Publication submissions FAQs

If you’ve completed your manuscript, you have two options: submit your work for our consideration or opt for self-publishing. If you wish to submit your manuscript, we’ll evaluate it to determine if it aligns with our publishing interests. If your submission isn’t selected, you can still self-publish with our support through services like typesetting, design, and printing.

Being Published: When your work is published by a traditional publisher, they take on the responsibility of editing, designing, printing, and distributing your book. This often includes marketing support and access to established distribution channels. As the author, you receive a percentage of the royalties, retain copyright of the content, and sign a contract that outlines the terms of the relationship.

Self-Publishing: In contrast, self-publishing means you assume full responsibility for the entire publishing process, including editing, design, printing, and distribution. While you retain complete creative control and a higher percentage of the royalties, you also bear the costs associated with publishing and marketing your book. Many self-published authors seek out services to assist with various aspects of the process, such as typesetting, design, and distribution. We can help you achieve this, as we offer all the necessary services from manuscript to finished product.

This distinction can help authors make informed decisions about how they wish to publish their work.

We specialise in publishing:

• Children’s books, adult novels, short stories, and textbooks and workbooks in Maltese.
• Melitensia (works related to Maltese history and culture), photography books, games, reference books, and dictionaries, which we publish in both Maltese and English.

While we review all manuscripts, we focus on works that demonstrate originality, strong writing, and a clear vision. We also accept self-published works for distribution if they meet our quality standards.

For authors writing in other languages, we offer comprehensive self-publishing services, allowing you to bring your work to life with our support, regardless of the language.

To submit your manuscript for evaluation, please provide the following:

• A synopsis of your manuscript.
• The first three chapters of your work. If your manuscript is under 40,000 words, please send the entire manuscript. This also applies to children’s picture books.

Please allow 3 to 5 months from the date of submission for us to review your work.

Submissions can be sent to the editor at [email protected]. You may also send a hard copy to the following address:

The Editor
Book Distributors Limited
13, Giorgio Preca Street
San Ġwann SGN 3511

(Note: Submitted hard copies will not be returned.)

We kindly ask that you include comments regarding the educational, cultural, academic, and/or literary value of the work being submitted for consideration.

Illustrations for children’s books are not required at the submission stage.

We do not directly publish ebooks. However, we offer services to format and prepare your manuscript for electronic publishing, whether in e-book formats or as a downloadable PDF. Once your book is ready, you can self-publish it on various ebook platforms.

We only publish short stories in Maltese if they are part of a collection. If you have individual short stories, you may still choose to self-publish with our support, and we offer services to assist with formatting, design, and printing.

We prefer novels to be between 50,000 and 60,000 words. This range allows for a well-developed narrative while maintaining reader engagement. However, we may consider works outside this range depending on the content and style.

When you publish with us, we provide a clear agreement outlining the terms of publication, including royalty structures. Our standard royalty rates are competitive and will be discussed during the initial stages of your project.

Regarding copyright, as the author, you retain all rights to your work. We will not claim ownership of your intellectual property. Our agreement will detail the specific rights you grant us for publishing and distributing your book.

If you have further questions about royalties or the publishing agreement, feel free to ask!

When submitting your manuscript for self-publishing, please use one of the following file types:

• Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) (preferred)
• OpenOffice (.odt)
• Rich Text Format (.rtf)

Since we handle all formatting from scratch, including print-ready specifications like bleed margins and chapter headings, no additional formatting is required on your part.

We offer a range of illustration services to enhance your publication, including:

• Custom Illustrations: Tailored illustrations specifically created for your manuscript.
• Access to Our Stock Photo Repository: This collection features images particularly suitable for Melitensia, tourist books, and related themes.
• Stock Images: We also provide access to stock images through a paid subscription with a third party, offering a variety of visuals to complement your work.

Our team is here to assist you in finding the right visual elements to bring your book to life. If you’re interested in discussing illustration options further, please let us know!

We offer a range of comprehensive self-publishing services, including:

• Typesetting: We format your manuscript for both print and digital versions.
• Design: Professional cover design and interior layout to enhance your book’s appeal.
• Editing: Comprehensive editing services to improve clarity, coherence, and overall quality of your manuscript.
• Proofreading: Thorough proofreading services in both English and Maltese to ensure your manuscript is polished and error-free.
• Printing: Options for both digital and offset printing, including paperback and hardcover formats.
• Distribution: Assistance with distributing your book through online retailers, brick-and-mortar stores, in-store and online.

Our team is here to support you at every stage of the self-publishing process, ensuring your work is presented to the highest standards.

The self-publishing process is simple:

1. Submit your manuscript.
2. Select services (typesetting, design, editing, proofreading, printing, distribution) based on your preferences.
3. Discuss and establish the specifications for your publication.
4. We’ll provide a quotation and an estimated timeline for each stage of production.
5. You will review and approve the proofs before we proceed to print or ebook formatting.

This ensures a smooth and efficient self-publishing experience.

The timeline depends on the complexity of your project and the services you choose. Here’s an estimate:

• Typesetting: 2-3 weeks.
• Cover design: 1-2 weeks.
• Printing: 4-6 weeks (depending on print quantity and book specifications).

Yes, if you have already formatted your book and only require printing services, we can print directly from a print-ready PDF. To ensure the best results, please follow these specifications:

• File Format: PDF, optimised for print.
• Page Size: Standard sizes include 125 x 185 mm, 148.5 x 210 mm (A5), 210 x 297 mm, or custom sizes upon request.
• Margins: Use mirror margins for books with binding (e.g., 20 mm for the outer edge and 25 mm for the inner edge).
• Bleed: If your design includes elements that go to the edge of the page, please include a 5mm bleed on all sides.
• Resolution: Any images or graphics included should be at least 300 DPI to ensure high-quality printing.

We’ll review your PDF to ensure it meets the necessary technical requirements before proceeding with printing.

Costs vary depending on your specific needs. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Typesetting: Based on page count and formatting complexity.
• Cover design: Based on the design’s complexity.
• Printing: Based on the print run, page count, and book format (paperback or hardcover).

We provide a detailed quote after discussing your specific requirements.

To provide an accurate quotation for self-publishing, we need the following details:

• Book Size: Desired trim sizes include 125 x 185 mm, 148.5 x 210 mm (A5), 210 x 297 mm, or custom sizes upon request.
• Word Count: This helps us establish the estimated number of pages.
• Images and Diagrams: Specify the number and size they will occupy on the page (half page or full page).
• Binding: Preference for paperback or hardcover.
• Print Run: The number of copies you would like to print.

Yes, we offer professional proofreading services in both English and Maltese. Our team will ensure that your manuscript is error-free and polished before publication, whether you choose to submit your work for consideration or opt for self-publishing. This service helps ensure your writing is clear, consistent, and of the highest quality.

When including images and diagrams in your book, please consider the following:

• Resolution: Images must be of sufficient resolution for printing, ideally at least 300 DPI.
• Copyright: Ensure that all images are copyright-free or that you have the necessary permissions for their use.
• Diagrams: We can recreate diagrams as needed to meet your specifications.
• Tables: Please provide any tables you wish to include. These can be included in the Word document or in a separate Excel file.
• Captions: Include captions for all images and diagrams.
• Organisation: Images and other visual elements should be organised in folders, with subfolders if necessary, especially if there are many images.

This ensures that all visual elements are presented clearly and professionally in your publication.

Yes, you are welcome to visit our office to view samples of previously published works. This will give you an idea of our publishing style and quality. Please feel free to reach out to schedule a visit!

An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique commercial book identifier barcode used by publishers, booksellers, libraries, and internet retailers for ordering, listing, sales records, and stock control purposes. In Malta, ISBNs are free and can be obtained from the National Book Council website: https://ktieb.org.mt/isbn-ismn/

Important: Before applying for an ISBN, we kindly request that authors speak with us. The ISBN application should ideally be made by the publisher. Therefore, it’s essential for us to first establish whether your work will be traditionally published by BDL Books or if you are opting for our self-publishing services. This will determine who is responsible for the ISBN application process.