FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caliber Press?

Caliber Press is an independent publishing house based in Spanaway, Washington. We publish bold, original fiction and poetry across genres, with a focus on literary quality, emotional depth, and long-term artistic value.

We believe independent publishing can maintain the same professional standards as traditional houses—while preserving creative autonomy.

Are you currently accepting submissions?

Yes. Caliber Press is currently open to submissions.

We welcome carefully crafted fiction and poetry that demonstrates strong voice, thematic depth, and originality. We are particularly interested in literary fiction, speculative work, horror, and genre-blending manuscripts.

Submission guidelines and reading periods are listed on our Submissions page.

What makes Caliber Press different from self-publishing?

Caliber Press operates as a curated independent press.

When we accept a manuscript:

    • We provide professional editing.
    • We handle cover design.
    • We oversee formatting and production.
    • We guide distribution strategy.

We partner with authors through a publishing agreement rather than offering fee-based vanity services.

What editing and design services do you provide?

For accepted manuscripts, Caliber Press provides:

    • Editorial development and copyediting
    • Interior formatting
    • Professional cover design
    • Production consultation

We invest in the work we publish and do not charge authors for standard editorial or design services as part of the publishing contract.

Do you use AI in your books?

No.

Caliber Press does not publish AI-written works.

Any book published with an author will have a human designer creating the final cover and visual identity.

We believe literature is a fundamentally human art form.

How are your books distributed?

How are your books distributed?

Currently, Caliber Press titles are distributed through major online retailers.

We are actively expanding toward:

    • Direct-to-reader sales through our website

    • Placement in select independent bookstores

    • Broader retail distribution as we grow

Our goal is to combine strong digital reach with meaningful physical presence.

Do you charge authors to publish?

No.

Caliber Press does not operate as a vanity press. We do not charge authors to publish their work. Editorial and design services are included as part of our publishing agreements.

What genres do you publish?

We are drawn to work that is:

    • Literary but accessible

    • Emotionally resonant

    • Thematically ambitious

    • Bold in voice or structure

Genres we are particularly interested in include:

    • Literary fiction

    • Speculative and dystopian fiction

    • Horror

    • Cross-genre work

    • Poetry

    • Children’s books

We prioritize quality over strict genre boundaries. We are open to considering other works by query as well.

Where is Caliber Press located?

Caliber Press is based in Spanaway, Washington and serves readers and authors worldwide.

How can I stay informed about new releases?

You can subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media for updates on new titles, submission windows, and publishing announcements.

What is your royalty structure?

Caliber Press offers a 50/50 royalty split on print formats after production costs and 70/30 (favoring author) on digital formats after the same production costs.

Production costs include:

    • ISBN registration

    • Professional cover design

All other publishing costs are covered by the press and are not charged to the author.

Authors do not pay any upfront fees.

This model ensures shared investment and shared reward between the press and the author.

What marketing support do you provide?

We provide structured launch support, including:

    • Book launch planning

    • Newsletter announcements

    • Press releases

    • Festival placement opportunities (where applicable)

    • Strategic launch consultation

However, authors are expected to actively participate in building their platform and audience.

The more engaged an author is in self-promotion, community building, and visibility efforts, the more successful a launch will be.

Publishing is a partnership.