1. Publishing and Author Engagement
1.1 Traditional Publishing Model
Vine Leaves Press operates as a traditional publisher. Authors are not required to pay any fees for publication; all production costs are covered by the Press.
1.2 Open Submissions
We accept submissions from both agented and unagented authors.
1.3 Manuscript Evaluation and Editing
All accepted manuscripts undergo a rigorous editorial process, inlcuding, but not limited to:
1.4 Post-Contract Production
Once a contract is signed, authors receive a production schedule outlining the publishing timeline — typically around 9 months — including editing, cover design, and marketing preparation.
1.5 Cover Design Input
Authors may propose ideas or inspiration for their book cover, but Vine Leaves Press retains final design authority to maintain market appeal.
1.6 Manuscript Revisions After Contract
Authors may request post-contract changes; however, any such requests are subject to editorial review and approval.
2. Rights, Contract Terms & Royalty Policies
2.1 Contract Clauses
Our contracts include standard publishing terms such as the no competing works clause, which restricts publication of related content without consent.
2.2 Out of Print Definition
A book is considered “out of print” when digital distribution has ceased; this classification is not dependent on sales volume.
2.3 Royalty Payments
Royalty reports are issued quarterly (April, July, October, January), with payments made approximately three months after each reporting quarter due to distributor schedules.
2.4 Royalty Rate
Authors earn a 40% net royalty on books sold directly from the Vine Leaves Press store, and all retail outlets, calculated after printing and distribution costs.
2.5 Currency and Royalty Payments
We pay royalties in the author’s preferred currency. Currency conversion may affect received amounts.
2.6 Anthology Reprints and Secondary Rights
Requests for reprint or anthology inclusion are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and normally approved without taking a fee.
2.7 Cover Rights for Translations
Any use of original cover artwork by other publishers (e.g., for translated editions, or audiobooks) requires rights purchase, as Vine Leaves Press retains copyright.
3. Distribution, Marketing & Availability
3.1 Distribution
Vine Leaves Press prioritises direct sales through our own online store, allowing us to better support our authors and readers. In addition to direct sales, our books are distributed globally in English via Ingram, ensuring availability across international markets, including the United States.
3.2 Web Presence Expectations
Authors are encouraged to maintain a public web presence — such as an author website and social media profiles — to support book promotion.
3.3 Print-on-Demand and Inventory
We use print-on-demand for physical books. Print status messages (e.g., “out of stock”) on retailer sites reflect inventory systems and do not always indicate actual unavailability.
4. Wholesale and Sales Policies
4.1 Wholesale Ordering
Bookstores may place wholesale orders via purchase order to Vine Leaves Press, including bulk discounts for larger quantities. They may also order from Ingram.
4.2 Discounts & Pricing
4.3 Handling and Shipping Costs
Handling and shipping fees are determined by order size and destination. EU shipments originate from the UK; other regions such as the U.S. have region-specific fulfillment.
4.4 Sales Tax
Sales tax is included in list prices on our store.
4.5 Returns Policy
Returns are not accepted due to our small-press model. For large event-based bookstore engagements, a “destroy” returns option may be available for the first six months after release. This is dependent on projected sales volume.
5. Digital Review Copies & Promotions
5.1 eBook Reviewer Availability
Vine Leaves Press distributes eBook copies via BookFunnel for reviewers. Services such as NetGalley or Edelweiss may be used at the author’s expense.
5.2 Review Copies
We provide digital advance review copies at no charge. Print review copies may be purchased at discounted rates.
5.3 Promotion Tips
Authors new to marketing are advised to focus on building a mailing list and robust online presence to support visibility.
6. Excerpt Policies
Authors are encouraged to publish short excerpts or promotional content (e.g., on blogs) to help market their work.
1.1 Traditional Publishing Model
Vine Leaves Press operates as a traditional publisher. Authors are not required to pay any fees for publication; all production costs are covered by the Press.
1.2 Open Submissions
We accept submissions from both agented and unagented authors.
1.3 Manuscript Evaluation and Editing
All accepted manuscripts undergo a rigorous editorial process, inlcuding, but not limited to:
- Developmental Editing – Enhances market alignment and genre expectations.
- Copy Editing – Corrects grammar, consistency, factual accuracy, and structure.
1.4 Post-Contract Production
Once a contract is signed, authors receive a production schedule outlining the publishing timeline — typically around 9 months — including editing, cover design, and marketing preparation.
1.5 Cover Design Input
Authors may propose ideas or inspiration for their book cover, but Vine Leaves Press retains final design authority to maintain market appeal.
1.6 Manuscript Revisions After Contract
Authors may request post-contract changes; however, any such requests are subject to editorial review and approval.
2. Rights, Contract Terms & Royalty Policies
2.1 Contract Clauses
Our contracts include standard publishing terms such as the no competing works clause, which restricts publication of related content without consent.
2.2 Out of Print Definition
A book is considered “out of print” when digital distribution has ceased; this classification is not dependent on sales volume.
2.3 Royalty Payments
Royalty reports are issued quarterly (April, July, October, January), with payments made approximately three months after each reporting quarter due to distributor schedules.
2.4 Royalty Rate
Authors earn a 40% net royalty on books sold directly from the Vine Leaves Press store, and all retail outlets, calculated after printing and distribution costs.
2.5 Currency and Royalty Payments
We pay royalties in the author’s preferred currency. Currency conversion may affect received amounts.
2.6 Anthology Reprints and Secondary Rights
Requests for reprint or anthology inclusion are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and normally approved without taking a fee.
2.7 Cover Rights for Translations
Any use of original cover artwork by other publishers (e.g., for translated editions, or audiobooks) requires rights purchase, as Vine Leaves Press retains copyright.
3. Distribution, Marketing & Availability
3.1 Distribution
Vine Leaves Press prioritises direct sales through our own online store, allowing us to better support our authors and readers. In addition to direct sales, our books are distributed globally in English via Ingram, ensuring availability across international markets, including the United States.
3.2 Web Presence Expectations
Authors are encouraged to maintain a public web presence — such as an author website and social media profiles — to support book promotion.
3.3 Print-on-Demand and Inventory
We use print-on-demand for physical books. Print status messages (e.g., “out of stock”) on retailer sites reflect inventory systems and do not always indicate actual unavailability.
4. Wholesale and Sales Policies
4.1 Wholesale Ordering
Bookstores may place wholesale orders via purchase order to Vine Leaves Press, including bulk discounts for larger quantities. They may also order from Ingram.
4.2 Discounts & Pricing
- Bulk orders (10+ units): 40% discount off list price.
- Store Pricing: All retail prices are listed in EUR due to Greek tax regulations, though local currency conversions occur at checkout.
4.3 Handling and Shipping Costs
Handling and shipping fees are determined by order size and destination. EU shipments originate from the UK; other regions such as the U.S. have region-specific fulfillment.
4.4 Sales Tax
Sales tax is included in list prices on our store.
4.5 Returns Policy
Returns are not accepted due to our small-press model. For large event-based bookstore engagements, a “destroy” returns option may be available for the first six months after release. This is dependent on projected sales volume.
5. Digital Review Copies & Promotions
5.1 eBook Reviewer Availability
Vine Leaves Press distributes eBook copies via BookFunnel for reviewers. Services such as NetGalley or Edelweiss may be used at the author’s expense.
5.2 Review Copies
We provide digital advance review copies at no charge. Print review copies may be purchased at discounted rates.
5.3 Promotion Tips
Authors new to marketing are advised to focus on building a mailing list and robust online presence to support visibility.
6. Excerpt Policies
Authors are encouraged to publish short excerpts or promotional content (e.g., on blogs) to help market their work.
