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Q: Do you consider re-releases, or only new titles? 
A: We evaluate each situation individually.

Q: What is your vision for your authors? 
A: At LKG Publications, we aim to create an environment where authors can flourish. Drawing from our backgrounds in education and mentorship, we leverage our skills to help authors enhance their craft. We continually seek resources and training to support your development, ultimately preparing you for greater opportunities, whether in indie publishing or with larger houses.

Q: How involved are you in the development process? 
A: Very involved! Our goal is to maintain a small roster of authors to ensure personalized attention. We will read your work and provide both written and verbal feedback. You can reach us easily via email, text, or phone.

Q: What support and resources do you provide to help writers succeed? 
A: You will interact with our team members who will guide you through your writing journey. We also offer assistance for texts, courses, and seminars to enhance your skills. Our commitment is to help you thrive—not just survive—in the literary world.

Q: What is the duration of the contract? 
A: The standard contract term is three years.

Q: Is the agreement project-based or time-based? 
A: It’s a three-book agreement with a three-year term.

Q: Are there expectations for the number of books to be published during the contract? 
A: Yes, you are expected to publish three books over three years

Q: Will I retain rights to my characters and worlds for adaptations? 
A: You will regain all rights after three years and can write about your characters in independent works.

Q: How are physical print rights and e-book rights handled? 
A: The royalty rates are similar, but we don’t claim any earnings from paperbacks you buy and sell independently.

Q: What services does LKG Publications provide? 
A: We cover costs for covers, proofreading, editing, formatting, and promotions.

Q: How are payments structured—monthly, quarterly, etc.? 
A: Payments are made monthly, although Amazon typically disburses payments 60 days post-sale.

Q: What does creative collaboration look like regarding covers and titles? 
A: While we have preferred cover artists, you will have primary say. We welcome your input on titles, too, though we will offer guidance when necessary.

Q: Will I have a say in branding and launch strategies? 

A: Yes, you will have input on both aspects.

Q: Is marketing a joint effort or primarily managed by the LKG team? 
A: You should actively engage in marketing, though we have dedicated team members to assist.

Q: Will previously completed or partially developed manuscripts be considered for publication? 
A: Absolutely! We’re excited to see your writing.

Q: Do you allow dual pen names or hybrid publishing arrangements? 
A: Yes, we encourage both options.

Q: How much creative control do authors retain? 
A: You will maintain primary control over your work, including story, cover design, and title. While we will guide you through reader feedback, proofreading, and editing to create engaging content, your vision is paramount. We will intervene if content is offensive.

Q: What author support is offered outside of business? 
A: We are your biggest cheerleaders and will provide emotional support throughout your journey, helping you navigate self-doubt and perfectionism.

Q: Is mentorship available? 
A: Yes, mentorship is a core aspect of our mission.

Q: Are there deadlines or obligations outside of my work? 
A: While we encourage group projects, participation is not mandatory. We believe in fostering creative freedom.

Q: How do you balance editorial guidance with preserving an author’s voice? 
A: My (elle’s) practice and preference has always been to encourage authors to be authentic in their dialogue. I value the use and expression of dialect, vernacular, and voice. Language is diverse, and I believe that books should reflect that. While I encourage the practice of writing the narrative in standard English and make the editor aware of this, I do realize that there are times when that may not be an appropriate fit. 

Q: Can you share any examples?

A: As a new publisher, my best example is my own works. In Demon's Dream, I freely used AAVE and southern colloquialisms, but my narrative was carefully and exceptionally edited in the mode of standard English. On the other hand, in The Beauty of this Street Love, not only was the dialogue in AAVE, I often expressed my characters' thoughts, actions, and reactions in the vernacular. 

Q: What does your standard marketing package for debut authors involve? Will you share the marketing plan? 
A: Approximately six weeks before release, we start pre-launch activities, including cover reveals, sneak peeks, and social media promotions. 

Your street team will be an integral part of releasing the cover, sharing character visuals, and promoting the work via social media. Members of the street team act as your champions in the book world. They’re a select group of enthusiastic readers who build buzz around your titles by sharing updates, engaging with your content, and encouraging others to check out your work. Think of them as your grassroots marketing team, helping to expand your reach in a very authentic, word-of-mouth way.

In the same time period, we distribute the work to ARC reviewers who will share their reviews on their social media platforms shortly before or after the book’s debut. We also contract with an outside marketing firm to develop programs for the company that will include our authors’ work.

In addition to the flurry of activity surrounding a book’s immediate debut, our baseline approach is three-times-per week promotion and marketing by Vaneka Miles Public Relations. We also engage in routine promotion of the back catalogue and encourage our authors to do so, as well. 

Q: Do you produce audiobooks in-house or through partners? 
A: We do not produce audiobooks in-house but will work with partners. 

Q: How involved are authors in narrator selection for audiobooks? 
A: Authors can select their narrators from choices provided, though options may be limited by availability.

Q: What are the standard contract terms regarding advances, royalties, and rights? 
A: You will have the opportunity to review the contract; note that we do not offer advances.

Q: What is your timeline from contract to publication? 
A: The timeline varies by author but will typically span three to four months.

Q: How do you approach bookstore and library placements, especially with Black-owned businesses? 
A: Please keep in mind that we are a new company. Libraries often disallow independent publishers from requesting their books be purchased unless the book has a verifiable level of success. While we make requests ourselves, we encourage authors and readers to request that their area libraries buy our books. 

We do reach out to Black-owned bookstores found on Oprah's list and in our own research about partnerships and book placement.