If you would like to publish your book through The KREST House in South Africa, you can expect a custom-curated journey resulting in a deeply authentic piece of literary art with your name on the cover. Here’s what our complete publishing process entails.
Publishing a book is not unlike commissioning a tailored garment or curating a fine fragrance. There is a creative journey from concept to creation to presentation — and each stage requires time, mastery, and vision. Let’s explore the phases involved, using the example of a garment.
- Development phase: a design house will conceptualize the garment through art and creativity, source the finest materials, and create the final garment through superior workmanship.
- Production phase: the garment, through the combined use of best in class machinery and human artistry, is replicated multiple times to create a desirable quantity of it.
- Distribution phase: the garments are delivered to a distribution company that is responsible for getting them onto the racks at boutiques of aligned reputation. Discerning individuals then buy these garments from these outlets.
It’s exactly like this when working with a publishing company. Let’s adapt it to book publishing. Once you have signed on with us, the book goes through 3 phases:
- Development phase: this is the process of creating the book. It will involve craftsmanship such as editing the story into something enjoyable, laying out beautiful pages that will be a pleasure to look at, and creating a cover that represents the work well. This entire phase of the publishing process is devoted to developing a piece of literary art.
- Production phase: the book now gets printed into many copies that can be sold.
- Distribution phase: the batches of books are delivered to a distribution agency that is responsible for getting the books into different sales outlets (like bookstores, wholesalers, e-commerce sites, the person responsible for buying books for libraries in South Africa).
A NOTE ON SCALE AND INTENT
Just as one would not expect a couture gown to be mass-produced on a fast-fashion budget and timeline, one cannot expect literary excellence and market success without due input. Publishing with quality requires a team of skilled professionals: editors, designers, printers, marketers — all working in sleek, harmonious brilliance.
We do not publish books that are rushed or cheapened. We publish books that will be lauded through the generations for its substance and style.
If you’re ready to have that superior book with your name on it, something you can be proud of, here’s how we accomplish that for you.
PHASE 1 – DEVELOPMENTAL (BOOK PUBLISHING)
This phase is the foundation of a refined publishing journey. It includes:
- Publishing contract
- Ghostwriting (if needed)
- Developmental editing
- Copy editing
- ISBN application
- ISBN barcode
- Illustrations (if needed)
- Typesetting and layout design
- Cover design
- Proofreading
At this stage, the manuscript is transformed into a cohesive and intentional piece of literary art, ready for production.
PHASE 2 – PRODUCTION (BOOK PRINTING)
Once the book has been crafted, it is time to bring it into physical form. This phase includes:
- Printing
- eBook formatting
- Legal deposits
Many authors choose to conclude their journey here, content to hold their work in their hands – a symbol of personal mastery, legacy, or creative fulfillment. We laud these authors for the materialization of a creative dream into reality.
PHASE 3 – DISTRIBUTION (BOOK SALES)
For those who wish to enter the commercial space and bring their book to the wider public, we facilitate full distribution through a variety of carefully selected sales channels:
- The primary sales points we sell books through: the e-commerce part of our publisher website, Amazon POD + Kindle, the distribution agency (further supplies bookstores like Exclusive Books and Bargain Books, libraries, wholesalers, other e-commerce sites like dotdot.direct)
- Secondary platforms we sell the books through: at book expos and fairs
- Some of the things we do to encourage readers to pick up your book: listing of book on Goodreads, 0rganizing of book launches, signings, literary festivals, speaker opportunities, media interviews, reviewer campaigns, social media campaigns
At The KREST House, our aim is not to publish your book in a rush, it is to publish your book properly. On average, you can expect your project to unfold over 6 to 9 months, from initial concept to final delivery. This timeline reflects the time and care we dedicate to each phase.
Our pace ensures every creative, artistic, and commercial detail is handled with precision and care, resulting in a book that will carry your legacy through generations.
As promised, the publishing process consists of many steps to curate a thorough workflow. There is a multitude of talent involved: gifted artists, experienced graphic designers, eloquent editors, 24-hour commercial printers, hustling sales agents. What does this incredible body of talent cost to work with?
THE PUBLISHING FEE STRUCTURE AT THE KREST HOUSE
At The KREST House, we partner with discerning authors to produce works of enduring value and artistic distinction. A minimum investment of R50,000 is required to undertake a good quality publishing journey that will result in a book like this. Below is a guide to what may be realized within each tier:
R50,000 – R60,000
An exceptional foundation
A beautifully produced, small-batch edition (±100 copies) of your manuscript, typically in paperback with a clean white interior. Ideal for authors seeking a classy, high-quality publication they can be proud to share.
R60,000 – R80,000
Elevated design,
Suitable for mid-sized print runs (up to 500 copies), this tier offers premium finishes such as hardcovers, cream interior stock, full-colour children’s books, and artwork based on real-life people or animals.
R80,000 and above
Luxury publishing at scale
This bracket accommodates large-volume print runs and artisanal embellishments including ribbon inserts, photographic paper, section-sewn binding, sprayed edges, foiling, spot varnishing, and more. A truly collectable-calibre presentation.
By Private Commission Only
For publishing concepts beyond standard scope — including high-volume (1000+), custom brand projects, heirloom creations (e.g. family history books), or white-label magazine development — we welcome bespoke commissions by private consultation.
These tiers are current at the time of publication. For updates, please visit the KREST Publishers section of The KREST House website.
DECIDING ON SCALE: COMMERCIAL VS LEGACY PUBLISHING
A common misconception is that a limited print run (e.g., 100 copies) will generate substantial income. This is rarely the case.
If your vision is to profit from book sales, that requires a broader commercial strategy — including a larger print run and a marketing budget that supports long-term visibility. We are here to guide you through that allocation to give your book its best chance of commercial success.
If, however, your intention is to commemorate a life well lived — to hold your story in your hands as a legacy — that same publishing process can be adapted at a smaller, more intimate scale. In either case, we honour your creative vision and work with you to bring it into form.
FOR AUTHORS READY TO BEGIN
If you are ready to take the next step in your publishing journey with The KREST House, we invite you to complete a publishing intake form to initiate a private consultation that will take place over Zoom or in-person (we are based in Ballito, Durban, South Africa.)
This form is reserved for authors with a clear intent to proceed. The private consultation is for those who feel aligned with our brand and are ready to discuss the terms of their publishing contract and what can be achieved within their budget.
Click here: Publishing Intake Form