An author-centered approach to publishing
Current Words is a partner publisher for emerging and mid-career authors who want professional publishing support without sacrificing creative control or income. We work closely with you to refine your manuscript, prepare it for publication, and bring your book to market with transparency, personal attention, and ongoing guidance—before launch and long after your book is published.
Partner publishing: what it is
Partner publishing (also known as hybrid publishing) combines the strengths of traditional publishing and self-publishing.
Here’s why it works:
- Partner publishing offers an alternative to the long, uncertain agent submission process. Many authors spend years querying literary agents, often receiving form rejections or no response at all. Partner publishing allows writers to move forward on a clear timeline, without waiting indefinitely for a gatekeeper’s approval.
- It helps preserve creative momentum and confidence. Repeated rejections — even when a manuscript is strong — can stall projects, erode confidence, and damage the self-motivation it takes to produce new writing with consistency. Partner publishing keeps authors focused on revision, production, and launch rather than endless submission cycles.
- You receive professional services — editing, design, formatting, distribution setup, and marketing guidance — so your book meets industry standards. The work is performed in-house by us. We do not outsource your manuscript’s editing or design to third-party vendors.
- Unlike traditional publishing models and vanity presses that require rights sharing, royalty splits, or contractual control, you retain 100% of your royalties and full creative control, and you remain the sole copyright holder of your work. Partner publishing is ideal for authors who want expert guidance without giving up ownership or vision.
Partner publishing: what it isn’t
Partner publishing is not vanity publishing, and the difference matters.
How to spot a vanity press:
- They charge high fees without providing clear or itemized pricing.
- They accept nearly every manuscript regardless of readiness, quality, or editorial fit.
- They claim rights or take are share of royalties even though you are funding the production.
- They provide minimal editorial guidance and rely on generic, templated cover and interior designs.
- They may require you to purchase large quantities of your own books and count those purchases as “sales.”
- They offer little to no meaningful support after publication.
Current Words does not operate this way.
We evaluate submissions carefully, prioritize editorial quality, and structure our services around transparency and long-term author success — not volume.
Who we serve
Current Words works with writers across genres — including literary fiction, poetry, memoir, speculative fiction, mystery, and more.
We regularly work with authors who:
- Are preparing their first full-length manuscript
- Want expert developmental or editorial feedback
- Are ready to publish a finished work
- Need ongoing coaching or marketing guidance
Wherever you are in the process, we meet you there.
Why authors choose us
- You retain your royalties. We do not take distribution fees or percentages. If you earn it, you keep it.
- You get a transparent, honest process. Clear pricing, clear expectations, fully defined project milestones, no pressure.
- Support doesn’t end at publication. One of the most common frustrations authors share with us is that once their book is released, their publisher goes silent. We take a different approach. Our partnerships extend beyond launch, with continued guidance and practical strategies designed to help your book reach readers, reviewers, and the communities most likely to support it.
- You work with an experienced, hands-on team. Co-founders Dianne Pearce and David Yurkovich bring decades of experience in editing, design, publishing, and author coaching — and work directly with every project.
You’re in control
Working with Current Words does not require committing to an all-or-nothing publishing plan. While many authors partner with us for the full journey — from manuscript development through cover design, publication, and launch — we also offer à la carte services for writers seeking targeted, professional support.
Our specialties:
- Manuscript editing (developmental, line, and copyediting)
- Proofreading
- Book cover design
- Interior formatting (print and eBook)
- Editorial assessments (offered on request at no charge with any editing project)
- Query letter development and submission support
- Marketing guidance or launch planning
If you plan to self-publish, pursue agents, or work with another publisher, we’re happy to step in where you need us — and step back when you don’t. Our role is to support your goals, not to sell services you aren’t looking for.
What to expect when publishing with us
Authors who publish with Current Words can expect:
- Transparent pricing and clearly defined scopes of work
No bait-and-switch packages or hidden add-ons. Every project is documented and agreed upon in writing. - Editorial evaluation and honest feedback
We consider submissions carefully before acceptance — a process that benefits both author and publisher. - 100% royalty retention
You keep what you earn from book sales and related revenue streams. - Full copyright ownership
Your work remains yours. We exist to help publish and promote it — not to claim ownership. - Professional editing and design
Every book is brought up to industry standards prior to publication. - Post-publication support
In addition to promotion through our website and social channels, authors receive complimentary post-launch check-ins, access to monthly marketing meetings, and ongoing resources.
We measure success by your success, not by how many books we add to our portfolio.
Our publishing process: simple, clear, supportive
We make publishing approachable through a structured, collaborative process:
1. Introductory Consultation
A no-cost Zoom meeting with us to discuss your manuscript, goals, timeline, and mutual fit.
2. Define Your Publishing Plan
Together we determine which services best support your project — editing, design, marketing, distribution, or select à la carte options.
3. Manuscript Development
We guide you through developmental edits, line edits, copyedits, and revisions to strengthen the work.
4. Production & Design
We create a professional interior and book cover, format your book for print and digital release, and coordinate distribution setup.
5. Launch and Beyond
We support your book launch with planning, promotional assets, and continued marketing strategy through monthly Zoom meetings.
Our imprints — creative homes for every voice
While Current Words focuses on publishing literary and general commercial fiction, we also own several imprints to align with other genres:
- Hawkshaw Press: Detective, mystery, crime-noir
- Out-of-This-World Press: Science fiction, speculative fiction
- Gravelight Press: Horror and dark fiction
These imprints provide additional visibility and community within their specific genre focus.
Free resources for authors
We support our authors at every stage with free educational resources, including:
- Guides & FAQs on publishing timelines, costs, and process.
- Newsletters featuring editing, publishing, and marketing tips.
- Blog content with writing advice, strategy, and author spotlights.
- Website development assistance: As a client, you’ll receive complimentary assistance in setting up and launching your author website to strengthen your online presence.
- A built-in peer community: Our authors work as a community to support one another. While our our complimentary marketing meetings are structured, we allow time for participants to share what’s working and what’s not working so you can build or enhance your own strategy to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Get started. Your story deserves to be read.
Ready to take the first step? Schedule a free consultation via Zoom with Dianne to discuss your manuscript, timeline, and the publishing path that’s right for you: