Frequently Asked Questions
Who are you?
Gwyllt a Rhydd (Wild and Free) is the book publishing imprint of Insight Illustration Ltd. Based in Mid Wales, we have been producing books, book jackets and music packaging for many, many years.
What kind of books do you publish?
We aim to publish more poetry, fiction and non-fiction books.
Where can you find Gwyllt a Rhydd books?
Depending on the authors choices, books will be available globally through Print On Demand, or localy in independent bookshops through self distribution. Traditional UK distribution would require an active sales team selling books to book shops, handling sales and returns – and warehousing, which all costs significant sums. For UK-wide availability in smaller scale you have to turn to Print On Demand or if you’re prepared to do it – self promotion and direct sales. Our current books are available locally through book shops in mid-Wales, as they were published traditionaly and distributed by the authors and family. They’re both selling very well.
Are there any standards books must meet to be published?
We want to assist you in smoothly transitioning from draft to publication. As a self-publishing author, it is usually your responsibility to get the book into good shape for publication, but we want to help with that! We can proofread and/or edit your manuscript and format/typeset the book file. In publishing first impressions really count. The value we bring is producing a book that is classy inside and out – and that is why Gwyllt a Rhydd will always be involved in the design of your book’s cover.
You will own ALL your book rights and royalties. Creative work linked to the book will be available to you for anything related to the book, for free – including if you plan to produce merchandise.
Who owns the rights to the work?
Please send details of your manuscript through our contact page. We will reply when we can.
How can I submit my manuscript?
Please send details of your manuscript through our contact page. We will reply when we can.
How involved will I be with the process?
We work with authors on editing, design, production and bringing their books to readers. It’s your book. We will offer our professional advice and experience – but this is your book, and you have the final decision on all aspects of the design and production.
Why assisted self-publishing?
Print-on-demand (POD) is a printing process where books are printed individually only as orders are made online.
Your book is made available online through any bookshop via IngramSpark or Amazon (major global POD printers). You simply upload your print files and your book then becomes available for sale online and is only printed when someone places an order. After deducting printing and shipping costs, you receive royalties per copy sold.
Pros: Global reach and no upfront cost (like printing 1000 copies for distribution).
Cons: Your per-book return under Print-On-Demand is significantly lower compared to self-printing and distribution. Selling your novel for £8 may result in less than £2 in royalties.
Colour books cost far more to print, and making a profit on a colour illustrated book through print on demand is harder than with a simple black and white novel. Sadly that makes illustrated childrens books less suitable for POD publishing.
What is Print-On-Demand, Pros And Cons?
Assisted self-publishing is a service to assist authors in taking their manuscripts from draft to publication without compromising their book rights or your royalties. The service includes manuscript editing, interior formatting and cover design.
It is technically possible to self-publish entirely for free, but you need to be adept at graphic design and confident in your editing and proofreading. Having a fresh pair of eyes read your book, and a professional cover design are two almost essential services for most successful self-published authors.
What about the eBook?
With no printing and delivery costs to factor in, you can receive a 70% return on each eBook sold. This is why eBooks are usually priced much lower than paperbacks. However, despite the hype – eBooks have not replaced the good old paperback, although those using an eReader typically read more books per year (according to the stats). Many however prefer a physical copy and are prepared to pay more for one, so for most books we recommend publishing both a digital and physical copy of your book.
Print via Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP from Amazon) or IngramSpark?
Whichever printer you choose, we will work within their production options to get the best quality and value possible.
A popular alternative to KDP is IngramSpark. There are pros and cons to whichever platform you choose, and we can explore the options and decide upon the best one for you and your book.
How can I contact you?