Be cautious of publishers that emphasize extremely fast publication without explaining the professional work involved. Editing, cover and interior design, author review, revisions, and final production all take time when they are handled carefully. A professional publishing process should focus on getting your book right, not simply getting it published overnight.

A royalty percentage means little without knowing what that percentage is based on. When comparing publishers, find out whether royalties are calculated from the retail price, wholesale price, net receipts, or another amount. Understanding the actual dollars and cents you can earn from each sale is more useful than comparing percentages alone.

Your publishing agreement should clearly explain who owns the rights to your work. Read the contract carefully and understand any rights you are granting before you sign. Self-publishing should allow you to retain control of your work rather than requiring you to surrender your rights to the publisher.

A large author discount can sound impressive, but the percentage alone does not tell you what your books will actually cost. Compare the final per-book price rather than the advertised discount from retail. Understanding printing costs and your actual author price can help you determine whether purchasing copies for resale will make financial sense.