How We Work

Hikari Press works on a small number of book projects each year.  Although each book is unique, all are nurtured into print through our guiding principles of working in close collaboration, maintaining high production standards, and paying careful attention at every stage of the publishing process.

A Collaborative Process

Hikari authors remain active participants throughout the publishing process, from early editorial discussions to final production decisions. Book projects move through these stages:
Editorial development – manuscript assessment, structural editing, and copyediting. Manuscripts are initially assessed by  Isabel Brittain then developed into print-ready copy by selected editors from Hikari’s professional network.
Design – cover ideas are developed in close communication with the author and brought into being through industry professionals.
Typesetting and production – at Hikari Press the look and feel of the book is very important.  We work with some the UK’s leading book designers.
Distribution – books are made available through print-on-demand (minimising waste and print and storage costs) and established retail channels globally.

Publication and Promotion

Hikari Press was founded on the understanding that in a highly competitive market an independent press is most likely to endure when responsibility is shared. Hikari oversees production and distribution to the highest standard; authors lead on promotion, drawing on their own networks and knowledge of their work. This division is deliberate. It allows us to maintain professional standards without the overheads of a larger house, and to work with authors on the basis of merit rather than platform. We identify writers of real quality and ensure that every book we produce meets the highest editorial and production standards.

Selection

Hikari does not accept unsolicited manuscripts; all titles are commissioned directly. Authors seeking publishing guidance may find the following resources helpful: Writers & Artists and The Literary Consultancy.