Apply for Stillwater Partnership

Let’s Explore Whether It’s the Right Fit

Stillwater Partnership is a selective hybrid publishing path for authors with a strong manuscript, clear market opportunity, and the desire to actively participate in their book’s success. Designed for writers who want the branding and reach of Stillwater Story House, this collaborative model ensures every book is produced to our full professional house standards.

​Shared Investment: You cover the costs of professional production, including editing and design.

​Professional Quality Guarantee: Your book receives the same high-level editorial and design treatment as our traditional house titles.

​Publisher Backing: Your book is released under the Stillwater Story House name, providing professional credibility for your work.

​Established Reach: We manage your book’s placement in retail catalogs to ensure availability for online shoppers and independent bookstores.

​Higher Royalty Split: Because you are investing in the production, you receive a larger share of the sales profits.

We work best with writers who value professional standards, thoughtful collaboration, and a strategic approach to launch.

If that sounds like you, we’d love to learn more about your project.

What We Look For

We accept a limited number of Partnership projects based on:

  • Manuscript quality
  • Market opportunity
  • Author platform or sales potential
  • Professional readiness
  • Genre fit
  • Collaborative mindset
  • Timeline capacity

We only take on projects we believe can be positioned well.

What’s Included

Each Partnership project is customized, but services may include:

Editorial & Production

  • Manuscript feedback
  • Copyediting / proofreading coordination
  • Cover design
  • Interior formatting
  • Ebook production

Publishing Infrastructure

  • ISBN & LCCN setup & filing
  • Metadata optimization
  • Amazon KDP setup
  • IngramSpark setup
  • Author copy strategy
  • Distribution planning

Launch & Growth Support

  • Release strategy
  • ARC planning
  • Review strategy
  • Event planning guidance
  • Retail pitch support
  • Marketing consultation
  • Regional outreach ideas

Our Publishing Terms

​We operate on a transparent cost-sharing model designed to produce bookstore-quality titles while keeping the lion’s share of profits with the creator.

​Production Estimate: Most projects fall between $4,000 and $8,000, depending on editorial needs and design complexity. Pricing depends on manuscript length, complexity, timeline, and scope of support.
​Your Returns: In exchange for this partnership, we offer a 60-70% royalty rate, ensuring that as your book finds its audience, the rewards stay with you.


Our Role vs. Your Role

We Bring:

  • Publishing expertise
  • Design and production management
  • Strategic guidance
  • Honest feedback
  • Professional execution

You Bring:

  • A strong manuscript
  • Commitment to the process
  • Responsiveness
  • Platform or audience (when applicable)
  • Energy for launch and visibility

Why Authors Choose Stillwater Partnership

Your book deserves more than a one-size-fits-all package.

We work with a limited number of authors so every project receives real attention, professional production, and thoughtful strategy tailored to its audience and goals.

That means honest guidance, high standards, and a publishing partner invested in helping your book succeed.

Important Notes

  • Submission does not guarantee acceptance.
  • We accept a limited number of projects based on fit and capacity.
  • We may decline strong projects that are not the right fit for our current list.
  • All submissions are reviewed thoughtfully, but response times may vary.
  • We welcome fiction and nonfiction projects.
  • You maintain ownership while granting Stillwater Story House the exclusive rights to publish and distribute your book for a set term.
  • While we work with authors beyond the Midwest, our focus is on authors with a Minnesota connection.
  • We respect your work and your privacy.

Before You Apply

Stillwater Partnership may be a strong fit if you:

  • Have a polished manuscript or near-complete draft
  • Are ready to invest in your book’s success
  • Want to be published by Stillwater Story House
  • Want professional guidance and support
  • Are excited to collaborate on strategy and launch
  • Understand that strong books still require effort and visibility

If you’re unsure whether this path is right for you, you’re still welcome to apply.

Ready to Apply?

Please enter your full name.
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Please enter your phone number (optional).
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Please enter your website URL (optional).
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Please provide any relevant social media links.
Enter the working title of your book.
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Genre
Select the genre of your book. Ideally, your book should be one of these.
Enter the word count of your manuscript.
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Manuscript Status?
Select your manuscript’s status.
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Provide a one-sentence logline AND the core premise of your book (think back cover blurb).
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Paste the text from your FIRST chapter.
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Specify who your book is for.
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Tell us who you are and share your writing credentials if applicable.
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Do you currently have any audience or platform?
Select any relevant audience or platform.
Explain your interest in this partnership.
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What support do you need most?
Select what support you need most.
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Desired Timeline
When do you hope to achieve your goals?
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Not Ready Yet?

If you have questions before applying, we’d be happy to hear from you.

Contact Stillwater Story House