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Frequently Asked Questions
Walking Through an Online Submission
Welcome to the iUniverse Online Submission Tour.
To download a PDF version with screenshots, click here.
To get started, you will need to log on to your myUniverse account. Click the orange tab on the upper right-hand side of the screen that says “myUniverse”
Logging In
The link will take you to the Login page show to the right.
- If you have already registered enter your e-mail address and password, then click Submit.
In order to ensure complete and accurate information, please create only one account per author.
Starting the Submission
You are now logged in to your myUniverse account. To begin the online submission process, go into “My Message” and click the orange “GO” button next to the blue “Submit Materials” link.
Here are some tips:
- If you have any questions during the submission process, please contact iUniverse at 1-800-AUTHORS (288-4677) ext. 5045 for assistance.
You many exit the process and return to it later by logging in to your myUniverse account and clicking the orange “GO” button. All information previously entered will be saved for you to continue your submission
Customer Profile
This is a fairly straightforward page; we’re just looking to collect some basic information from you (name, address, telephone number). Once you are finished filling in the required information, press the orange button labeled “Update.”
Author Biography
The Author Biography is limited to 50 words or less (if you choose to have it on the back of the book) and should contain three key elements:
- A statement that illustrates why the author is qualified to write the book.
- A less formal statement about qualifications (“an avid reader of mystery novels,” for example).
- A statement about where the author lives.
Key Book Information
In this step, you’ll include basic information about you book, including Title, Subtitle, Pen Name (if you choose to use one), and Author Credits. The Pen Name is how the author’s name is listed on the book.
Book Format
In this step, you’ll select your book binding size. Please be aware, if you have more than one book format type, you must select the same book size for each type.
** Please keep in mind that hardcover books are available in two trim sizes: 5.5" x 8.5" or 6" x 9". If you choose to publish the paperback version of your book in a trim size other than 5.5" x 8.5" or 6" x 9", an additional fee will be required to reformat your book to match one of the two available hardcover trim sizes. Please contact your Publishing Consultant or your PSA for more information.
Copyright
- Enter the original year of copyright (For a new manuscript, enter the current year).
- Registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office provides peace of mind and provides a public record of the author’s ownership of the material. If you select U.S. Copyright Registration service, iUniverse will complete the necessary paperwork and submit it, along with two required copies of your book, to the U.S. Copyright Office. Once registration is complete, you will receive an official certificate that verifies your book’s coverage under U.S. copyright regulations.
** Please note, we do not copyright your work. If you would like your work copyrighted, you will have to apply to the U.S. Copyright Office.
Front Cover Elements
Provide us with information about how you want your book cover to look.
If you are submitting your own cover art, please submit it in a TIFF (.tif) or JPEG (.jpg) format at 300 dpi. These are the only graphic formats we are able to accept.
iUniverse creates its book covers using a large stock photography library. For instance, if you want a Union soldier from the Civil War on your cover, we will likely be able to accommodate that request. If you want a Union soldier with blonde hair, a beard, and a musket on his shoulder, we may struggle to find an ppropriate image.
Back Cover Elements
The Back Cover Copy is limited to 200 words. Take a look at some of your favorite books to get some ideas. It is important to type this information carefully because it will appear on your book and will be among the first things a reader sees. It’s not a good place for a typo!
Marketing Information
The information that you enter here may be as important as any part of your book. These statements should hook the reader and encourage them to keep reading. The Keynote is a 25-word statement that summarizes your book.
Keywords help a reader who is interested in the subject matter of your book locate it on the iUniverse.com Website. It is not necessary to include words from the title or the author name here. Good keywords might include things like time and place (14th century England) or other elements of the book (dragon, druids, elves).
Audience Level and Book Genre
Please provide us with some general information about your book, including Audience Level or the target audience and Book Genre.
Contributor Manager
Here you’ll be able to add information about any co-authors, agents, or other facilitators.
To add another Contributor please click the link labeled Add New Contributor on the top left-hand corner of the name. To edit any information about the Contributors listed, click the link labeled Edit next to the person’s name.
Editing Contributor's Details
Royalties paid by iUniverse must be reported to the federal government; for this reason your SSN or Tax ID is required information. Please put your Social Security number or federal tax ID number in the SSN/Tax ID field.
Bookseller Discount
Premier Pro programs, the Bookseller Discount allows you to choose from one of two discount schedules for booksellers and between two royalty rates: the standard 20 percent royalty rate (based on net sales). If you choose the 10 percent royalty rate, you will trade off a lower royalty for an increase in the discounts to booksellers of up to a total of 50 percent off the retail book price.
Royaly Information
Determine what percentage of the Royalty Allocation each author is due. With a single author, 100 percent will be entered.
Uploading your Manuscript
On this screen, you will be sending us your manuscript. You will not be able to move beyond this point to upload other items for your book until you upload your manuscript.
Manuscript Uploaded
Once you have uploaded your manuscript, a date will post for the last time you uploaded your manuscript, below the pink box.
Upload Book Cover Images
This step is optional.
Upload Book Interior Graphics
This step is optional.
Upload Author Photograph
This step is optional.
Submission Complete
