Q U E S T I O N S A N D A N S W E R S
A: R.W. Nielsen Company publishes nonfiction titles in the areas of history, biography, folklore, travel, children’s books and cooking. We publish only one or two works of fiction each year. We do NOT publish poetry, collections of newspaper columns, short-story collections, essay collections, or science fiction (See our manuscript guidelines for more details).
Q: Does R.W. Nielsen Company accept unsolicited manuscripts?
A: Yes, but please read our manuscript guidelines to learn how to format your submissions.
Q: How does R.W. Nielsen Company select manuscripts?
A: R.W. Nielsen Company selects its publications through an acquisitions committee. We have a small staff that needs to focus on producing the books we have chosen, therefore, no one is available to speak with a prospective author personally. You may visit our prospective authors page for more information on the types of publications we are looking for at R.W. Nielsen Company.
Q: Will you accept a book submission via fax or email?
A: No. If you fax or email a query, it will just delay the process of going through our acquisitions committee.
Q: When I send in my submission, how long does it take to get a response?
A: Due to the high volume of submissions, it usually takes 6 to 8 weeks for a project to go through our process. If you wish to get a response, make sure you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) or an email address in your cover letter (see our manuscript guidelines page).
Q: I have a book that I self-published but it now needs reprinting. Would R.W. Nielsen Company buy the rights to my book?
A: Yes, we consider books that have been printed previously.
Q: If R.W. Nielsen Company doesn't want my book, can you suggest where to go next?
A: You can refer to reference books such as Literary Marketplace and Writer's Market, available at your local bookstore or in your local library's reference section.
Q: Does R.W. Nielsen Company offer any editorial, design, or production services for hire?
A: R.W. Nielsen Company provides editorial, design, or production services. We review and accept potential projects on an individual basis. In fact, we prefer to be involved in the entire production process.
Q: What is the difference between a publisher, a printer and a self-publisher?
A: A publisher chooses manuscripts to publish and enters into a contractual agreement with an author for the right to publish their work. The publisher provides an editorial, design, proofreading staff that prepares the work for the printer, and then markets and promotes the finished publication. Conversely, a printer prints and binds the finished books, journals, magazines, etc. and receives compensation from the person or company requiring the printing. When an author hires a printer to print his or her book, that book is considered a self-published work.
Q: How do I get a copyright for my manuscript?
A: All work is automatically copyrighted as soon as it is written. If you want to formally take out a copyright on your work, you will need to contact the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. For more information, see www.copyright.gov. If a publisher accepts your work, then he will secure the formal copyright for you. To reproduce copyrighted material, you must have permission from the publisher.
Q: How do I receive permission for using or reproducing part of a R.W. Nielsen Company book?
A: Please see our Rights and Permissions page on this Web site for detailed instructions. You will need permission if you reproduce any part of a copyrighted title in any form.
Q: Where can I buy R.W. Nielsen Company books?
A: All books published by R.W. Nielsen Company are available at your local bookstore. They can also be purchased at most online booksellers, as well as right here on www.rwnco.com. If you are a retailer or wholesaler interested in carrying R.W. Nielsen Company books, please contact us.
Q: Can I buy books at your office?
A: Yes, but please understand we're not a retail bookstore. Since we are not set up for browsing, please call us in advance of your arrival and give us the name of the book you have in mind. We accept PayPal, VISA or MasterCard. We can accept cash, but only if you can provide exact change. We also accept personal checks.
Q: What is R.W. Nielsen Company's returns policy?
A: If you are an individual with a defective book, please call816-896-8994 or email customer service. If you are a bookseller or wholesaler, please email us at customer service@rwnco.com.
Q: Whom do I contact if I want to host an author event for an R.W. Nielsen Company author?
A: Please contact our office at 816-896-8994 or email us at eventhost@rwnco.com
Q: How can I find out if an author is doing a book signing near me?
A: Please see our events page.
Q: How can I contact an author?
A: You can send a note to 11310 McKinley Ave., Kansas City, MO 64134 or send an email to author@rwnco.com and it will be forwarded to the author. We cannot give out the contact information of any author.
Q: Where can I find out-of-print R.W. Nielsen Company titles?
A: Many of our out-of-print (OP) titles can be found at online bookselling sites and used bookstores across the country.
Q: Whom do I contact to request a review copy or press materials?
A: Please contact Customer Service at 816-216-1541 or media@rwnco.com. For more information, visit the media page.
Q: Does R.W. Nielsen Company hire freelance writers, editors and designers?
A: R.W. Nielsen Company produces the majority of our titles in-house but on occasion we contract with freelance editors and designers. If you are an experienced freelance professional, please feel free to send us a resume and cover letter regarding your interest in R.W. Nielsen Company. Please do not send unsolicited samples of your work. We cannot return such samples.
