Should you self-publish? Should you go with a small press?  I have done both. With either of them, there are questions to ask. Questions to find the answer to about the small press publisher you are considering.

The first question is to determine if they are legit.  Google them and look at websites like Writers beware.  I also recommend finding one of their authors and reaching out to them and ask them directly.

I would look at their website as well.  Do they have misspellings?  Is there any wording that does not sound right to you. 

A big thing to look for is how their books are sold.  Do they list books and redirect to Amazon. This might be fine. It is not a huge warning sign. But it may be evidence that they really do not do anything other than throw you book up on Amazon.  What could this be a sign of? That they are really just publishing your book so as to make money off of selling author’s author copies.

If they do not do any marketing, then why would you go with them?  Just publish it yourself.

That small press will edit your book. But how strong is their language about having a error-free manuscript.  Publishers all want a polished manuscript.  They do not have the time or budget for editing that you should have done. However, it could be a sign they just want to upload the book and get your money for author copies.

In that case, just get an editor to edit your document.  It may cost a thousand or two dollars, but then you have a book that will sell. Perhaps you can get the attention of a bigger press. Or you can publish it yourself and keep all the profits.

Does the small press have a plan? At least some guidance for you.  Can they get some reviewers. Get some endorsements. 

Do they have access to at least offer your manuscript as an ARC? So the people you drum up can read it.

Do they have any plan for you. Much of your marketing will done by you. That’s true with even great places to publish your book. It still might be worth it to go with a small press. But it is something to consider.

I would also consider how responsive they are in emails.  How professional.  The role of editor might require someone to be blunt and matter of fact. However, do they take a long time to respond to your emails, but then get angry when you take any time responding or if you ask questions.

Find out how much help your small press fill in this checklist of things to do-

1.  Have a blurb, a front cover and an inside flap description.
2. Have an Amazon author page.
3. Have editorial reviews
4. Have a good title.  Has your editor discussed the title with you?
5. Do they have events for their authors?  Far fetched but it would be good to network with fellow authors they have published.
6. Are they going to take pre-orders or do they need to publish your book right away so they can print the copies you order from print on demand.