Q: May I publish my personal poetry previously published by another publisher?
A: Yes, as long as you still own your copyrights to your work. Many poetry magazines
will pay you for your poetry and first time publishing rights. If you sell your copyrights
to a publisher or magazine, Shadow Poetry will be unable to publish those works. To be professional
about having your works published elsewhere, you should add an acknowledgement page to the
beginning of your chapbook to give proper credit to the publishers who displayed your works previously.
If your the same chapbook manuscript submitted to us is available through another publisher, then no, we cannot publish your work.
Q: Will my chapbook be in color or black & white?
A: Shadow Poetry prints most chapbooks in black and white; however, with an additional fee, we
can print your cover in color, and/or the inside of your book as well (ink only). Authors are allowed to choose
the color of paper used for the chapbook cover without any additional charge.
Q: May I design my own cover?
A: Yes, as long as you are able to mail your drawings/artwork to Shadow Poetry to scan
or transmit the design by email. (8.5" x 11" max. size for art) You may also choose from the
many designs Shadow Poetry has in the Chapbook Publication section. Cover colors are also
displayed there as well as fonts.
Q: May I add in an "about the author" page and my picture?
A: Yes, Shadow Poetry will allow poets to add an "about the author" page within his/her chapbook.
Pictures must be sent via email at a resolution of 300dpi or larger, or may be mailed to
Shadow Poetry to be scanned. Poets must write the "about the author" section themselves. As with many
books and other publications, we normally do not place an "about the author" section on the back cover
unless the chapbook is for private use only and is specifically requested.
Q: May I set my own price for my chapbook?
A: Yes and No. Shadow Poetry stays consistent with a $10.00 fee for all poetry chapbooks
sold on its site to be fair and equal to all authors who receive royalties. Should you want to
sell your personal copies for more than the regular $10.00 asking price, Shadow Poetry will
print specially priced covers for you or the price can be left off of the chapbook entirely.
You will see the pricing option on the order agreement form.
Q: May I publish poetry or artwork that is not my own?
A: Shadow Poetry cannot and will not use any artwork or poetry that is not your own
work unless a close friend or relative is drawing or producing your chapbook cover. Shadow
Poetry must have a signed release form from the artist allowing Shadow Poetry to use his/her
artwork. We have these release forms available upon request. Outside poetry that is not your
original work will not be accepted or printed.
Q: What happens in case of plagiarism?
A: Shadow Poetry will pull the chapbook from its site, not offer the chapbook to the public, and terminate all contracts or dealings with the customer. The author will also be responsible for any damages, refunds, and must return all royalties collected.
Q: What if I don't want Shadow Poetry to sell my chapbook on their site?
A: Shadow Poetry must honor the poet's wishes not to sell his/her poetry chapbook online.
If in such case, the chapbook will not be advertised for sale, and the poet will not receive
any royalties.
Q: Will Shadow Poetry copyright my chapbook?
A: No, we do not file your book with the US Copyright Office for you, or submit the $45.00 fee. However,
we will prepare your paperwork for you, provide you with two copies of your chapbook for copyrighting, and
an addressed envelope to mail your materials in.
Q: What percentage of royalties does Shadow Poetry pay?
A: Poets will receive 25% royalties on each chapbook sold through Shadow Poetry's website (retail only). Royalty
statements and payments will be sent quarterly. We are not responsible for any books sold outside
of Shadow Poetry, and cannot guard against price increases.
Q: How long will it take to receive my chapbooks?
A: Depending on your willingness to work with us, you should have your chapbooks within three weeks from the time we receive
your manuscript. Submitting your works electronically (by email) may speed up the process.
Q: May I send my chapbook material to you by email or email attachments?
A: Of course! In fact, we prefer this method. All the information may be combined within the body of an email,
or we can receive .doc or .txt files. Artwork may be sent by .gif, .jpg, .psd, or .bmp files. If working with .psd files,
please use layers.
