For Authors:
Information & Submission Process
In the Rocndog Universe
WELCOME TO THE PACK
Publishing
Author-Assist
SERVICES AVAILABLE; web page to come
Trainings
In development; web page to come
Rocndog Books is an independent publisher with a spine. We back creators who do important, daring work—and we develop it to a release‑ready standard. In a shifting landscape, we don’t chase trends. We hold the line, elevate the voice, and ship work that earns its place in the world.
We publish up to ten books per year and nurture them—with expert help from our amazing marketing consultants at Strategies PR and from our distributor, Lakeside Book Company, the largest book manufacturing, fulfillment, and distribution company in North America.
Indie means charting your own course.
How We Publish
"HOW DO I GET MY BOOK IN READERS' HANDS?"
Here’s what most people don’t realize: Printing and listing aren’t "distribution."
And distribution without positioning doesn’t move copies.
Rocndog Books’ core package takes a promising concept through elite development, real distribution, and a targeted launch so readers can actually find it.
What that means in practice:
The Threshold Method in action, from development of your concept through publication
Reflective‑Inquiry Editing that sharpens voice and message
Professional publishing design and build for print and digital formats
Placement through a real distributor—across Amazon, major online retailers, libraries, and booksellers
A focused Title Marketing Launch calibrated to your book's niche
Comprehensive audiobook support
Most independents don’t do this. We do—and we hold the line on quality so the market takes you seriously.
The Dog ain't no standard indie.
Ready to Publish?
Before sending an unsolicited sample, please note:
For authors who are developing a concept or looking for writing support, please explore our approach (and soon, our upcoming pages on author services and course offerings).
Or, if you feel that your project is already bold, innovative, unique, and (maybe even pretty darned) ready to go, then let's talk about next steps.
Please reach out via email to schedule a complimentary, 30-minute consult—and let's determine if we're a good fit.
Here's what we'll need to know in the initial email:
What is bold, innovative, and challenging about your topic?
Why did you choose this project / why you are the ideal writer(s) for this project?
Project Type—nonfiction or fiction, topic category.
Short Description—50 to 100 words.
Remember to include anything relevant we'd need to know, such as:
Based on a real story?
Personal experience?
Based on other material?
If required, do you have rights (IP) to the story?
Manuscript Length (words or pages).
On a scale of 1 (raw) to 10 (polished), where do you feel the manuscript stands at this moment?
If you're attaching a sample—up to one chapter (Word or PDF).
NOTE: Please label the email subject line: PUBLISHING SUBMISSION INQUIRY.
Can't wait to learn about you and your project!
What is Hybrid Publishing?
TRADITIONAL
In this style of publishing, the publisher carefully compares a manuscript against the company's standards and mission. If the project is accepted, then the publisher pays production costs up front (perhaps not all marketing fees); when royalties are calculated, the publisher keeps the great majority of net income. In the traditional model, the publisher invests most of the funding toward production and therefore receives most of the income.
HYBRID
"Hybrid" means that costs are shared between the author and publisher. Usually, production fees—including project management, editing, design, and printing, among others—are borne by the author. When royalties are calculated, the author and publisher both share in net income. In the hybrid model, both parties invest in the project's production and therefore royalties are split. Percentages might vary, depending on the project.
ROCNDOG BOOKS IS A HYBRID PUBLISHER WITH TRADITIONAL STANDARDS
Rocndog Books carefully evaluates each submission against our model, mission, and standards—fresh ideas, bold content, high craft, one‑of‑a‑kind voice, and true fit.
We’re selective by design.
If your project aligns, we’ll develop it to a professional publishing standard.
The first step is a consult to see if we’re a fit.
When a book is accepted for publication, the author pays for Rocndog's expertise, specific skills, and advice in the process of creating the best product possible.
Each book receives individualized attention from Kristin Donnan—who has more than thirty years' experience in editing manuscripts and screenplays in a wide array of genres. See "Our Approach" for more on how she works.
Rocndog contributes its infrastructure, relationships with service providers, wholesale and/or distribution contracts, and marketing perspectives and team, among other assets.
The more both parties collaborate, the more we meld our skills—and the better our projects sell.
The Dog ain't no vanity press.
Welcome to the Pack
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