Frequently Asked Questions
ReadersHow do I read books?
You can read the first chapter (sometimes more) of any book for free. You don't have to be a registered reader. If you want to buy chapters, you must register one time.
I would like to print the chapters for which I paid.
By paying for a chapter, you are paying for the right to read it on our web site. You may print chapters for personal use. However, these will print at low resolution (150 dpi). This is to discourage dishonest people from violating the copyrights of our authors.
How does the web site know who I am when I visit?
ChapterByChapter tries to set a cookie on your PC with your login information. If it finds the cookie, it tells us who you are. You don't have to log in.
Why do I have to log in every time I visit ChapterByChapter?
If you only want to browse the first chapters of books on this site, then you don't have to log in. However, in order to purchase additional chapters or read chapters that you already bought, you must be a registered reader.
I am a registered reader. However, sometimes I can't log in.
When you receive an ID, it allows you to access paid chapters from a limited number of physical locations. If we allowed unlimited access, there would be nothing to stop an unscrupulous individual from buying chapters and then passing the reader's ID off to others who will not pay. This would be unfair to our authors, who have expended great time, effort, and resources to create their works. Each reader's ID will work from, for example, home, the office or school, and a WiFi location, such as a library.
I understand that a publisher can agree to publish a book that appears on ChapterByChapter. What if I'm in the middle of reading one and this happens?
When this happens, we throw a party for the author. Then we send an e-mail to all those who have bought chapters. This tells them that the book will be removed from ChapterByChapter on a certain date. They will have to purchase the remaining chapters by that date if they want to finish the book on ChapterByChapter. In the best of all worlds, they would purchase the hard copy of the book when it is released.
Why must I have Adobe Reader on my computer in order to read chapters?
Adobe Reader is the de facto standard for Internet documents. It's free. It has many desirable features that save us development time, so that we don't have to charge authors for listing their books on ChapterByChapter. One, in particular, is the ability zoom in a document for readers who need large type. It also allows us to keep our documents secure. The chapters are digitally signed. This allows us to determine if there are illegal copies circulating that lack certification.
Can I give my copy of a book to someone else?
Can you? Well, er, yes. Should you? If violating the author's copyright doesn't bother you (stick it to the Man and all that stuff), please realize the nature of the author who submits to this web site. They're not famous like Steven King, J.K. Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, or Dan Brown. They're struggling. They probably have day jobs, come home, fix themselves dinner, and retreat to the PC for a few hours of solitary work on a novel that is their dream and their baby. Please consider them. The books here aren't that expensive, are they? If you like their work, support them so that they can write more.
I wrote a review, but can't find it.
We delete any reviews that are deemed offensive or uncivil. If you didn't like a book and want to tell others, that's fine. But you can't just say that it was awful. You must give your reasons without being insulting.
How do I submit a novel for consideration?
Click on the Authors link in the Main Menu. Follow the guidelines there.
What royalties do you pay?
We pay authors 33% royalties on gross receipts for chapters and/or entire books. They are paid on a quarterly basis.
What if I find a publisher for my novel?
Congratulations! We hope that a good showing for your novel on this web site was a factor in convincing your publisher to offer you a contract. We will remove your novel 30 days after you notify us. We will also add a notation on our Success page, along with the web links for your successful novel.
I can't afford art work for my novel.
If your novel meets our standards, art-work is not a requirement. We provide basic graphics, such as titles. However, attractive jacket art does draw interest. We can add art-work at a later date, perhaps after you've garnered some revenue.
I understand that you will not even look at a book if it has not been proof read and edited. Where do I find one?
You could do a Google search on the terms. If there is a local writers group in your area, they may know of some. You could also contact the chairperson of the English or Fine Arts Department at a local college or university. They often know of faculty or qualified graduate students who might be willing to help you out for a reasonable fee.
It looks like one of your books is popular. I don't know how we missed it. We would like to approach the author with an eye toward publishing it. What are the legal ramifications?
Great! Authors have no contractual obligation with us, other than to give us 30 days notice to remove their book. We will post an announcement on our Success page and include links to relevant web sites. You can contact the author through their e-mail address or web site on their bio page. All your negotiations will be with the author and/or his or her agent. You just have to inform us of the outcome.
What are the graphic dimensions?
Jacket art should be 600 pixels high by 400 pixels wide at 72 dpi. You will, of course, want to design at a higher resolution in the event of the happy day that a paper publisher wants to use it.
File Format?
JPG at the highest resolution. GIF would be acceptable for black & white.