Thinking of writing a systems or complexity thinking book?

person typing on laptop

Have an idea for a book? Perhaps you have a manuscript in a drawer that you want to get into the world. If your book is about complexity, systems thinking or allied trades such as co-design, organisation development, ecosystems, or different ways of seeing, being and acting in organisations or the world, then you should consider Exapt Press as your publisher. 

Full service – no cost

We are here to help you get your ideas, stories and insights into the world. We are not here to take your money to publish your book. We get paid when we sell a copy of your book – and not before. We want more, and better, books that will change how people see the world. If a publisher is asking you for money upfront, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with that, just note that they are a publishing service company, not a publisher. We are too niche to offer advances, but we work with you to produce your book to the highest standard, so that we both benefit from spreading your message as far and wide as it will go.

Comparison of publishing options

Big publisher

General publisher
no upfront cost
  • Advance on royalties (?)
  • Royalties 5–15% RRP
  • Understanding of the field and your work
  • Reader list tailored to book niche
  • Network of authors with similar books and audience
  • Idea development / validation
  • Manuscript review
  • Developmental editing
  • ARC readers
  • Line edit
  • Copyedit
  • Proofread
  • Typesetting for print
  • Ebook formatting (Kindle, iBooks, Nook, ePub, etc.)
  • Cover design
  • Blurb requests
  • Book description copy
  • ISBNs and barcodes
  • Print setup (Amazon, PoD)
  • Bulk printing
  • Print distribution
  • Ebook uploading (Kindle, iBooks, Nook, ePub, etc.)
  • Audiobook production
  • Book micro website
  • Video book trailer
  • Marketing / PR
  • Email list building
  • Email list content
  • Social media image design
  • Social media campaign design
  • Social media campaign implementation
  • Launch sequence
  • Podcast tour
  • Advance copies to influencers
  • Amazon ads
  • Facebook ads
  • LinkedIn ads
  • Google ads
  • Ongoing marketing of backlist
  • Rights management (translations etc.)
  • Author copies (few)
  • Bookshops
  • Libraries

Vanity press

Publishing services for hire
author pays $$$
  • Advance on royalties
  • Royalties 5-10%
  • Understanding of the field and your work
  • Reader list tailored to book niche
  • Network of authors with similar books and audience
  • Idea development / validation
  • Manuscript review
  • Developmental editing
  • ARC readers
  • Line edit
  • Copyedit
  • Proofread
  • Typesetting for print
  • Ebook formatting (Kindle, iBooks, Nook, ePub, etc.)
  • Cover design
  • Blurb requests
  • Book description copy
  • ISBNs and barcodes
  • Print setup (Amazon, PoD)
  • Bulk printing
  • Print distribution
  • Ebook uploading (Kindle, iBooks, Nook, ePub, etc.)
  • Audiobook production
  • Book micro website
  • Video book trailer
  • Marketing / PR
  • Email list building
  • Email list content
  • Social media image design
  • Social media campaign design
  • Social media campaign implementation
  • Launch sequence
  • Podcast tour
  • Advance copies to influencers
  • Amazon ads
  • Facebook ads
  • LinkedIn ads
  • Google ads
  • Ongoing marketing of backlist
  • Rights management (translations etc.)
  • Author copies ($$$)
  • Bookshops
  • Libraries

Self-publishing

DIY
do/pay for everything
  • Advance on royalties
  • Royalties 100%
  • Understanding of the field and your work
  • Reader list tailored to book niche
  • Network of authors with similar books and audience
  • Idea development / validation
  • Manuscript review
  • Developmental editing
  • ARC readers
  • Line edit
  • Copyedit
  • Proofread
  • Typesetting for print
  • Ebook formatting (Kindle, iBooks, Nook, ePub, etc.)
  • Cover design
  • Blurb requests
  • Book description copy
  • ISBNs and barcodes
  • Print setup (Amazon, PoD)
  • Bulk printing
  • Print distribution
  • Ebook uploading (Kindle, iBooks, Nook, ePub, etc.)
  • Audiobook production
  • Book micro website
  • Video book trailer
  • Marketing / PR
  • Email list building
  • Email list content
  • Social media image design
  • Social media campaign design
  • Social media campaign implementation
  • Launch sequence
  • Podcast tour
  • Advance copies to influencers
  • Amazon ads
  • Facebook ads
  • LinkedIn ads
  • Google ads
  • Ongoing marketing of backlist
  • Rights management (translations etc.)
  • Author copies
  • Bookshops
  • Libraries
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