Publishing paths

Two ways to publish with Airlift.

A real, selective traditional press — and an honest, transparent author-services arm. Kept visibly, explicitly separate. We named the line so you never have to guess which is which.

Track 1

Traditional Publishing

Free to submit

Airlift selects the manuscript, funds editing, cover design, and production, and takes on the financial risk. This is the credibility anchor of the press — the "we publish people without an agent" trust signal.

$0 cost to submit
Airlift funds editing, design & production
10–15% royalty on net receipts, paid quarterly
Airlift retains ISBN ownership & distribution rights
No agent required

Track 2

Author Services

You fund production, you keep more of every sale

You're hiring our team and our distribution network. Because you're funding the production, you keep a significantly higher royalty on every copy sold.

Publishing Readiness Diagnostic

This is where most of our clients start. We review your concept and content. You receive a cover concept, our insights, and some suggestions for market positioning. We detail the next steps, and if we think your book is ready, we will schedule a live consultation with you at no charge.

$50 n/a — diagnostic only royalty

Essentials Package

Professional final cover design, interior formatting/typesetting, ISBN assignment, KDP, author page at /author/[name]. Plus an Author/Books Section on Airlift Publishing as seen in Our Authors.

$799–$1,600 50% of net direct sales royalty

Ongoing Distribution Management

Keeping KDP, Shopify, inventory, and reporting in sync. Add-on to either track. Small fee for each item shipped.

$15–$30/month flat n/a royalty

Custom Arrangement

For unusually long, short, or size-and-style projects, we will work with you to create a custom arrangement.

TBD TBD royalty

Why trust us with your book

Marketing that actually works isn't a bonus — it's the job.

“I'd been turned down by several agents. Airlift read the full manuscript and sent back real notes, not a form rejection. That alone changed how I thought about my book.”

— C. Workman

Author, Still Here, Still Praying

“I took a deep breath and sent in my transcript. After receiving suggestions, encouragement, and direction on positioning and market need, every subsequent decision became clear.”

— Melanie T.

Author, Claiming High Frequency