F. What is the procedure for publishing my book?
If you have a manuscript you would like us to consider publishing, you can send a synopsis together with two sample chapters to us by mail:
Gopher Publishers UK
14 Harrow Inn Close
High Street
ELGIN
Moray
Scotland
IV30 1BP
Or by email to [email protected]. We will assess the manuscript on the basis of criteria such as language, style, character plot and development (fiction) originality, development, depth, structure etc.
After assessment we will:
- a. accept the book
- b. advise you on rewriting or extensive editing
- c.advise that the manuscript does not comply with one or more of the above criteria.
Gopher is in the process of developing a 'myownbook.com vanity publishing facility for such titles.
G. What does it cost to publish a manuscript?
Gopher usually charges �700 to produce your book. This cost includes assessing, light editing, scanning, cover design to pre-print stage. Website design and traditional marketing activities - press releases, book reviews, flyers - are also included. Greater or lesser charges are applied depending on the amount of scanning (of illustrations), editing or retyping.
H. What kind of books does Gopher publish?
The Gopher-collection consists of a large number of categories. There is room for all kinds of books: management books, novels, biographies, travel literature and children's books, and many others. We cater for all tastes, however small the market. We do not, however, publish books which are either racist or pornographic.
I. Can I republish a book with Gopher?
Yes, provided that you own all rights. If the original text is not available as a computer file, Gopher is able to make the text digital. In order to do so, we will require one copy which will be taken apart so that it can be scanned. If the book is published in its original state, then costs will be quite low. It is also possible to re-edit the book but this will entail higher production costs.
J. What criteria does Gopher use to judge manuscripts intended for publication?
We will carefully read your manuscript and look at literary merit, style, character development, plot, and originality. For each book we will look at the characteristics which typify the category in which it belongs. For example, we will judge travel literature mostly on its originality and interest, poetry on expressiveness and structure etc, style biographies will be judged on authenticity and novels on plot, character development and style. When we have read your manuscript, we will provide you with a brief critique.
K. Are there other possibilities to publish my manuscript if it has been rejected?
Yes, there are two possibilities. Our goal is to get the best from every author. Therefore, we may make suggestions for re-writing and further development. After further work by the author and/or our Editors, your work may be suitable for publication as a Gopher title.
The second possibility is to publish your work under the Private Publishing Fund. In that case, you can prepare the book according to your own wishes and tastes (provided it is not racist or pornographic.)
L. How long does it take to publish a book with Gopher after a manuscript has been accepted?
That depends primarily on the amount of work which has to be carried out: scanning of photographs, editing and correcting text. Final proofs will be signed off by the author. The average is three to six months. Some authors only need a couple of days to correct a proof; others might take as long as a month.This, naturally, affects the date by which the book is finished. It is therefore important to discuss such issues early in the process and any specific deadlines you have in mind.
M. Does Gopher publish in other languages?
Yes, our collection currently contains books in Dutch, English, German and Frisian. (other languages such as French, Spanish and Hungarian are also possible.)
N. Will a book, published by Gopher, have an ISBN-number?
Yes: Private Publishing publications can also apply for an ISBN-number.
O. Does Gopher publish art and/or sheet music?
Yes, art even has its own category on our site. We also publish sheet music.
P. What is Art-on-demand?
Visual artists such as painters and photographers can ask Gopher to digitalise their original work and offer it for sale in the Art Gallery. Various surfaces can then be chosen, such as paper (greeting cards, posters in different shapes and sizes), textile (T-shirts, aprons, baseball-caps), mousepads, coffee mugs and others. These can all be personalised and ordered individually.
Q. What is Music-on-demand?
Don't download MP3 files and make your own CDs at home! Gopher produces, together with musicians, special music CDs in small runs which can be ordered by companies or individuals. These can be launched during a single performance by the artist in question, on a location which can be specified by the client.
Gopher offers musicians the opportunity to deliver their CD to consumers all over the world and takes care of the whole process, from accepting the order to delivery and payment.
R. Does Gopher develop websites?
Yes, Gopher develops websites for its authors and communities who wish to publish their own work.
S. Who designs the book?
Gopher has a team of professional designers. Authors may provide us with design suggestions which, if comply with house style, we will take these into consideration. With the Private Publishing Fund you are entirely free to choose your own style. We will advise you as required.
T. How do I send a manuscript to Gopher?
Manuscripts can be sent by email or floppy disk. It is very important that the manuscript is sent as one file. If a book contains illustrations, they must be enclosed separately, in the order in which they appear in the book and with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. It must be clearly indicated in the text where the illustrations are to be placed. A print out must also be sent so that we can see the proposed layout. There will be agreement between Gopher and the author as to what the layout will be before we commence work on the manuscript.
U. How long does it take before my order is delivered?
We endeavour to deliver orders within five working days.
V. What are the forwarding-charges for a book?
That depends on the number of books, the weight of the package and the destination. When you place an order you can see what the forwarding charges are. For a 'normal' book of about 250 pages, we charge �2.25, 400 page book �3.10 and with exceptionally large books �3.95.
W. Why is Gopher called Gopher?
Gophersearch was one of the first search engines on the Internet, even before the WWW was introduced. A Gopher is actually an American ground Squirrel. These animals store food underground. A publisher is involved in the search and re-presentation of information. Gopher is also the nickname for an assistant in the audio-visual world (phonetically: go-for...). (Read more about the history of Gopher and its founders here.)
