How Does Centuryhousepublications.com Work?

Based on the information provided on their homepage, centuryhousepublications.com operates as a comprehensive service provider, aiming to guide authors through the entire self-publishing journey. They position themselves as a one-stop solution, taking on various tasks that typically fall to the author or require hiring multiple freelancers. The general workflow described involves initial consultation, manuscript submission, professional services (ghostwriting, editing, formatting), publishing and printing, and subsequent marketing efforts. While the described process aligns with legitimate self-publishing workflows, the critical distinction lies in the actual execution and reliability, which are highly questionable given the platform’s newness and other red flags.

• Initial Engagement and Project Brief: The process begins with potential authors contacting the platform, presumably through live chat, phone, or a quote request form.
  • Consultation Phase: Authors are encouraged to discuss their “book idea, manuscript, or publishing process.” This phase is crucial for the platform to understand the author’s needs and tailor a service package.
  • Project Briefs: The website mentions “project briefs” that summarize “project goals, timelines, and budgets.” This is a standard practice for defining the scope of work and ensuring alignment between the author and the service provider.
  • Quotation: Following the consultation and brief, the platform would provide a custom quote for the services required, as they claim “All prices are quoted at the start of the publishing process.”
• Core Service Delivery (Ghostwriting, Editing, Formatting): Once an agreement is reached and payment is made, the platform’s “experts” take over the creative and technical aspects of preparing the manuscript.
  • Ghostwriting (if applicable): If the author uses ghostwriting services, their ideas are purportedly crafted into a complete manuscript by the platform’s writers. This involves research work and drafting.
  • Editing and Proofreading: The manuscript, whether ghostwritten or author-provided, undergoes professional editing to improve quality, clarity, and correctness, followed by proofreading for final error checks.
  • Formatting and Design: The book is then formatted for both print and digital versions, ensuring it meets the technical specifications of various publishing platforms and looks professional. This also includes book cover design, which they highlight.
• Publishing and Printing Management: After the manuscript is professionally prepared, Century House Publications handles the technical aspects of making the book available to readers.
  • Platform Submission: They claim to manage submission to multiple platforms like Amazon KDP, Barnes & Noble, Google Books, Kobo, Ingram Spark, and Apple iBooks. This involves creating author accounts on these platforms (often in the author’s name, as they claim “The sales and distribution accounts are setup in your name”).
  • Print-on-Demand (POD): As per their FAQ, printing and distribution are handled through the POD facilities of the publishing platforms. This means books are printed only when a customer orders them, reducing inventory costs for the author.
  • Global Distribution: The promise is to plug the author into a vast distribution network, making the book available to a wide audience through various retailers and libraries.
• Marketing and Post-Publication Support: Beyond getting the book published, the platform also offers services to help the book reach its audience.
  • Amazon Book Marketing: This is a specialized service aimed at maximizing visibility and sales on Amazon, potentially involving ad campaigns, keyword optimization, and other strategies.
  • Author Website Design: They also offer to create an author website, providing a professional online presence for the author and their work.
  • Royalty Management: They state that royalties are paid directly to the author’s bank account, with the platform not taking any share of the royalties, only the fees charged by the selling outlet (Amazon, etc.).

Stages of the Self-Publishing Process

Centuryhousepublications.com’s operational model mirrors the standard stages of self-publishing, but with the added layer of being a service provider managing these steps on behalf of the author.

Understanding these stages is crucial, whether one uses a service or undertakes them independently.

Each stage requires specific expertise and attention to detail to produce a professional, marketable book.

• Manuscript Preparation: This initial phase involves all the foundational work on the content itself.
  • Ghostwriting: For authors starting with an idea, this is where professional writers transform concepts into a complete manuscript. This includes outlining, drafting, and multiple rounds of revisions based on author feedback.
  • Research Work: They explicitly mention offering research services, which would feed into the ghostwriting or assist authors in developing non-fiction content.
  • Drafting: This is the process of putting thoughts onto paper, crafting the narrative or informational content in a structured manner.
• Editorial Refinement: Once a draft exists, it moves into the crucial editing phase to ensure quality and readability.
  • Content Editing (Developmental/Structural): Focuses on the big picture—plot, character development, pacing, consistency, and overall narrative flow for fiction, or organization, clarity, and argument for non-fiction.
  • Copy Editing: Addresses grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, word usage, and consistency in style. This stage polishes the language.
  • Proofreading: The final read-through to catch any lingering typos, formatting errors, or minor inconsistencies before the book goes to print or digital distribution.
• Design and Formatting: This stage focuses on the visual presentation and technical readiness of the book.
  • Book Cover Design: A professional, eye-catching cover is vital for attracting readers. This involves graphic design expertise to create a cover that fits the genre and market.
  • Interior Formatting: Arranging the text, chapters, headers, and other elements within the book to ensure it is readable and meets the specific layout requirements for print (e.g., trim size, margins, bleed) and digital formats (e.g., reflowable vs. fixed-layout).
  • eBook Conversion: Converting the manuscript into various eBook formats (EPUB, MOBI) compatible with different e-readers and online stores.
• Publishing and Distribution: This is the stage where the book is made available for purchase.
  • Platform Selection: Choosing where to publish (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble, etc.) based on target audience and distribution goals.
  • Metadata Entry: Inputting critical book information (title, author, description, keywords, categories, ISBN) that helps readers find the book online.
  • Print-on-Demand (POD): Utilizing POD services where books are printed only when ordered, eliminating the need for large print runs and inventory.
  • Global Reach: Ensuring the book is available through major online retailers and potentially physical bookstores and libraries worldwide.
• Marketing and Promotion: After publication, efforts shift to making the book visible and driving sales.
  • Amazon Book Marketing: Strategies specific to the Amazon platform, such as Amazon Ads, A+ content, keyword optimization, and category selection.
  • Author Platform Building: Creating an author website, developing a social media presence, and building an email list to connect directly with readers.
  • Promotional Campaigns: Running promotions, participating in book clubs, seeking reviews, and engaging in other activities to increase awareness and sales.

Claimed Revenue Model and Royalty Structure

Centuryhousepublications.com explicitly states its revenue model regarding author royalties: “Your royalties are paid directly into your bank account. We don’t take any of your royalties. theceshop.com Trustpilot Reviews Overview

Your royalties will be NET the royalty fee charged by the outlet that sold your book.

Amazon, Barnes & Noble etc.” This means their purported income stream is derived solely from the fees charged for their services (ghostwriting, editing, formatting, marketing packages), not from a percentage of book sales after publication.

While this model is common among legitimate self-publishing service providers, the reliability of royalty payments is a major concern when dealing with an unverified entity.

• Service-Based Fee Model: The primary way Century House Publications claims to earn revenue is by charging upfront or package fees for the pre-publication services they offer.
  • Examples of Services Charged For:
    • Ghostwriting
    • Editing and Proofreading
    • Formatting and Interior Design
    • Book Cover Design
    • Publishing and Distribution Setup
    • Amazon Book Marketing
    • Author Website Design
  • Quoted Prices: They claim, “All prices are quoted at the start of the publishing process,” indicating a fixed fee structure for their various service tiers or customized packages.
• Author Retains Royalties: The website emphasizes that authors keep 100% of their royalties.
  • Direct Payment to Author: They claim royalties are paid “directly into your bank account,” implying that the sales platforms (Amazon, KDP, etc.) will send the royalty earnings directly to the author, bypassing Century House Publications entirely for this aspect.
  • Net of Platform Fees: The phrase “NET the royalty fee charged by the outlet that sold your book” is standard. This means authors receive whatever royalty percentage the specific platform (e.g., Amazon’s 35% or 70% of eBook sales, or print royalties after print costs) pays out. Century House Publications states they do not take an additional cut beyond what the retailers charge.
• Comparison to Industry Standards: This royalty model is favorable to authors and common among legitimate service providers. Many traditional vanity presses, however, might take a percentage of royalties or require authors to purchase large print runs.
  • Legitimate Service Providers: Companies like Reedsy (marketplace for services) and BookBaby (all-in-one packages) operate on a service-fee model, allowing authors to retain their royalties.
  • Importance of Verification: While the stated model is author-friendly, the crucial question is whether Century House Publications will actually facilitate this direct payment transparently and if the sales accounts are truly set up in the author’s name and under their full control. If the platform controls the accounts, they could potentially intercept or manipulate royalty payments.
• Potential Risks with This Model (Given Red Flags): Despite the favorable stated model, the fundamental lack of legitimacy of Century House Publications raises significant risks.
  • Non-Delivery of Services: The primary risk is that authors pay upfront for services that are never fully or professionally delivered, leading to a complete loss of their investment.
  • Account Control Issues: If Century House Publications sets up accounts on behalf of the author but maintains control, they could potentially divert or withhold royalties, despite their stated policy. This is a common tactic in publishing scams.
  • Hidden Costs/Upsells: While they claim “no hidden costs,” unverified companies might still find ways to extract more money during the process through mandatory “add-ons” or further “marketing investments.”
  • Lack of Recourse: If the company proves to be a scam or disappears, recovering upfront payments or enforcing royalty agreements becomes incredibly difficult.

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