SDC Publishing helps local authors and beyond get books published
Allen and Randee Mahon of Botetourt County run a publishing business for aspiring authors. Thus far several local authors and illustrators have been able to get books out to the public in both print and digital formats. A new client has developed in Minnesota, so the company has extended its reach out into the USA beyond Botetourt. As a published author himself, Mahon has navigated the self-publishing industry as well as the small printer publisher.
Allen Mahon has published several novels based on his ancestors in the Civil War through a small publisher and also self-publishing. He opened his own company after his personal experiences. His company ofers the books to distributors. Most self-publisher authors have to distribute their own books. ” We even pair our authors with illustrators.” An example is Rhonda McDonald of Troutville who writes non-fiction children’s books and Rowan Miller of Fincastle who illustrated the book on nests (featured in the photo with Mahon.) Books range from humor, to novels, poetry, children’s books and non fiction.
The SDC Publishing Co. offers a viable more affordable service than most self-publishers and the huge plus is this includes distribution and formatting. “The author also comes up with the retail price of their book, too.” noted Mahon. The author retains all royalties and also collects their own royalties. “Once we finish with the book it is yours,” he said.
They even make sure the book has an ISBN number and will be on the likes of Amazon, Baker and Taylor, Ingram and retail bookstores like Barnes and Noble. There is an e-book edition and optional Kindle edition, too. Book covers, bar codes and even a non exclusive contract are all part of their sevices. Non exclusive means no restrictions on copyright. That offering makes them different from most self-publishers.
Basic publishing package is $650. Editing and other services are offered for an additional fee. For more information call Mahon at 540-676-3279.
Allen Mahon in his business attire Hawaiian Shirt with one of the books published by SDC Publishing for Rhonda McDonald and illustrated by Rowan Miller. Photo by Cathy Benson
