Publishing Policy
Lesson Lab Press exists to publish thoughtful, principle-driven works that encourage discernment, courage, and intellectual honesty. Guided by enduring values and ethical standards, we approach publishing as a partnership grounded in stewardship, integrity, and shared responsibility.
We recognize that every manuscript represents time, courage, and conviction. Submitting your work to a publisher is an act of trust, and we are committed to treating each submission with care, professionalism, and respect.
As a small and emerging press with limited resources, we must be selective and intentional in the projects we undertake. Our goal is not volume, but quality, sustainability, and long-term impact.
Our Publishing Philosophy
Lesson Lab Press operates as a traditional, royalty-based publisher. We are not a pay-to-publish or vanity press. We do not sell publishing packages, and we do not guarantee publication.
We seek to publish works that:
Align with our mission, values, and ethical standards
Demonstrate thoughtful engagement with truth, culture, and the human experience
Show clear potential to reach and serve a defined readership
Are written with sincerity, humility, and purpose
Prior publication history is not required. We welcome submissions from first-time and emerging authors. What matters most is clarity of message, depth of thought, and the potential for meaningful engagement with readers.
Manuscript Readiness & Production Standards
Lesson Lab Press accepts manuscripts that are publisher-ready at the time of final acceptance. This includes a properly formatted manuscript and a production-ready cover that meets professional publishing standards.
Authors whose manuscripts are accepted but not yet publication-ready may choose to complete required formatting independently or request production services through Lesson Lab Press. When offered, these services are provided at a nominal, transparent fee and are intended solely to meet professional production standards.
Available services may include:
Manuscript formatting (print and ebook)
Cover formatting to platform specifications
Cover design (where appropriate)
Use of these services is optional and does not guarantee acceptance or publication. Lesson Lab Press does not require authors to purchase services as a condition of submission, and any offered services are clearly separated from editorial decision-making.
Our goal is to ensure every published work meets professional standards while maintaining ethical, partnership-based publishing practices.
View our Production Services & Pricing
The Submission & Review Process
1. Initial Submission
Authors are invited to submit:
A completed manuscript
A brief proposal outlining the intended audience and purpose of the work
A short author background and statement addressing alignment with our editorial values
All submissions are reviewed with care. Due to limited capacity, we are able to accept only a small number of manuscripts each year.
2. Editorial & Viability Review
Manuscripts that pass initial review may undergo a professional editorial and market viability assessment. This process helps evaluate:
Overall quality and clarity
Structural strengths and areas for development
Readership potential
Fit with Lesson Lab Press’s current publishing focus and capacity
Not all manuscripts that reach this stage will move forward. A decision not to publish is never a judgment of an author’s worth, effort, or convictions, but a reflection of fit, readiness, and responsible stewardship.
Publishing Agreements
For manuscripts accepted for publication, Lesson Lab Press offers partnership-based contracts designed to protect both the author and the publisher.
Traditional Partnership Model
Lesson Lab Press covers production costs, including editing, proofreading, formatting, and distribution
Initial sales (up to $1,500) are applied toward recouping production costs
Once costs are recouped, royalties are split 50/50 between author and publisher
Shared Investment Model (Selective)
In select cases, a shared-investment agreement may be offered:
The author contributes a modest portion of production costs
Lesson Lab Press covers the remainder
The author receives a higher royalty percentage from the outset
This model is not pay-to-publish and is used sparingly, only when both parties believe strongly in the project and wish to share risk and long-term commitment.
Production & Distribution
Lesson Lab Press publishes primarily through our website, lessonlabpress.com, as well as selected retail and distribution platforms, which may include:
Amazon (print and ebook)
Barnes & Noble (print and ebook)
IngramSpark (expanded print and ebook distribution)
Draft2Digital (distribution to Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, and additional global retailers)
We prioritize professional presentation, careful editing, and ethical publishing practices. As an emerging press, we do not offer large advance payments, bulk printing, or guaranteed marketing campaigns.
Marketing & Author Involvement
Publishing is a collaborative effort. While Lesson Lab Press manages production and distribution, authors are expected to:
Participate actively in promoting their work
Engage existing audiences where possible
Partner with us in thoughtful, authentic outreach
This shared approach reflects the realities of modern publishing and helps ensure sustainability and long-term success for both author and publisher.
A Note to New and Emerging Authors
We understand how personal a manuscript can be. If your work is not accepted, please know that this decision reflects capacity and fit—not value, effort, or calling.
Lesson Lab Press is committed to encouraging writers, not discouraging them. We strive to communicate decisions with clarity, humility, and respect.
Our aim is to build lasting relationships with authors who share our belief that truth deserves careful words, responsible stewardship, and courageous thought. We are honored that you would consider trusting us with your work.