What kind of books will you publish/work with?

Chicken House Press is currently seeking out strong works of fiction with intentions to expand into non-fiction and children’s literature in the future.


How can I make the best of my experience with CHP?

Have a vision! I can’t help you appropriately if you don’t know what you want. Don’t know your vision? Walking through this check list [coming soon!] with your project before you contact me will lead to a smoother experience and a happier outcome.

How closely do you work with your authors?

I value communication and aim to keep the author abreast of everything happening with their book. I make myself available for phone or video chats when necessary and am always willing to answer questions. I understand how important a book is to an author and I will let them play a leading role in decision-making if they desire it. Many authors prefer to hand the reigns over and start writing their next book while I handle all the administration and design work that goes into taking a manuscript from draft to published.

Is a CHP author required to purchase a certain number of books?

Absolutely not. Authors are given three complimentary copies of their book and invited to purchase any additional copies at a deep discount.

What is the actual cost to an author who signs with CHP? Are there hidden fees?

There are no hidden fees. CHP assumes the cost and risk of everything involved with publishing.

  • The author may choose to purchase copies of the book at a deep discount

  • There could be marketing materials the author wants that are not included in the contract deal i.e. bookmarks, postcards, tote bags, etc - these can be acquired through the services of Alanna Rusnak Publishing

  • CHP does not fund launch events at this time

From start to finish, how long does the publishing process take?

This generally depends on the length of your book and how full my calendar is. You should expect around twelve months from contract signing to publication.

Do I maintain the rights to my work?

When CHP signs a new author/project I assume the rights over the work. This can be negotiated during contract talks but cannot be less than a two year commitment in order to cover the investment of CHP.

Will you help with marketing?

It is in the best interest of Chicken House Press to market your book as much as possible, but the main burden is on the author to promote their own work. By leveraging their own platform there is an expectation that the author will put in the leg work to make sales. The manuscript submission form includes an area for the author to share some of the ways they are going to advertise their books. Marketing needs to be a shared undertaking between publisher and author. Chicken House Press cannot guarantee book sales.

How are CHP books distributed?

Chicken House Press is set up for global distribution through INGRAM, making your book available in over 39,000 stores and libraries around the world. Your book will also be listed on Amazon and submitted to the Overdrive Media App. In 2022 CHP partnered with Bookmanager, one of North American’s leading resources for booksellers.

What is an ISBN?

The International Standard Book Number — or ISBN — is a unique 10 or 13 digit number that identifies a specific book and has been required of publishers who print books for the commercial market since 1970.

As a registered Canadian publisher, Chicken House Press acquires a unique ISBN for every title published under its imprint from the Library and Archives Canada, located in Ottawa, Ontario. Every CHP print title then becomes part of the permanent Canadian library.

I’ve done my own editing/interior layout/cover design but I need help with the actual publishing process. Can Chicken House Press be my publisher?


Potentially. If you’re interested in having your book published by CHP, complete the submission form. I am happy to work with authors who already have cover art, but if it doesn’t fit the standards and aesthetics of a Chicken House Press book, a new cover will be proposed if the manuscript is accepted for publication. If you’re looking for full creative freedom throughout the publishing process, consider a partnership with Alanna Rusnak Publishing where I can assist you in the process while you act as your own independent publisher. Reach out for a quote.

How are royalties paid?

Any net royalties generated from sales of your book will be paid out on the first of the month through PayPal or EFT unless other arrangements have been made.

  • Hardcover sales 12%

  • Trade paperback 7.5%

  • eBook & audio book sales 22%

Royalties are paid out three months after a sale is processed. Sales made in September will be paid on December 1.

What print company do you use?

I work in partnership with Amazon to produce high quality trade paperbacks on a print-on-demand basis, bringing you higher royalties and wide distribution potential. Currently, most books are printed in Canada with hardcovers being printed in the US.