For authors
Questions Before You Publish
What it costs, who owns what, how royalties work and how long it takes. Straight answers, because you should know all of this before you trust anyone with your book.
Getting started
Is ROMAR Press a vanity press?
No. ROMAR Press is an independent press that falls into the general category of “hybrid publishing.” We are not a “vanity press.” This means we offer services to bridge the gap between self-publishing and agent-driven, traditional publishing. This requires some element of both author and publisher investment and collaboration.
How do I get started?
With a free consultation. Contact us to find out if collaboration with ROMAR Press fits your needs. We'll meet in person or on Zoom.
To be considered, send a writing sample or an excerpt, not the whole book. ROMAR asks for a full manuscript only after the consultation.
Does ROMAR publish every book it is sent?
No. Publishing with ROMAR Press requires that your work meet high standards of quality. ROMAR reviews your manuscript, discusses your goals and decides with you which services the project needs. The consultation is where we both find out whether we are a good fit.
Who runs ROMAR Press?
ROMAR Press LLC is run by its publisher, Dr. Marilyn Robitaille, in Stephenville, Texas. Children's books are published under our Nonna Books imprint.
What authors pay
How much does it cost to publish with ROMAR?
It depends on two things: the services your project requires (a book that needs global editing is not priced like one that needs a proofread), and the final retail cost of the book, which is set by the number of pages, the size and the type of cover.
Your price is quoted for your project once the work is understood, and the free consultation is where that starts. Before any work begins you receive a written Service Schedule that sets out the project fee, the deposit and the balance.
Do I have to buy copies of my own book?
Yes. You will be required to purchase 50 personal copies at a 25% discount off the book's retail price. This is part of the author's investment in a hybrid publishing project, and it is stated up front so nothing about it is a surprise.
Do I have to buy marketing services?
No. Author marketing and promotion, social media management, audiobook production and the other author services are optional and priced separately. You choose them only if they help your book.
What happens if I change my mind?
Refunds and cancellations for publishing projects follow your signed Service Schedule or agreement, including its deposit terms. Our refund policy covers everything else ROMAR sells.
Rights and ownership
Who owns the copyright to my book?
You do. Authors retain the copyright in their own work. ROMAR Press manages the technical and production side of publishing while you keep ownership of your copyright.
Whose ISBN and imprint will my book carry?
ROMAR's. Your book is published under the ROMAR Press imprint (or Nonna Books, for children's books), and ROMAR takes care of the ISBN numbers and bar codes as part of preparing it for release.
Will I have a written agreement?
Yes. Every project is agreed individually and in writing. Your signed Service Schedule or agreement sets the fee, the deposit, the balance and the other terms of your book, and it takes precedence over the general terms on this website. Read it, take your time and ask us anything before you sign.
Royalties and sales
Will I be paid royalties?
Yes. ROMAR authors are paid royalties on their books. How your royalty is calculated, and the rate, are written into your agreement, so you know exactly what you will earn before you sign.
How will I know how my book is selling?
Every ROMAR author has a private Author Portal on this website. It is where you see your books, sales, royalties and files, follow your publishing project and order author services.
Where will my book be sold?
Distribution is world-wide through Amazon (print and e-books), Barnes & Noble and independent bookstores, and through Walmart and local or university bookstores. Your book is also listed in the ROMAR Press catalog on this website.
How long it takes
How long does it take to publish my book?
There is no one answer, because no two projects are alike. A manuscript that needs only a proofread moves faster than one that needs global editing, and your own revisions set part of the pace. Your schedule is planned with you once ROMAR has reviewed the manuscript, and you can follow every stage in your Author Portal.
What are the steps?
1. Submit your manuscript. 2. Review and publishing plan: ROMAR reviews your work, discusses your goals and decides the services needed. 3. Editing and preparation. 4. Book production: pre-press, ISBN numbers, bar codes and printing. 5. Distribution. 6. Launch and author support.
What happens after my book is published?
ROMAR helps you launch your book with a book signing and a publication party, and supports you beyond publication with launch guidance, events and coaching. An author may publish more than one title with ROMAR.
How to judge a hybrid publisher
The IBPA Hybrid Publisher Criteria — and Our Answers
The Independent Book Publishers Association publishes eleven criteria that separate a reputable hybrid publisher from a vanity press. IBPA does not certify publishers; the list is there so authors can hold any publisher to it. Here is how ROMAR Press answers each one.
A clear mission and long-term vision for its publishing program
Stories change lives. ROMAR publishes poetry, fiction, memoir, nonfiction and children's books, and has been doing so for years under one publisher. See for yourself
Vets its submissions
Every project starts with a writing sample and a consultation, and the work has to meet high standards of quality. See for yourself
Operates with transparency
Costs, the 50 author copies and the royalty are stated before you sign, in a written Service Schedule.
A negotiable, clear contract for every title
Every project is agreed individually and in writing. Ask us anything before you sign.
Publishes under its own imprint(s) and ISBNs
Yes — ROMAR Press and Nonna Books, with ROMAR's ISBNs and bar codes.
Publishes to industry standards
Professional pre-press, interior formatting, ISBN, bar code and metadata on every book.
Ensures editorial, design and production quality
Global editing, minor editing or proofreading, matched to what your manuscript actually needs.
Pursues and manages a range of rights
Print and e-book editions as standard, with audiobook production available. See for yourself
Provides distribution services
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and independent, local and university bookstores. See for yourself
Demonstrates respectable sales
Our books are in print and on sale now. Browse the catalog and see every title, author and format. See for yourself
Pays authors a higher-than-standard royalty
Authors are paid royalties, and your rate is written into your agreement. Ask us to walk you through it at your consultation.
Criteria from the Independent Book Publishers Association (2022 edition). ROMAR Press is not affiliated with or endorsed by IBPA.
Still have a question?
Ask Us Before You Decide
The consultation is free, in person or on Zoom. Bring every question on this page — and any we haven't thought of.