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iUniverse Recognition Programs

Star Program FAQ

 

 

 

How does my book become a STAR title?

To qualify for the Star Program, books must have received our Editor’s Choice designation, which recognizes commercial-quality book content. In today’s competitive publishing environment, editorial quality is only the first step toward success.  Not only must authors be good writers; they must be energetic marketers as well. To qualify for Star status, iUniverse authors must prove they can develop an enthusiastic following by selling an above-average number of their books through retail channels. Just as traditionally published titles demonstrate marketability, sales of self-published books in retail outlets prove that an author has targeted a book-buying audience and that he/she knows how to reach that audience using methods beyond direct sales. Your title must sell 500 units with 250 through traditional retail markets.

A Star contender must also pass through a application process and Star Board selection process which passes the following questions:

  • Does the book have an innovative, fresh and unique style? 
  • Is the book in a genre that sells well?
  • Does the author demonstrate an understanding of the book’s target audience and effective ways to reach that audience?
  • Is the author willing and able to continue to generate customer demand for the title?
  • Most important, will the book benefit from the features offered as part of the Star Program?

How can I help my book receive the Star designation?

The best way to help your book is to be enthusiastic about it and sell, sell, sell.  You are your own advocate and you know your book better than anyone else. Make sure friends, family, work associates, aquaintenances, local media, store owners, book clubs, libraries, local writing clubs, etc. know your book is on sale and available.   

Once I have sold 500 copies, how will I be notified that my book is being reviewed for the Star Program?

Once your book has reached the 500-sold plateau, the Star Program Manager will receive an automated notice. The Program Manager will proceed by notifying you via e-mail with your welcome kit.

What are the benefits of the Star Program?

The Star Program provides the following benefits:

  • A professional cover reassessment, including revision of the cover copy and author bio, a new ISBN, and the addition of the Star imprint logo. iUniverse will also create a new front cover if necessary.
  • A professional editorial polish and marketing support, if warranted, at iUniverse expense.
  • Featured placement on the iUniverse Web site along with an author bio
  • Returnability and a standard industry discount
  • Experienced commissioned rep group will present your book to retail book buyers nationally
  • Submitted for Kirkus Discoveries Review
  • Considered for possible submission to foreign publishers for translation rights, if suitable
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As a Star title, will I receive guaranteed placement in local bookstores?

Star does not promise guaranteed placement in retail stores however, we will present your title to retail buyers who will judge your commercial viability on marketing plans, previous sales history success and overall genre popularity.

My book is supposed to receive a new ISBN. What is this, and how does it affect my book?

The ISBN is a way of coding a book. It is industry standard, and serves as a way to distinguish your book. Creating a new ISBN will remove the old printing of the book, and allow only the STAR edition to be purchased.

Will my cover be redesigned for Star?

Any revisions to the cover will be done in order to meet industry standards. If you are satisfied with the cover, and we believe it is acceptable, no changes will be made.

The contract says I will be featured on the Web site. Will I know when I am featured? Is there a method to how you feature books?

The featured books come out on a rolling basis, starting at the beginning of every month. We attempt to pair book topics to those relevant in the current news/season.


Will I receive marketing help, or ideas to fill out my Marketing Questionnaire?

You will not receive help filling out your Marketing Questionnaire, as we want an unbiased description of what your plan is. We do, however, provide you with a sample Marketing Questionnaire, upon request.