Crux Publishing is a boutique publisher that produces, distributes and markets a curated selection of high-quality, non-fiction (and, very occasionally, fiction) titles. We have many years of international marketing experience that regularly puts our titles onto the bestseller lists in their category, and we offer industry-beating royalties of 40-50% net sales revenue.
Why Crux?
The economics of traditional publishing requires a printed book to sell thousands of copies before the costs of retailers, distributors, publishers, marketing, unsold copies, etc are covered. This means that there is a preference for publishing books that appeal to the mass market and can safely be sold in high volume through chain stores and supermarkets in order to drive down the unit cost.
This narrow approach typically limits the publication of titles to established authors or celebrities, while high-quality titles that might not sell quite so well remain unpublished and unread or become out of print when publishers turn their attention to new ideas. The publishing industry is very slow-moving and authors often receive a fraction of the revenues that publishers generate. It does not need to be this way.
Through being lean and effective, by focusing as much on digital sales as we do on paperback sales, and by using our years of marketing experience, we not only drive the titles we publish into the bestseller lists (see our blog for details) but provide authors with a greater share of the rewards: our commission structure typically results in authors receiving 40-50% of the net sales revenue for each book (both digital and paperback) versus the market standard of 7-8% for paperbacks and 25% of ebooks.
If this sounds too good to be true, just see our reviews form customers below.
We operate an open-submissions policy to encourage new authors, and also digitally republish backlist titles for existing authors. We’d be delighted to speak to you. Contact us on hello@cruxpublishing.co.uk to learn more.
I write. I write that I am writing. Mentally I see myself writing that I’m writing and I can also see myself seeing that I am writing. I remember writing and also seeing myself writing. And I see myself remembering that I see myself writing and I remember seeing myself remembering that I was writing and I write seeing myself write that I remember having seen myself write that I saw myself writing that I was writing. I can also imagine myself writing that I had already written that I would imagine myself writing that I had written that I was imagining myself writing that I see myself writing that I am writing.
Crux Services
Production
We take care of converting an author’s finished manuscript into multiple ebook formats. We will typeset the paperback version so it looks as good or better than any book on the highstreet and send you proof copies of both versions for you to check.
Distribution
We take care of distributing our ebooks through the leading online retailers: Amazon, Apple iBookstore, Barnes & Noble, Google and Kobo. Between them they make up to 95% of the distribution. Paperbacks are sold via Amazon and bookstores.
Marketing
We work with the author to create and execute a unique marketing plan that drives sales and provide you with marketing materials with which you can promote the book yourself as well. Many of our titles have been in the best-seller lists in their categories.
Fantastic Cover Design
We will design a fantastic eye-catching cover to stand out on Amazon and other sales channels. We generally come up with 3-4 covers from which to choose from and welcome the author’s input in the design.
Editing and Proofreading
We will edit and copy-edit your book and you will be sent a proof copy to review before it is uploaded to the sales channels.
ISBN Registration
We give you an ISBN that enables over 25,000 retailers to access information about your title and enables your sales to be tracked.
“We think we are pretty good, but don’t take our word for it; listen to what our authors have to say…”
I have been very happy with Crux. As an author, you have a very personable relationship with them, they are efficient but flexible and open to input from the author while knowing their business at the book end.
Cathy O'Dowd, author of Just for the love of itAs a first-time author, working with Crux was just what I needed. No detail is too small for them and they understand the writer’s process intimately. Being enthusiastically and patiently guided through every stage, from first draft to publication, was an absolute godsend.
David Price, author of OPEN: How we'll work, live and learn in the futureI have found a mentor who has steered me through the dark waters, is always available at the end of a phone call, text or email, and who answers my many questions, however dull they may be, at the drop of a hat. My book has appeared in the market place with bewildering speed, in the highest quality, with every step, from cover design to synopsis, discussed with and by a publisher who is personable and enthusiastic, and, being an author himself, has made me feel instantly at home.
Anthony Cleary, author of Nobody ComesCrux understands 21st century publishing. This is a company that will work with you and support you; it offers a partnership that comes armed with considerable connections to new media. They take the time to know your work, and instead of the usual scattershot approach to marketing, they offer a tailored plan for each book. By comparison the big publishing houses feel very flat-footed. I feel empowered as an author; Crux has made me excited about the potential of writing again.
Lars Brownworth, author of The NormansI was delighted with the service we received from Crux Publishing. They went out of their way to explain the ins and outs of ebook publishing to us. Christopher gave us a super personal service that resulted in a fantastic book both for Kindle and for iPad. Crux also managed to do a great job promoting the book. I could not recommend them highly enough.
Lady Caroline Richards, author of Afghanistan RevealedEvery author believes their book is complete when they submit it for publication. Yet every publisher is not the same in the way they review, accept or reject applications. What is most impressive and gratifying about Crux Publishing is the integrity and helpfulness with which they responded, particularly their willingness to negotiate with a productive dialogue. Their suggestions and positive criticisms unquestionably improved the quality of my efforts for which I am most grateful.
Tasos Yacalis, author of The Life of Sosat SilacayI used Crux Publishing to breathe some life into some older titles for which the digital rights had reverted to me. Crux were super quick and efficient and even managed to put the books on the Amazon bestseller list within a few months. I can’t recommend them enough and am now looking at what other titles I can give them.
Frank McLynn, author of Famous Trials and InvasionI’ve had a better experience with Crux than with the big traditional publishing houses (which published my first four novels). Christopher is attentive, creative and effective. He is terrific at promotion and publicity. He answers questions promptly and explains his strategy clearly. He gets books on to the best-seller lists. What more could a writer want?
Roisin McAuley, author of Bogman and Singing BirdIt is unfortunately rare nowadays to find a publisher who treats an author as a full and valued partner in the publication of a book. Over 30 years and a dozen books I have been fortunate to have some fantastic editors and publishing houses. In Crux, which has redone one of my earlier titles for a first ever digital publication, I discovered a great independent publisher who is intimately involved at every stage of the process. I unequivocally recommend Crux for any writer looking for a robust and ambitious independent publisher.
Gerald Posner, author of Hitler’s ChildrenCrux are really first rate. They turned my book into a no. 1 international bestseller (including no. 1 in Kindle nonfiction), and I couldn’t be happier. They produced a striking and beautiful cover, which won a design award. They edited the book with care, and a real understanding for the contents. They involved me – in just the right way – every step of the way. And they were professional and enjoyable to deal with throughout. But these days a book needs more than visual appeal and good production. Once published, it has to be made visible among the millions of books and e-books now on sale. I have been really impressed at the way Crux positioned the book in all the right places before, during, and after launch. I would recommend them wholeheartedly. Excellent job!
Dominic Selwood, author of Spies, Sadists and SorcerersI have collaborated with my husband, author Gerald Posner, on 12 nonfiction books published by large traditional publishing houses. And Random House/Villard published my own debut nonfiction title. Since I was accustomed to the full panoply of services from a traditional publisher, ranging from editorial guidance, general editing, copyediting, and promotional support upon publication, I was at first hesitant to do my Pharmacist of Auschwitz biography with a small independent digital publisher. Crux dispelled quickly any and all of my concerns. My experience with Crux was even better than what I experienced with a traditional publisher. At all times the editorial advice was excellent, the copy editing meticulous, and the assistance toward publicity and sales was comprehensive. In fact, Crux has a more personal and hands on approach with its authors than is possible at most larger publishers. Crux makes publishing a book a truly collaborative creative process and I am enthusiastic about working with Crux on future projects.
Patricia Posner, author of The Pharmacist of AuschwitzWorking with Crux to publish the revised eBook edition of Unholy Trinity was a thoroughly professional and rewarding experience. From the moment they first contacted me, through finalising a contract, proofreading and copy editing, layout, fabulous cover design and launch, they were a joy to work with. Then their marketing strategy kicked in, and before long our book was the #1 bestseller in our category on Amazon. I’m so pleased to have found this welcoming home for our updated edition; Crux has helped breathe new life into our classic history of one of the most shameful episodes in the Holy See’s history.