Publish with Ordwick
Publishing help
What can I publish?
eBooks, paperbacks and hardcovers. Set each format up separately from your bookshelf; once one format exists, “Create paperback” (and so on) copies its details for you.
Do I need an ISBN?
No, it’s optional. If you have one for an edition, enter it in the Content step. Each format and edition needs its own ISBN. In the UK, ISBNs come from Nielsen; in the US from Bowker; in Canada from Library and Archives Canada; in Australia from Thorpe-Bowker; and in New Zealand from the National Library of New Zealand.
What files do I upload?
For eBooks: an EPUB (or a PDF) and a JPG or PNG cover. For print books: a print-ready PDF interior sized to your trim (Word is fine too), a full-wrap cover PDF (back, spine and front) and a picture of the front cover for the store page. Not sure about your cover? Choose “Have Ordwick design my cover”.
How much does printing cost?
The calculator beside each step shows the printing cost for your page count, trim size and ink, in pounds and dollars, with the full table of rates.
What royalty do I earn?
60% of the list price for eBooks. For paperbacks and hardcovers, 60% of the list price minus the printing cost. The calculator shows the lowest price that still earns you a royalty.
When am I paid?
Royalties are recorded from your first sale. Once you’ve sold 50 copies (all formats together), what you’re owed is paid to the bank account or debit card you add under Payments.
How long does review take?
Usually 2–3 business days. We check that the files print well, that the title and author match the cover, and that the book meets the content guidelines below. If something needs fixing, we tell you what on your bookshelf.
Can I change a book after it’s published?
Yes. Open it from your bookshelf, make your changes and submit them. The store keeps showing the current version until the changes are approved.
Ordwick Publishing Terms (summary)
- You keep the copyright in your book. You give Ordwick the right to sell, print and deliver it through the Ordwick Bookstore in the territories you choose, until you unpublish it.
- You confirm you hold all the rights needed to publish the book, its cover and any images or quotations in it.
- Ordwick reviews every book and may decline or remove books that break these terms or the content guidelines.
- Royalties are 60% of the list price, minus the printing cost for print books, and are paid once you’ve sold 50 copies in total. Refunded orders earn no royalty.
- Ordwick may change printing costs or these terms with notice; changes don’t affect royalties already earned.
Content guidelines
We don’t accept books that infringe copyright or trademarks, contain illegal or hateful content, are misleading about their author or contents, or are low-quality copies of freely available works. Disclose any AI-generated content when you set up your book.