Novum Publishing, a publishing company based in Germany, has gained an increasing reputation in recent years as a platform that offers authors the means to share their literary creations with a global readership.
In an era where writers seek any edge to maximize their chances of publishing success, Novum’s services have piqued the interest of many aspiring and established authors.
This article aims to provide a fair and impartial review of Novum Publishing, shedding light on its offerings, the experiences of authors who have used its services and the advantages and disadvantages it presents.
I’ve shared my overall rating in the box below. If you continue reading to the end of this article, you will be well equipped to understand Novum Publishing’s strengths and weakness and ultimately whether or not they are worth your consideration.
Overall Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Who is Novum Publishing?
Novum Publishing, headquartered in Germany, is a notable name in the publishing space. Founded in the year 2001 by Wolfgang and Sabine Bader, it has steadily grown to become a prominent player in the publishing industry.
Wolfgang’s background in literature and Sabine’s expertise in technology and business have provided a robust foundation for the company’s operations. Novum’s global presence has expanded over the years, offering authors worldwide the opportunity to share their stories and ideas.
With its roots in Europe, Novum Publishing has developed a reputation for providing a platform where authors can see their literary dreams come to life. The company’s commitment to helping writers navigate the publishing journey and reach a broader readership has made it a compelling choice for many authors.
While Novum Publishing’s services have evolved over the years, their dedication to fostering the creativity and aspirations of writers remains a central tenet of their mission.
What services does Novum Publishing offer?
Novum Publishing offers a range of services to assist authors in their self publishing journey. Here is a comprehensive guide to the services they provide:
Book Publishing
Novum Publishing assists authors in publishing their books in both print and digital formats. This includes novels, non-fiction works, poetry collections, and more.
eBook Publishing
Authors can have their books converted into eBook formats suitable for popular eReaders and digital platforms.
Editing Services
Novum Publishing offers professional editing services, including copy editing and proofreading, to ensure the manuscript is polished and error-free.
Cover Design
Their team can design eye catching and market appropriate book covers that grab the reader’s attention.
Distribution
Novum Publishing helps authors distribute their books to a wide network of retailers, both online and physical bookstores, making it accessible to a global audience.
Marketing and Promotion
They offer marketing services, including press releases, book reviews, and social media promotion, to increase the book’s visibility.
Author Support
Novum provides authors with support throughout the publishing process, offering guidance on everything from copyright to ISBN assignment.
Printing
They handle the printing of physical books, ensuring high-quality production for authors who prefer printed copies.
Copyright Services
Novum assists authors with securing copyright protection for their work, offering peace of mind and protection of intellectual property.
Author Copies
Authors can order author copies of their books at a discounted rate for personal use or for book signings and promotions.
Royalty Payments
Authors receive royalty payments for each book sold, allowing them to earn from their published work.
Translation Services
Novum Publishing offers translation services for authors looking to publish their work in multiple languages, expanding their readership.
Illustration and Artwork
They provide assistance with illustrations and artwork for books, enhancing the visual appeal of the content.
Consultation
Novum offers consultation services to help authors make informed decisions at every stage of the publishing process.
Formatting
They ensure that the book is properly formatted for both print and eBook versions, ensuring a professional presentation.
It’s important for authors to review the specifics of each service and the associated costs to determine which aspects of Novum Publishing’s offerings align with their goals and needs for their publishing journey.
How to work with Novum Publishing
Unfortunately there is a lack of clarity with regards to exactly what type of publisher Novum Publishing is.
Their website has a submissions page like any traditional publisher, but they also state they are a publisher specifically for new authors and it is only upon internet research that you learn writers will have to pay for any work to be completed unlike traditional publishing.
This obfuscation is an unhelpful hurdle for writers, especially in such a saturated marketplace when clarity and honesty is needed to make the right choice.
In turn, there is also no transparency with regards to both pricing for their services or if the company has an acceptance / rejection process, which makes it hard to know for writers whether their submission will be in vain or not.
They’ve also been mentioned on the Writers Beware website, which isn’t a good sign.
What are the alternatives to Novum Publishing?
Authors exploring publishing options often seek alternatives to Novum Publishing. Here’s an in depth guide to some of the alternative paths available to writers:
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
KDP is a popular platform that enables authors to publish eBooks and print books. It offers a straightforward self-publishing process, allowing authors to reach a global audience through Amazon’s distribution network.
IngramSpark
IngramSpark is a widely recognized platform for self-publishing both eBooks and print books. It provides a broad distribution network, including bookstores and libraries, and offers competitive printing and shipping rates.
Lulu
Lulu is another self publishing platform that offers a variety of publishing services, including eBook and print book publishing. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and distribution options.
Draft2Digital
Draft2Digital simplifies the eBook publishing process, making it easy for authors to distribute their work on multiple platforms, including Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and more.
BookBaby
BookBaby provides comprehensive self-publishing services, from book design and editing to distribution. Authors can choose from a range of publishing packages based on their needs.
Smashwords
Smashwords is an eBook publishing platform that offers extensive distribution options to various eBook retailers. It’s known for its flexibility and author-friendly policies.
Local Printing and Bindery Services
Some authors opt for local printing and bindery services to produce physical copies of their books. This can be a cost effective solution for authors with a local following.
Hybrid Publishers
Hybrid publishers, such as She Writes Press and Greenleaf Book Group, offer a blend of traditional and self publishing services. They may be a suitable option for authors looking for more support in their publishing journey.
Traditional Publishing
While not a self publishing option, traditional publishing remains a viable route for authors. It involves submitting manuscripts to literary agents and publishers for potential contracts.
Author Website and Blog
Some authors choose to publish their work on their own author websites or blogs, utilizing platforms like WordPress or Medium. This offers complete control and the opportunity to build an author brand.
Social Media and Online Communities
Authors can share their work on social media platforms, writing communities, or forums. While not a formal publishing route, it can help build an audience.
Novum Publishing Review – Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Novum Publishing, like many other companies, may fall into the category of vanity publishers, which can present challenges for authors. While they offer a range of services, including book publishing and distribution, the substantial costs and the potential for authors to invest more than they earn raises concerns. Vanity publishing models often prioritize profit over the author’s success.
For writers, it is essential to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of working with such a publisher. There are alternative self publishing options that provide more transparency and control over the publishing process, ensuring that authors retain a higher percentage of their royalties.
While Novum Publishing may work for some authors with specific needs and goals, it is crucial for writers to explore all available publishing avenues and make an informed decision that aligns with their vision and financial considerations. Self publishing can offer greater autonomy and financial benefits when chosen wisely.
If you’re still exploring options and would like to discuss with someone, schedule a call with our team by clicking the image below.
