 9430 6331 or jfraser@fremantlepress.com.au.
Who should use Fremantle Press’s custom publishing services?
Any organisation that would like a quality publication produced to national and international industry standards. As a publishing house with a 45-year track record across many genres and formats (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children’s books) we have the expertise to turn any project into a quality publication.
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 also want to sell through trade outlets either locally or nationally, which is why our marketing and distribution services and skills are so attractive.
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 1,000 copies applies to all custom publishing projects.