Welcome to publishing. You can sit with us.
Hi, we’re Ashleigh and Jamie. We started an author services agency because we love books, and hate that authors have to jump through hoops to make them.
What’s up with traditional publishing?
To publish traditionally, authors have to secure a literary agent through a process called querying. The agent takes the book “on submission” by sending it to publishers.
A book deal is an offer to publish and usually comes with an advance payment that must be recouped in book sales before the author receives more money. The publisher provides professional editing and cover design, but the amount of promotional support varies.
- Only 25-30% of books ever earn out their advance.
- 70% of authors make no additional money after the book is published.
- 90% of traditionally published books sell fewer than 1,000 copies per year.
- 50% sell fewer than twelve.
- The rights to the book are owned by the publisher.
What about hybrid publishing?
Hybrid publishing skips the steps of literary agents and publishers and assists authors in publishing their books and listing them for distribution on a worldwide system that allows the book to be ordered by libraries and bookstores. Hybrid fees can run from $20k-100k and often companies also take a share of the royalties. Screening for quality writing, story coaching, and editing support vary greatly between providers. Consistently, hybrids offer a professional cover, and, at minimum, a proofread. Marketing or promotional support are usually an upsell, running from $10,000 – $20,000, or more. Average sales for a hybrid published book are equal to, or lower than, traditional publishing. Hybrid publishers often retain rights to the book.
What about assisted self-publishing with Renard McGillen?
At Renard McGillen, we provide 360 degree support at an accessible price point to help authors publish books they are proud of, all while having them retain 100% of their royalties and ownership of their work. We offer comprehensive story coaching and editing to produce a great book, and coach our authors on audience-building and launch strategy to get it into the hands of readers who will love it. In addition, we’re passionate about helping our authors develop their careers and additional income streams related to their book.
At Renard McGillen, we aim to give authors the most support in the industry, offering the comprehensive editing required to write a great book, and the audience-building and launch strategy to get it into the hands of the readers who will love it. All the while, keeping royalties in the author’s pocket.
HOW THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF PUBLISHING COMPARE
About
Ashleigh Renard
Ashleigh is the bestselling author of the indie-published memoir SWING and a platform building and book launch coach for writers.
When Ashleigh left her career in synchronized skating to focus on writing, she struggled with the realization that the people with the most talent in publishing have the least amount of agency. She’s been trying to balance the scales ever since.
A born coach, Ashleigh revels in figuring out how to make each one of her clients shine as their brightest selves.
About
Jamie McGillen
Jamie is the author of the book club favorite IN SIGHT OF THE MOUNTAIN, and she edits both fiction and non-fiction.
After receiving her M.A. in English from Northern Arizona University, Jamie worked as a technical editor for a defense contractor, and then as an English Instructor at Highline College. In addition to teaching college-level writing courses, Jamie has also taught memoir writing classes at various colleges and retirement communities in the Seattle area.
As your story coach and book editor, she will bring out your very best writing so that your work sings!
What our authors say
★★★★★
“I came to Ashleigh and Jamie for assistance with my writing goals for my middle-grade series to get into the hands of readers.
Ashleigh shows she cares about my success and encourages me when I need it. Her knowledge of the publishing industry, social media, and marketing is exceptional. Jamie is the type of editor I needed. Her attention to detail is amazing, and her tips can be easily applied to future projects.
Ashleigh and Jamie are both leaders in their fields, and it’s a pleasure to work with them.”
Sharon Hajj
Author of THE GATES OF PROSKA trilogy
★★★★★
“The biggest benefit of working with Renard McGillen Author Services is that it’s the safe space to go through the entire journey of writing a memoir—and keeping me locked in on what comes next!
I wanted to follow through on the big, bold, brave, scary thing—putting my experience out there! To start to shape the best writer I can become!
This isn’t just about writing a book. This is about learning how to embrace and share my own human existence in a raw and intrinsically rewarding way.”
Kate Sessoms
Debut memoirist