Frequently Asked Questions

Will you review my writings/manuscript and
tell me if you think it would make a good book?

LifeVest Publishing, Inc. reviews all books to ensure they comply with our stated publishing policies, but we do not critique the book for quality, writing style, or literary talent. Book Critique is offered as an Á La Carte service and provides insight into the quality of the author’s writing. The success of a book’s sales are entirely dependent upon the author’s investment of time and energy in promoting and publicizing their book, as well as the partnership opportunities you take advantage of through Lifevest, as well as the quality content of the book itself. Please click here for a free info pack with additional pricing information.

How many books will I receive with my publishing fee and how much is each book going to cost after it is published?

With most packages you will receive ten complimentary copies of your book. Additional copies of the book may be ordered at the author's price once the book is released.

How does copywriting work?
Do you copyright the book?

LifeVest Publishing, Inc. holds no rights to the author’s work and, therefore, recommends the author file for Copyright Registration and pay the associated fees to the Library of Congress. A formal copyright can be filed at any time, even after publication. Information on copyrighting can be acquired online at: www.copyright.gov.

If the copyright has been acquired prior to submitting this signed agreement, please print out the following form and list the registration number here and notify LifeVest of the date registration was received. LifeVest Publishing, Inc. can register the author’s work as part of the publishing process. Please refer to the À La Carte services section of our website.

Do I need my copyright before publishing?

No, you do not have to wait. According to the United States copyright law, as soon as a writer creates something in a "fixed format," it is theirs. The copyright process makes it easier to prove your ownership of a work. LifeVest Publishing, Inc. will place a standard copyright disclaimer inside a book on the "legal" or "masthead" page. When the author receives their copyright registration, LifeVest requests a copy be sent to them to keep on file.

Will LifeVest illustrate my manuscript?

No. LifeVest Publishing, Inc. only accepts completed manuscripts, meaning both completed writing and completed illustrations. All author illustrations must be completed before submitting their manuscript. LifeVest Publishing, Inc. recommends several professional illustrators on our web site, each with an excellent reputation. Other resources to consider for illustrators are local area high schools, art schools, and colleges.

In what format should I submit my manuscript?

Submission Materials Checklist Please enclose the following in your publishing submission package:

• Completed and signed Publishing Submission Form
• Publishing Fee
• Manuscript on CD or DVD (in MS Word, WordPerfect, of MS Works format)
• Hardcopy of the manuscript (not required; send only if available to show design preferred by the author)
• Any artwork or photos on CD or scalable-quality hardcopies
• Required information via email or on CD or DVD
• Optional information via email or on CD or DVD

PLEASE NOTE: Development cannot begin on a book until all elements are received in the offices of Lifevest Publishing, Inc.

What websites will my book be available on?

In addition to LifeVest’s online bookstore: LifeVest Books, all books are listed on Amazon.com. With the advanced publishing packages, books are also made available to a national book distributor from which any major retail bookstore across the U.S. and Canada can order.

LifeVest Books™

is a new and improved online bookstore for LifeVest Publishing, Inc., previously called Authors To Believe In™ . The web page created for each new title is an excellent promotional tool for authors to direct potential buyers to their web page, and in turn increase book sales. The web page address can also be printed on business cards, flyers and other promotional materials. Most importantly, the author accrues more royalties on books sold through LifeVest Books™ than through any other sales channel because the book is being sold publisher-direct. LifeVest Books™ offers a variety of genres to choose from and gives visitors to the site a way to post their own personal book review.

Why is it important for me to promote my book?

LifeVest Publishing, Inc. strongly recommends to all of its authors the serious and conscious promotion and marketing of their book(s). It cannot be overstated that an author’s ability to profit from book sales is directly related to their investment of time, energy and money in marketing and promotion. The key to the success of any author’s book sales lies with the author themselves. Whether through email promotion, direct mail promotion, book signings, or contacting area libraries and bookstores, an author’s literary success is directly linked to the amount of promotion and publicity invested in their book. A great place to start in promoting a book is to create a mailing list of absolutely everyone you know and everyone you meet. Contact area and regional bookstores to introduce yourself and your book, requesting that they place your book on their shelves. Attend local craft fairs, trade shows, Christmas bazaars, community festivals, library events and participate by reserving a booth. Donate copies of your book (that you have pre-purchased) to schools, libraries and hospitals. Leave no stone unturned in your quest to introduce the world to your book.

Since LifeVest encourages me to self-promote my book, how should I go about marketing it?

LifeVest Publishing, Inc. strongly recommends to all of its authors the serious and conscious promotion and marketing of their book(s). It cannot be overstated that an author’s ability to profit from book sales is directly related to their investment of time, energy and money in marketing and promotion.

The key to the success of any LifeVest author’s book sales lies with the author themselves. It cannot be overemphasized how closely book sales are directly tied to each individual author’s investment of time and energy into the promotion and marketing of their book, whether through email promotion, direct mail promotion, book signings, contacting area libraries and bookstores and the like. An author’s literary success is directly correlated to the amount of promotion and publicity invested in their book.

A place to start in promoting a book is to create a mailing list of absolutely everyone you know and everyone you meet. Contact area and regional bookstores to introduce yourself and your book, requesting that they place your book on their shelves. Attend local craft fairs, trade shows, Christmas bazaars, community festivals, library events and the like and participate by reserving a booth. Donate copies of your book (that you have pre-purchased) to schools, libraries and hospitals. Leave no stone unturned in your quest to introduce the world to your book.

How do people order my book once it’s released?

Either through:

• Your book web page on Lifevest Books , or
• Amazon
• By calling LifeVest Publishing, Inc. toll-free at 877-843-1007
• Requesting a copy from your local bookstore.