Are you a University Bookstore or Retailer?
Our most frequently asked questions about placing orders, paying with purchase orders, tracking your purchase and printing extra invoices are listed below. If you need additional assistance, call us at +27 (0) 11 022 4026. We will be happy to assist you.
Does Lighthouse Publisher accept Purchase Orders?
Yes, Lighthouse Publisher purchase orders from reputable bookstores, government organizations, and educational entities. For more information, see: Purchase Order Process.
Where can I find the credit application?
Click here: Lighthouse Publisher Application for Credit
How do I submit my Credit Application?
You can submit your completed application through our support page, by email.
Be sure to create a Lighthouse Publisher account if you do not already have one.
Go to Using Purchase Orders.
Click I Still Need Help.
Complete the form and attach your completed credit application.
Click Submit.
Or, email your completed credit application to purchaseorder@lighthousepublisher
How do I create a Lighthouse Publisher account?
To create a Lighthouse Publisher account, click Login/Register at the top of the page, complete the form and click Register. You must be logged into your Lighthouse Publisher account when making purchases using a Purchase Order (PO).
How do I use a PO to complete my purchase?
When your credit application is approved, we will activate the purchase order payment option in your Lighthouse Publisher account. When you check out, select the Purchase Order payment option, enter your shipping address and complete the checkout process. We will bill you for the purchase.
Is wholesale pricing available?
Lighthouse Publisher is a self-publishing website, authors and content creators set the package for their books. As such, we do not offer specific pricing for booksellers and retailers. Alternatively, you can contact the author for a special price or use our coupon code WholeSale10 for 10% off your order. We also recommend having a look at the Lighthouse Publisher homepage before you checkout. There are often promotions available for higher discounts.
How do I print an invoice?
Lighthouse Publisher sends a receipt to the email address used to create your Lighthouse Publisher account. If you need a new invoice:
Log into your Lighthouse Publisher account.
Click your username at the top of the page and select My Orders.
Click View Order Details for the appropriate order.
Click Print Invoice.
When will my order arrive?
Lighthouse Publisher is a print-on-demand publisher, meaning we do not maintain an inventory of printed books. When you place your order, your books will be printed and then shipped. Paperbacks, hardcovers and Calendars print in 3 to 5 business days. Please keep this in mind when placing your orders.
Can I track my order?
Yes. To track your order:
Log into your Lighthouse Publisher account.
Click your username at the top of the page and select My Orders.
If your books are being printed, the order status will be Processing.
Once your books ship, Lighthouse Publisher will send you an email including the package tracking numbers.
You can also access tracking numbers by clicking the View Order Details link on the My Orders page.
Emails are sent to the email address associated with the Lighthouse Publisher account when the order is accepted and the order ships. If you choose a trackable shipping method, the tracking number will be included in the shipping notice.
Can I cancel my order?
Your order can be cancelled up to one hour after it has been placed. To cancel an order:
Log into your Lighthouse Publisher account.
Click on your username and select My Orders.
If the cancellation period has not ended, you will see a Cancel Order link next to the order.
Click Cancel Order.
What is your return policy?
As a print-on-demand publisher, we do not maintain an inventory of books, nor do we have facilities to accept and store returned, unsold books. As such, we ask that you carefully consider the number of books you wish to purchase before placing your order.
Can I do my own publishing using DTP?
No, DTP is a way of designing and typesetting, not a way of publishing
Do I need an agent?
Only if you want to get published and distributed to bookstores.
Does a book need to be registered somewhere?
No. All you need is an ISBN (International Standard Book Number), which you can get free from the National Library of South Africa, or we can do it for you here ISBN Number
Does copyright protect ideas?
No, only the expression of ideas. To protect an idea you need a trademark or a patent.
How does a publishing contract work?
Like any contract: it imposes legal obligations on both parties. In this case the author has to deliver a manuscript; the publisher has to publish and market the book at her cost.
How long should I wait once I have submitted my manuscript before I phone the publisher?:
A month is reasonable.
How long will it take from the time I deliver my manuscript to publication?
Nine months on average if you get accepted by a publisher but can be a substantially less if you self publish.
How many copies does the average general book in South Africa sell?
2000-3000 is considered a best seller in the SA book market.
How often are royalties paid?
Once or twice a year, in arrears for sales of the previous period.
If I use a publisher, who controls the copyright?
The publisher, but it normally reverts to you when the book goes out of print.
Should I bring my manuscript in personally and wait for an editor to see me so that I can explain the plot or contents face to face?:
No, if you self publish you can forward the manuscript to us and our editor will be in touch regarding the work you will require as there are various levels of editing that can be performed.
Should I share my ideas with a publisher won’t they steal it?
No they won’t if you have been communicating with reputable publishers, but don’t share ideas, write something first, otherwise no one takes you seriously.
Should I use colour in my book?
Not unless absolutely necessary. It is much more expensive but of course some books demand it by their very nature.
What discounts do booksellers get?
For trade (general) books, about 47%; for educational books discount is lower
What is a backlist book?
A book that has been around for more than a year
What is a frontlist book?
A new book
What is an imprint?
It is a trade name or brand or logo, like Penguin, Juta or PrintOnDemand.
What is the best way to approach a publisher?
Use a written proposal
What is a reasonable royalty percentage?
Between 8% and 15%, but it varies depending on publisher, type of book, and the leverage you have.
What is a trade book?:
A general book selling into the consumer market
What is an imprint?
It is a trade name or brand or logo, like Penguin, Juta or PrintOnDemand.
What is the best way to approach a publisher?
Use a written proposal
What kind of style should I follow in the book?
Use a style guide in a consistent way, either a general one like the Oxford Style Manual or one provided by the publisher.
What software should I use for writing my book?
Microsoft Word
When and how can I get the rights to my book back from the publisher?:
After the book goes out of print
When do I need copyright permission?
When quoting a portion of another work
Where can I get information about publishers?
On the PASA website www.publishsa.co.za
Where does one get ISBN numbers?
Right here ISBN number.
Why does one need a publisher?
For financing, technical expertise, and marketing… it’s the main function of a publisher to get your book into bookstores and sold, or ask us we will help you where we can.
Who owns the copyright on a work?
The author, unless he cedes the copyright.
Which people in a publishing house do I deal with?
Mainly the commissioning editor
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