Vertical 03
Publishing that connects
authors with readers
Print and digital media, books. Publishing, book trade and educational programs, community and club development. Bookstores — online and physical.
The short answer
30+ titles per year. From manuscript to bookstore shelf.
200+
authors have published through our network. First-time writers, established professionals, and corporate publishers.
50+
retail points — online bookstores, physical shops, and library distribution channels across Slovenia and Croatia.
8 weeks
average time from final manuscript to printed books in warehouse. Includes editing, design, printing, and ISBN registration.
Publishing a book is a production project with 15 to 30 dependencies. Most authors underestimate the complexity. We have systematized the entire process into 8 repeatable steps — from manuscript evaluation to retail distribution. Whether you are an individual author, a company publishing a corporate book, or an existing publisher looking for production and distribution partners in Central Europe, the system works the same way.
Process
8 steps from manuscript to shelf
1. Manuscript evaluation
Every submission receives an honest assessment: market viability, target audience analysis, competitive positioning, and a recommendation on publishing model. We evaluate 4 to 6 new manuscripts per month. Turnaround: 5 to 10 business days.
2. Editing
Three levels available: developmental editing (structure and narrative), copy editing (language and consistency), and proofreading (final error check). Most non-fiction titles need copy editing plus proofreading. Fiction often requires all three rounds.
3. Cover design
Professional cover design based on genre conventions and retail visibility. Includes 3 concept directions, 2 revision rounds, and final artwork for print and digital. Spine and back cover copy written by our editorial team.
4. Interior layout
Typesetting for print and e-book formats. Font selection, margins, headers, chapter openers, and special elements (tables, images, sidebars). We produce print-ready PDF, EPUB, and MOBI files from a single source.
5. ISBN & metadata
ISBN assignment, CIP cataloging, ONIX metadata preparation, and barcode generation. Correct metadata is critical — it determines how bookstores, libraries, and search engines find and categorize your book.
6. Printing
In-house production across our network. Short runs (50 to 500) on digital presses. Standard runs (500 to 5,000) on offset. Print-on-demand for long-tail titles. Hardcover, paperback, and special editions. Paper selection from 80 to 170 gsm.
7. Distribution
Warehousing at our Ljubljana facility. Distribution to 50+ retail points across Slovenia and Croatia. Online listing on cangura.com and partner platforms. EU-wide shipping for direct orders. Library supply on request.
8. Marketing support
Book launch campaign, social media content, press release, bookstore presentations, and author platform development. We run the Karma+ online magazine (15,000+ monthly readers) as an additional promotional channel for our titles.
Comparison
Self-publishing vs. traditional vs. 5P hybrid
| Aspect | Self-publishing | Traditional publisher | 5P hybrid model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost to author | 2,000 — 8,000 EUR (all services) | 0 EUR | 1,500 — 5,000 EUR (shared investment) |
| Royalty per copy | 70 — 100% (you handle everything) | 8 — 15% | 30 — 50% (based on contribution level) |
| Editing & design quality | Variable (depends on freelancers) | High (publisher's team) | High (in-house team, same standards) |
| Distribution reach | Amazon, personal website | Full retail (publisher's network) | 50+ retail points, online, libraries |
| Time to market | 2 — 6 months | 12 — 24 months | 8 — 12 weeks |
| Rights ownership | 100% author | Publisher (licensed back) | 100% author (non-exclusive) |
| Marketing support | None (author's responsibility) | Limited to launch window | Ongoing (Karma+, social, events) |
The 5P hybrid model exists because most authors fall between two extremes: they want professional quality but cannot wait 18 months for a traditional publisher, and they want distribution beyond Amazon but do not want to manage 15 vendors themselves. Our model splits the investment and the returns. The author keeps all rights.
Costs
What does it cost to publish a book?
Every project is different, but here is a realistic breakdown for a standard 200-page non-fiction paperback with a first print run of 500 copies:
- Copy editing (60,000 words)400 — 800 EUR
- Proofreading200 — 400 EUR
- Cover design (3 concepts, 2 revisions)300 — 600 EUR
- Interior layout + e-book conversion300 — 500 EUR
- ISBN, CIP, barcode, metadata50 — 100 EUR
- Printing (500 copies, paperback, 200 pages)800 — 1,500 EUR
- Distribution setup + first-year warehousing150 — 300 EUR
- Total range2,200 — 4,200 EUR
These are indicative ranges. The exact quote depends on manuscript length, complexity, illustration requirements, and print specifications. We provide a binding quote within 5 business days of manuscript submission. No hidden fees.
Services
Publishing portfolio
Author Incubator
From manuscript to published book. Editing, design, printing, distribution, and marketing support for new and established authors.
Learn more →Bookstore
Cangura online bookstore and physical retail. Curated selection of Slovenian and international titles. Nationwide delivery.
Learn more →Distribution
Book distribution across Slovenia, Croatia, and the EU. Warehousing, fulfillment, and retail partnerships.
Learn more →For authors
Publishing models, rights, royalties, and support programs for authors at every stage of their publishing journey.
Learn more →Karma+ magazine
Online magazine covering wellbeing, personal development, and mindful living. A content platform reaching thousands of monthly readers.
Learn more →Knowledge base
Do you accept manuscripts in English?
Yes. We publish in Slovenian, Croatian, and English. For English-language titles, we work with native-speaker editors and can distribute across the EU. International authors are welcome.
What genres do you publish?
Our catalog focuses on non-fiction: business, self-development, health and wellbeing, practical guides, and professional reference. We also publish selected fiction, children's books, and corporate titles. We do not publish academic textbooks or poetry collections.
Can I publish just the e-book without print?
Yes. E-book-only publishing is available at a lower cost (typically 800 to 1,500 EUR for editing, design, and conversion). We distribute EPUB files to major platforms. However, we recommend a small print run of 100 to 200 copies for events, direct sales, and credibility.
How are royalties paid?
Quarterly statements with payment within 30 days. Transparent reporting showing units sold by channel (online, retail, direct). Authors have access to real-time sales data through our dashboard.
Can I use my own editor or designer?
Absolutely. If you bring a print-ready manuscript, we handle only the production and distribution. You pay only for the services you need. The modular pricing means you can mix our services with external providers.
Have a manuscript?
Submit your manuscript for evaluation. We provide honest feedback, clear pricing, and a transparent publishing process.
Submit manuscript