Bascom Hill Publishing Group

If you choose to participate in our  Bookstore and Library Distribution Program , your book will be eligible for distribution through our Bascom Hill Publishing Group (BHPG) imprint.

The difference between BHPG and the other imprints in our Bookstore and Library Distribution Program, is that once the assessment has been completed, there may be recommendations by our senior staff as to ways your book can be further tweaked to make it more appealing to those in the book trade.   Authors must adhere to the recommendations made by our staff in order to be published under this imprint.  All BHPG titles are featured on the website exclusively devoted to BHPG authors. This site is not associated with our self-publishing services.

If your book is accepted into the BHPG imprint, we will develop a production and marketing schedule like any traditional publisher. For example, galley copies will be sent to media outlets at least three months prior to your publication date.

Editorial Requirements for ALL BHPG Titles (Fiction and Nonfiction):

-Authors must purchase the level of editing suggested in the assessment. Minimum requirements include a basic edit conducted by a member of our editorial staff.

-Authors must work with our staff to ensure that the title meets the standards of the distributor and is appealing to the book trade.

-Authors must employ our Back Cover Copy service to create an effective sales handle to entice readers and generate interest.

Design and Production Requirements for ALL BHPG Titles (Fiction and Nonfiction):

-Authors must accept that the cover and interior designs are a collaborative effort between the author and publisher. All final designs must be approved by both parties.

Marketing Requirements for ALL BHPG Titles (Fiction and Nonfiction):

-Commercial and wholesale book buyers are most interested in titles that have robust, well-developed marketing plans. Our staff will draft the marketing plan that will be presented to small press buyers at major chains and wholesalers (normally sells for $200).

-Authors must participate in the Galley Review Mailing Service, which gives the opportunity for book reviews in trade and national publications like Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, ForeWord Magazine, and more.

-Authors must purchase a Press Kit, created by our publicist, which provides materials necessary for promotion to retail outlets.

-Authors must purchase a Search Engine Optimized Website, which includes our Book Fulfillment Service (retails for $500 separately).

-Authors must participate in the full-service BookSense Promotion to Independent Bookstores in order to generate further interest and sales.

Additional Marketing Services required for Nonfiction Titles:

-Authors must participate in a full publicity campaign or a full Author Radio Tour.

-Authors must engage one month of Online Advertising.

Additional Marketing Services required for Fiction Titles:

-Authors must purchase the Website Exposure Program.

-Authors must take advantage of at least one Social Networking Service.

Costs to participate in the Bookstore and Library Distribution program - $1,000

Authors choosing to participate must do this prior to the cover design and layout of their book. You can order this program at the time you order the initial book publishing package.  The assessment can take 15 - 25 business days depending on volume of manuscripts received.  The $1,000 fee covers the assessment, positioning & marketing advice, the distributor´s set up fees, catalog fees, warehousing fees, and related distribution charges, but not freight, trade discounts to wholesalers (40-55%) nor the distributor´s fee for each book sold (10% of the wholesale price).

Authors must order at least 75 books for the distributor´s initial inventory to participate.

The marketing services outlined above are not included in the $1,000 program price and must be purchased prior to the commencement of the interior formatting process.

After the first year, authors will pay $299 annually for continued participation in the Program. That will be the only fee other than the costs of printing books and returns.

For more information on the Bascom Hill imprint including costs and eligibility of your book, please contact Anna Schmeling at anna@millcitypress.net  or 612-455-2294, ext. 202.

PLEASE NOTE: This program does not guarantee placement in bookstores. It makes an author´s book available to book buyers (wholesalers, retail chains and libraries) and offers authors the chance to have their book more visible within traditional book trade channels. This program is most suitable for authors who plan to commit a considerable amount of time (and their budget) executing a strong marketing and publicity plan, one that combines both traditional media and the internet. Also, note that the wholesalers take a trade discount of between 40% to 55% off the retail price of each book. The distributor takes an additional 10% fee based on the wholesale price. However, all net proceeds from each sale are paid to the author and Mill City Press takes no portion of any sales proceeds. Participation in the bookstore distribtuion does not limit the author´s ability to sell books from the author´s own website as it is separate from the distribution program.

 BHPG operates much like any traditional small publisher in that all titles have complete distribution to the book trade including the primary wholesale, retail, library, and online channels. We ensure that every book is professionally edited and positioned in order to have the best chance of getting noticed in a very competitive market.