What We Do
Forward Fiction works closely with you—the intellectual property owner—to develop a faithful, compelling novel or series of novels set in the world you’ve created.
We do all of the heavy lifting, including outlining, writing, editing, proofing, graphic design, layout, production, launch, sales, and marketing for your books. The only tasks you’re responsible for are reviewing and approving the materials we develop.
Our Step-by-Step Process
1. Licensing Agreement
The first step is sign an agreement with Forward Fiction that allows us the right to create and sell novels based on your IP in exchange for royalties on sales.
2. Research
Forward Fiction will begin digging into the details of your IP to identify the best characters and storylines to feature in a novel. We’ll ask you to provide any background notes and documents that might be helpful, and we may send an occasional list of follow-up questions.
3. Outline
Once you’ve approved which characters and storylines will appear in the book, our editor-in-chief will work with the author to create a detailed outline, including all of the major plot points and character arcs for all of the major protagonists.
4. Manuscript
The author uses the approved outline to write a first draft of the manuscript, which is reviewed by the editor and then revised by the author. Then, you review the manuscript and provide any feedback, revisions, and questions you may have. The author revises the manuscript again, and then you have the opportunity to approve the manuscript or provide additional feedback. The manuscript is not finalized until you provide final approval.
5. Cover Design
Forward Fiction works with an illustrator and/or graphic artist to develop the cover art and design for the front, spine, and back of the novel, with your feedback and approval.
6. Layout & Production
Next up is the creation of the physical and digital editions of the novel, well in advance of the actual launch, in order to provide us with ample time to build up buzz.
7. Advance Marketing
Forward Fiction begins the process of marketing the novel more than six months ahead of the launch date. The process typically includes advance review copies (ARCs), pre-orders, media/blogger outreach, building email lists and newsletters, social media, giveaways, events and conventions, and more.
8. Launch
The big moment! The book will be available worldwide for immediate purchase through major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and more.
9. Post-Launch Marketing
The launch of a book is just the beginning of a marathon. After all, how often do you rush out and buy a book in the first week or two it’s on the market? Forward Fiction’s ongoing marketing strategies are designed to keep bringing in new readers for months and years after launch.
10. Sales Tracking & Reporting
Forward Fiction will provide you with quarterly sales reports and royalty payments on all copies of the book sold in print and ebook.