Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Welcome to our FAQ page! Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive at The Curious Philomathic. At The Curious Philomathic, we know that publishing your book can feel like stepping into the unknown. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked by new and aspiring authors. If you don’t see your question answered here, please feel free to contact us.
What is The Curious Philomathic?
The Curious Philomathic is an independent publishing house founded by Louise A Shaw. created to give authors a fair and transparent way to publish their work. Our aim is to empower writers to publish without losing copyright, hidden costs, or unnecessary barriers. We provide ISBN numbers, publishing support, and guidance for indie authors who want to publish their work.
What does an ISBN do, and why do I need one?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier for your book. It allows your book to be listed in major catalogues such as Gardners Wholesalers and makes it discoverable by bookshops, libraries, and distributors. Without an ISBN, it’s much harder for your book to be officially stocked or found.
How much does it cost to publish through The Curious Philomathic?
We offer a simple package:
£30 for an ISBN number and listing on Gardners Wholesalers.
From there, you are free to manage your own marketing, distribution, and sales. We’ll support you by featuring your book on our Author Page and sharing it on our social media channels.
Do you design book covers or illustrations?
We don’t directly design covers or illustrations, but we can recommend trusted freelancers and services. A professional cover is one of the most important investments for an indie author.
Which print-on-demand services do you recommend?
We suggest using Amazon KDP, BookVault, or IngramSpark, to name but a few, for print-on-demand publishing. The Curious Philomathic do not provide in-house printing. You can always opt to bulk print and manage sales and distribution yourself. Ask us for more information.
Will you market my book for me?
Marketing is largely the responsibility of the author, but we do help by:
Posting about your release on our social media channels
We also encourage you to build your own marketing strategy to maximise visibility and sales.
Featuring your book on our Author Page
What services do you offer?
Our core services include:
- Supplying ISBN numbers (£30 each)
- Listing your book with Gardners Wholesalers
- Featuring you on our Author Page with links to your book
- Sharing your work on our social media platforms
We also offer optional extras such as proofreading services and recommendations for cover design, illustration, and print-on-demand services.
Do I keep the copyright to my book?
Yes! One of our core values is ensuring authors keep their copyright. Unlike some traditional publishing contracts, you will always retain ownership of your work.
What happens if I decide to publish under another publishing house later on?
That’s absolutely fine. You will lose the ISBN number assigned by The Curious Philomathic, and your new publisher will issue a fresh ISBN. You will need to update your manuscript to reflect the new ISBN and publisher details, but your copyright remains yours.
Do you handle book marketing for me?
We will promote your book on The Curious Philomathic’s social media platforms and feature you on our Author Page. However, we do recommend that you take ownership of your marketing to build your audience and visibility.
Do you provide editing and proofreading services?
Yes! We offer an Advanced Proofreading Service suitable for manuscripts, academic papers, articles, and more. This ensures your work is polished, professional, and ready for readers or submission
Do I need an ISBN?
If you want your book to be listed with Gardners Wholesalers (which supplies most UK bookshops and libraries), then yes, you need an ISBN. Having an ISBN also makes your book more professional and discoverable.
I’m not ready to publish yet – can you still help?
Yes! We offer proofreading and guidance for manuscripts, short stories, academic work, articles, and more. Even if you’re at the early stages, we can help you prepare your writing for the next step.
How do I start?
It’s simple:
Begin your journey to becoming a published author — hassle-free!
Choose your package or service.
Click Buy Now on the relevant page.
If you can’t find the answer you are looking for..
Still have questions? Get in touch with us via our Contact Page — we’re always happy to help indie authors find their way.
To see a copy of our company policies click below:
Exceptional Support from Start to Finish
Affordable Quality Publishing
