FAQ

What makes Greenleaf’s publishing model unique?

Greenleaf is a full-service hybrid publisher that offers authors the most powerful benefits of traditional publishing with the rights ownership and creative control of self-publishing. Our model delivers quality and retail distribution on par with the major publishers, while allowing authors to keep their rights, maintain creative control, and earn greater profits on book sales.

Where is Greenleaf based? Do you work with international authors?

Greenleaf is based in Austin, Texas, United States. We work with authors all over the world and welcome international submissions. Please note, while we do offer international distribution, our primary sales channels and network for promotion is in the US, and secondarily in Canada, UK, and Australia.

How much does it cost to work with Greenleaf?

We customize proposals based on the unique needs of each book and author, so costs vary from project to project. Once a book is accepted through our review process, a Greenleaf publishing strategist will reach out to schedule a call and create a custom plan for your book, along with an itemized quote.

Does Greenleaf distribute into bookstores?

Yes! Unlike most publishers who contract with external distributors or do not offer distribution, Greenleaf is both a publisher and distributor with a commissioned sales force. We distribute books to wholesalers and major retailers including bookstores, airports, libraries, and specialty retailers both domestic and international.

Greenleaf got its start as a distributor in 1997, and built its publishing services around how to best set books up for success in the marketplace. Today, we distribute books published by Greenleaf and a limited number of independently published titles each year. Visit our Book Distribution page to learn more.

What types of books do you publish?

While we specialize in expert-driven prescriptive nonfiction (ie. business, leadership, self-help, technology, health & wellness), we also publish a select number of books in other genres every month, including fiction, cookbooks, narrative nonfiction, and more. You can find the books we’ve published here: greenleafbookgroup.com/titles.

Does Greenleaf have a selective review process?

Yes. We accept fewer than 10% of the submissions we receive. This is to ensure we work on projects that align with our company’s standards, and that we have the resources to set them up for success.

Greenleaf’s submission review committee includes representatives from several departments. They decide whether or not to accept a book based on content quality, brand fit, and sales potential. During the evaluation, the team also makes recommendations for the promotion strategy, distribution program, and editorial improvements.

How can I have my book considered for publication or distribution with Greenleaf?

Complete the Greenleaf submission form. At the end of the form, you will be prompted to include a sample of your manuscript. We'd love to see as much as you're comfortable sharing, whether that's a book idea or proposal, sample chapters, or the complete manuscript draft. The more content we have, the more relevant feedback we can provide.

Once we receive your submission, it will be reviewed by our committee of publishing experts to evaluate content, quality, and sales potential. Reviews typically take 2-4 weeks.

If you're on a tight schedule, we offer an expedited review option. Let our team know about your time constraints, and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs. If you have any questions about our submissions process, please email submissions@greenleafbookgroup.com.

What services do you offer?

Greenleaf can assist with all aspects of book publishing and distribution, including

• editorial development;
• layout and design;
• e-book and audiobook production;
• printing, warehousing, and logistics management;
• international retail and online distribution;
• foreign rights;
• book marketing; and
• brand development and audience building.

We can work with books at all stages of development, from an idea to a completed manuscript or an already published book. Visit our Submissions page to find out how to start the process.

Do I keep my intellectual property when I publish with Greenleaf?

Yes. All Greenleaf authors retain complete ownership of their books. We are one of the few publishers that allows authors to keep their full intellectual property rights. This means that authors stay in control of their brands, and since they own the work, they can sell publication rights, foreign rights, and even film rights.

What are the benefits of publishing with Greenleaf?

Greenleaf authors cite many reasons for wanting to work with us; including

• author ownership of intellectual property;
• international distribution;
• higher royalties;
• authors receive 100% of direct sales revenue;
• full creative control;
• high quality production;
• faster speed-to-market;
• customized, sales-focused marketing strategy; and
• access to a team of publishing experts who can manage every aspect of a book project.

How long will it take to publish my book?

Greenleaf can produce and take a book to market faster than traditional publishing, which takes 2-4 years on average. At the quickest turnaround, we can prepare a book for publication within 6-8 months of launching a project with an author’s complete manuscript draft. For authors seeking brick and mortar retail distribution, the timeline is around 9-12 months — this accounts for bookstore buying constraints (they prefer to order books ~6 months before they come out) and the longer production time required for high quality offset printing.

How do I know if it’s the right time to contact Greenleaf?

Greenleaf works with authors and thought leaders at all points in their publishing journey. Whether you have a great idea for a book, need help revising an already written manuscript, or have produced a book independently and are hoping to get it onto bookstore shelves, we can help you take the next step. You may want to contact Greenleaf if

• you have a book idea or proposal and want professional guidance to write it,

• your manuscript is ready for professional editorial feedback and publication,

• your previously published book needs to be updated and repackaged for a new release,

• or you are a thought leader who wants to build your brand and audience.

How many best sellers has Greenleaf published?

Greenleaf has published more than 70 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best selling authors, as well as hundreds of Amazon best sellers. You can see our top titles here: greenleafbookgroup.com/titles.

Why don’t you have publishing packages?

No two book projects are alike, so we don’t believe in taking a “one size fits all” approach. We customize every contract to suit the unique needs of each book and author. Once we’ve reviewed and accepted your book, we will reach out and work with you to create a publishing strategy tailored to your needs.

Is my work safe/protected when I submit to Greenleaf?

Content submitted to Greenleaf is reviewed internally. We do not disclose any submissions to third-party companies/corporations nor sell content. A standard nondisclosure agreement is available upon request to our team prior to submission.

How do I know the person I'm talking to actually works at Greenleaf?

We have recently seen a few cases of scammers impersonating our employees and reaching out to authors using fake email addresses and our staff's photos to try and sell fake services.

Our emails will always come from an @greenleafbookgroup.com email address, NEVER @gmail.com, @aol.com, or any other domain. If you receive an unsolicited email from a Greenleaf employee, we advise you to carefully examine the email address and make sure it meets this criteria.

If you're unsure about an email you receive, forward it to contact@greenleafbookgroup.com or call us at 512-891-6100, and we'll verify if it came from us.

If anything seems suspicious, double check that the URL you're looking at is www.greenleafbookgroup.com and all emails from us follow the @greenleafbookgroup.com format.

Still have questions? Feel free to email us at contact@greenleafbookgroup.com.