What kind of publisher is August Isley Books?

August Isley Books is a mission-driven hybrid publisher. We combine the creative partnership of traditional publishing with the flexibility and author ownership of self-publishing. You retain your rights, your royalties, and your voice, while we provide professional support to bring your book to life.

Do I keep the rights to my book?

Yes. You retain full ownership of your manuscript, your intellectual property, and your royalties. We are your publishing partner, not your rights holder.

How do I know which services I need?

You are never expected to figure that out alone. We can review your manuscript, goals, and timeline together and recommend a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Why do some services have flat rates while others have tiered pricing?

Flat rates work best for services that take a predictable amount of time, such as query letters, branding, website setup, or marketing materials. Editing and manuscript-dependent services vary widely based on word count, so tiered pricing ensures fairness and transparency.

Do you offer audiobook production?

Yes. We provide narration, editing, mastering, and production using the industry-standard per finished hour model. You receive a clear estimate before we begin.

Do I need a website to publish a book?

Technically no, but it is highly recommended. A website gives you a professional home base, a place to sell books, and a platform for future growth.

The Rev. Dr. Evelyn Rainey Writing Academy

Six-Week Courses

Saturday Seminars

From Writer to Author
Writing as Ministry: A Guided Author’s Course
Advanced Author Development (coming Autumn 2027)
Creating Children's Illustrated Books (coming Autumn 2027)

How to Get Your Book into the Right Hands
Industry Standard Specifics for Genres: Know What You Have and How to Sell It.
Promoting Your Best-seller Without Going Broke

"There's no better writing coach and publisher than you. You're a gift." ~ Catherine Hunt

Scholarships are available.

Refund & Attendance Policy

Refunds are not available for any course. Because enrollment reserves a seat in a small group and includes access to course materials, tuition is non‑refundable once registration is complete.

Missed classes cannot be rescheduled or made up individually. Due to the privacy of intellectual property, no sessions will be recorded.

Exceptions may be made only in cases of true emergency or serious hardship (for example, hospitalization, major medical events, or the death of an immediate family member). These situations will be handled with compassion and on a case‑by‑case basis.