First Edition
By Sovern Group
First Edition
By Sovern Group
First Edition
By Sovern Group
First Edition gives authors the experience of an established publishing house without requiring them to give up ownership of their book. We bring the team, editorial rigor, production, printing, and distribution.
First Edition gives authors the experience of an established publishing house without requiring them to give up ownership of their book. We bring the team, editorial rigor, production, printing, and distribution.
First Edition gives authors the experience of an established publishing house without requiring them to give up ownership of their book. We bring the team, editorial rigor, production, printing, and distribution.
You keep 100% of the ownership and profits.
You keep 100% of the ownership and profits.
You keep 100% of the ownership and profits.
Mission
For generations, authors have exchanged publishing rights and the majority of their book's potential earnings for the opportunity to see their work published.
It's time to reverse that relationship.
At First Edition, the publishing house works for the author, bringing the expertise and craftsmanship to take a manuscript from page to publication, while the author retains the rights and profits.
After all…
your book is your intellectual property.
One manuscript.
One manuscript.
Two publishing paths.
Two publishing paths.
Two publishing paths.
Very different futures.
Very different futures.
Very different futures.
The Traditional Path.
The Traditional Path.
The Traditional Path.
The First Edition Path.
The First Edition Path.
The First Edition Path.
Take your place in a timeless tradition of authorship.
Take your place in a timeless tradition of authorship.
Take your place in a timeless tradition of authorship.
Some things are made to outlive us. A book is one of them.
Some things are made to outlive us. A book is one of them.
Some things are made to outlive us. A book is one of them.
overview
In traditional publishing, authors typically begin by seeking representation from a literary agent. If an agent agrees to take them on, they pitch the manuscript to publishing houses, hoping to secure a book deal.
In traditional publishing, authors typically begin by seeking representation from a literary agent. If an agent agrees to take them on, they pitch the manuscript to publishing houses, hoping to secure a book deal.
If a publisher accepts the book, it covers the costs of producing and distributing it. In exchange, the author typically gives up a large share of the revenue and much of the control over how their work is published.
I — THE SELECTION
The author hopes to be chosen.
Authors seek representation, submit their work, and wait for a publishing house to decide whether their manuscript will be accepted for publication.
Authors seek representation, submit their work, and wait for a publishing house to decide whether their manuscript will be accepted for publication.
II — THE ARRANGEMENT
The publisher acquires the publishing rights.
Once selected, the author signs a contract granting the house rights to publish the book. The publisher finances production and retains substantial authority over the publishing process.
Once selected, the author signs a contract granting the house rights to publish the book. The publisher finances production and retains substantial authority over the publishing process.
III — THE ECONOMICS
The author receives a fraction of book revenue.
Traditional print royalties typically pay authors around 5–15% of the book's retail price. If the author has a literary agent, that agent typically takes another 15%-20% commission from the author's share.
1
~5–15% author royalties
~5–15% author royalties
~5–15% author royalties
The publisher retains the larger share of book revenue.
The publisher retains the larger share of book revenue.
2
15–20% agent commission
15–20% agent commission
15–20% agent commission
Taken from the author's royalties.
Taken from the author's royalties.
3
12–18+ months
12–18+ months
12–18+ months
From acquisition to publication.
From acquisition to publication.
4
Quarterly reporting
Quarterly reporting
Quarterly reporting
No real-time sales data.
No real-time sales data.
5
Publisher-controlled timeline
Publisher-controlled timeline
Publisher-controlled timeline
The publisher decides when your book is released.
The publisher decides when your book is released.
6
Shared creative control
Shared creative control
Shared creative control
Key decisions move beyond the author.
Key decisions move beyond the author.
7
Film, audio & adaptation rights
Film, audio & adaptation rights
Film, audio & adaptation rights
May be negotiated as part of the deal.
May be negotiated as part of the deal.
overview
First Edition reflects a different publishing reality: one in which authors can own the relationship with their readers, the intellectual property they create, and what grows from it.
First Edition reflects a different publishing reality: one in which authors can own the relationship with their readers, the intellectual property they create, and what grows from it.
Our publishing house still brings the professional standards, experienced team, and infrastructure to bring your book to market. The author no longer has to give away the future of the work to access them.
I
A partnership built on shared vision.
Every manuscript begins with a thoughtful review to determine whether we're the right fit for one another. We consider the book, the author's vision, and how we can best bring that work into the world.
Every manuscript begins with a thoughtful review to determine whether we're the right fit for one another. We consider the book, the author's vision, and how we can best bring that work into the world.
ii
The publishing house works for the author.
Our dedicated team brings the editorial expertise and craftsmanship to edit, design, produce, and distribute each book to the highest professional standards.
Our dedicated team brings the editorial expertise and craftsmanship to edit, design, produce, and distribute each book to the highest professional standards.
III
The author owns the book and its future.
The rights, creative control, and profits remain with the author, along with the freedom to build on everything the book makes possible.
The rights, creative control, and profits remain with the author, along with the freedom to build on everything the book makes possible.
1
No agent required
No agent required
No agent required
Apply directly to First Edition.
Apply directly to First Edition.
2
100% profits to the author
100% profits to the author
100% profits to the author
No publisher royalty split.
No publisher royalty split.
3
3–6 months
3–6 months
3–6 months
From manuscript to publication.
From manuscript to publication.
4
You control the sales
You control the sales
You control the sales
Direct access to your accounts and data.
5
Author-led timeline
Author-led timeline
Author-led timeline
Built around your launch.
Built around your launch.
6
Full creative control
Full creative control
Full creative control
Final decisions stay with you.
Final decisions stay with you.
7
Film, audio & adaptation rights
Film, audio & adaptation rights
Film, audio & adaptation rights
Remain in your hands.
Remain in your hands.
THE MANUSCRIPT
THE MANUSCRIPT
THE MANUSCRIPT
Editorial Review + Publishing Plan
Editorial Review + Publishing Plan
Submit your manuscript for review. We assess the work, determine fit, and map the editorial and production path your book will need.
Submit your manuscript for review. We assess the work, determine fit, and map the editorial and production path your book will need.
Timing: 1–2 weeks
Timing: 1–2 weeks
THE EDITION
THE EDITION
THE EDITION
Edit, Design + Print the Book
Edit, Design + Print the Book
Your dedicated team moves the manuscript through editing, cover and interior design, typesetting, production, printing, and distribution setup.
Your dedicated team moves the manuscript through editing, cover and interior design, typesetting, production, printing, and distribution setup.
Timing: 12–16 weeks
Timing: 12–16 weeks
THE LAUNCH
THE LAUNCH
THE LAUNCH
Launch with the 90-Day Author-Founder Blueprint
Launch with the 90-Day Author-Founder Blueprint
We give you our 90-day Author-Founder Blueprint, and you take it into the world through your own audience, platform, partnerships, and press.
We give you our 90-day Author-Founder Blueprint, and you take it into the world through your own audience, platform, partnerships, and press.
Timing: 90 days
Timing: 90 days
THE LAUNCH
THE EDITION
Matt Gottesman
& Lauren Ungeldi
Matt Gottesman
& Lauren Ungeldi
Matt Gottesman
& Lauren Ungeldi
Matt Gottesman
& Lauren Ungeldi
Matt Gottesman & Lauren Ungeldi
Between us, we’ve published more than fourteen books, built an audience of more than 500,000, created multiple income streams around our work, and built a bestselling Substack publication ranked among the Top 40 paid publications in Philosophy. Our work reflects a new era of authorship — one in which writers are not only contributing to the literary world, but building entire bodies of work around what they know, make, and believe.
Between us, we’ve published more than fourteen books, built an audience of more than 500,000, created multiple income streams around our work, and built a bestselling Substack publication ranked among the Top 40 paid publications in Philosophy. Our work reflects a new era of authorship — one in which writers are not only contributing to the literary world, but building entire bodies of work around what they know, make, and believe.
We wanted to carry the timeless tradition of authorship forward without carrying the old terms with it.
We wanted to carry the timeless tradition of authorship forward without carrying the old terms with it.
First Edition exists to do exactly that — to honor what publishing has always meant while creating a model for how authors can work, own, and create now.
First Edition exists to do exactly that — to honor what publishing has always meant while creating a model for how authors can work, own, and create now.
Matt Gottesman & Lauren Ungeldi
Matt Gottesman & Lauren Ungeldi
Matt Gottesman & Lauren Ungeldi
Beyond Publishing
SIX-WEEK LIVE COHORT
SOVERN CREATOR
SOVERN CREATOR
SOVERN CREATOR
SOVERN CREATOR
SOVERN CREATOR
Build the business around your book.
Build the business around your book.
Build the business around your book.
Turn your ideas, expertise + audience into offers, revenue, and a connected Creator Ecosystem.
•
Audience Development + Growth
•
Offers + Multiple Income Streams
•
Creator Ecosystem Development
•
Social Media + Visibility Strategy
•
AI-Powered Business Suite
Six-week
live cohort
Six-week
live cohort
Explore Sovern Creator →
Explore Sovern Creator →
Explore Sovern Creator →
*Six-week live cohort
THE WRITERS’ SOCIETY
THE WRITERS’ SOCIETY
THE WRITERS’ SOCIETY
THE WRITERS’ SOCIETY
THE WRITERS’ SOCIETY
Join a community of writers from around the world.
Make progress on your manuscript, next book, essays, newsletters + other
writing projects.
•
Dedicated writing sessions to build consistency + keep your work moving
•
Resource Library with writing guides, tools, templates + exercises
•
Cross-pollinate ideas, share inspiration + champion fellow writers
•
Celebrate milestones, share wins + build meaningful connections
*Weekly live gathering
Weekly
writing society
Weekly
writing society
SOVERN GROUP
Offices
Offices
Sovern Group is based in Italy, Koh Samui, and Scottsdale.
Italy
Italy
Italy
Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Scottsdale
Scottsdale
Scottsdale
FAQ
FAQ
THE PROCESS
Submit your manuscript for editorial review. If the project is a fit, we determine what the book needs and create a custom publishing proposal covering editorial, design, production, formats, distribution, and any additional support.
Submit your manuscript for editorial review. If the project is a fit, we determine what the book needs and create a custom publishing proposal covering editorial, design, production, formats, distribution, and any additional support.
Submit your manuscript for editorial review. If the project is a fit, we determine what the book needs and create a custom publishing proposal covering editorial, design, production, formats, distribution, and any additional support.
Most First Edition projects move from manuscript to publication in approximately 3–6 months, depending on the length of the book, editorial needs, formats, and production complexity.
The 90-day Author-Founder launch process runs alongside the final stages of publication and through release.
Most First Edition projects move from manuscript to publication in approximately 3–6 months, depending on the length of the book, editorial needs, formats, and production complexity.
The 90-day Author-Founder launch process runs alongside the final stages of publication and through release.
Most First Edition projects move from manuscript to publication in approximately 3–6 months, depending on the length of the book, editorial needs, formats, and production complexity.
The 90-day Author-Founder launch process runs alongside the final stages of publication and through release.
A completed manuscript is strongly recommended.
If the book requires additional developmental work before production begins, we’ll identify that during editorial review.
A completed manuscript is strongly recommended.
If the book requires additional developmental work before production begins, we’ll identify that during editorial review.
A completed manuscript is strongly recommended.
If the book requires additional developmental work before production begins, we’ll identify that during editorial review.
No.
Authors apply directly to First Edition.
No.
Authors apply directly to First Edition.
No.
Authors apply directly to First Edition.
OWNERSHIP + ECONOMICS
You do.
Your ISBNs are registered under your name or company, and you retain ownership of the book, files, and underlying rights.
You do.
Your ISBNs are registered under your name or company, and you retain ownership of the book, files, and underlying rights.
You do.
Your ISBNs are registered under your name or company, and you retain ownership of the book, files, and underlying rights.
First Edition is paid directly for the publishing engagement rather than taking an ongoing publisher royalty.
After printing, retailer, distributor, and other third-party transaction costs, the remaining proceeds from your book belong to you.
First Edition is paid directly for the publishing engagement rather than taking an ongoing publisher royalty.
After printing, retailer, distributor, and other third-party transaction costs, the remaining proceeds from your book belong to you.
First Edition is paid directly for the publishing engagement rather than taking an ongoing publisher royalty.
After printing, retailer, distributor, and other third-party transaction costs, the remaining proceeds from your book belong to you.
Yes.
Because you retain your files and publishing infrastructure, you can update, relaunch, redesign, or create future editions of the book.
Yes.
Because you retain your files and publishing infrastructure, you can update, relaunch, redesign, or create future editions of the book.
Yes.
Because you retain your files and publishing infrastructure, you can update, relaunch, redesign, or create future editions of the book.
They remain yours unless you independently choose to license or sell them.
Where needed, we can introduce you to trusted partners for opportunities beyond the book.
They remain yours unless you independently choose to license or sell them.
Where needed, we can introduce you to trusted partners for opportunities beyond the book.
They remain yours unless you independently choose to license or sell them.
Where needed, we can introduce you to trusted partners for opportunities beyond the book.
PRODUCTION + DISTRIBUTION
Depending on the needs of your manuscript, your publishing engagement may include developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, cover and interior design, typesetting, print and ebook production, distribution setup, and launch assets.
Your exact scope is outlined before the project begins.
Depending on the needs of your manuscript, your publishing engagement may include developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, cover and interior design, typesetting, print and ebook production, distribution setup, and launch assets.
Your exact scope is outlined before the project begins.
Depending on the needs of your manuscript, your publishing engagement may include developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, cover and interior design, typesetting, print and ebook production, distribution setup, and launch assets.
Your exact scope is outlined before the project begins.
Distribution may include Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, Barnes & Noble, additional online retailers, and direct sales through your own platform, depending on the formats and distribution plan selected for your book.
Distribution may include Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, Barnes & Noble, additional online retailers, and direct sales through your own platform, depending on the formats and distribution plan selected for your book.
Distribution may include Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, Barnes & Noble, additional online retailers, and direct sales through your own platform, depending on the formats and distribution plan selected for your book.
Yes. We make books available through major distribution channels used by bookstores and libraries.
Physical shelf placement is ultimately determined by individual retailers and may depend on demand, sales history, returnability, and the store’s own buying decisions.
Yes. We make books available through major distribution channels used by bookstores and libraries.
Physical shelf placement is ultimately determined by individual retailers and may depend on demand, sales history, returnability, and the store’s own buying decisions.
Yes. We make books available through major distribution channels used by bookstores and libraries.
Physical shelf placement is ultimately determined by individual retailers and may depend on demand, sales history, returnability, and the store’s own buying decisions.
Yes.
Audiobook production can be included in your scope, and translation support is available through our partner network.
Yes.
Audiobook production can be included in your scope, and translation support is available through our partner network.
Yes.
Audiobook production can be included in your scope, and translation support is available through our partner network.
LAUNCH
Every First Edition author receives our 90-Day Author-Founder Blueprint, designed to guide the positioning, rollout, partnerships, press, and audience activity around the release.
We provide the framework and included launch assets; you execute the plan through your own audience, platform, partnerships, and press.
Every First Edition author receives our 90-Day Author-Founder Blueprint, designed to guide the positioning, rollout, partnerships, press, and audience activity around the release.
We provide the framework and included launch assets; you execute the plan through your own audience, platform, partnerships, and press.
Every First Edition author receives our 90-Day Author-Founder Blueprint, designed to guide the positioning, rollout, partnerships, press, and audience activity around the release.
We provide the framework and included launch assets; you execute the plan through your own audience, platform, partnerships, and press.
PRICING
Every book is quoted individually.
Your proposal reflects the manuscript, editorial needs, formats, production requirements, print goals, and any additional services the project requires.
You receive one clear scope and quote before the project begins.
Every book is quoted individually.
Your proposal reflects the manuscript, editorial needs, formats, production requirements, print goals, and any additional services the project requires.
You receive one clear scope and quote before the project begins.
Every book is quoted individually.
Your proposal reflects the manuscript, editorial needs, formats, production requirements, print goals, and any additional services the project requires.
You receive one clear scope and quote before the project begins.
Yes.
Payment options can be structured around agreed project milestones.
Yes.
Payment options can be structured around agreed project milestones.
Yes.
Payment options can be structured around agreed project milestones.