See what happens at every stage, what an author should prepare and how Chance Publishers makes the publishing process in Kenya understandable.
A manuscript can arrive as a Word document with chapters, headings, images, tables and references. It does not have to look like a finished book yet. What matters is that the material is organised enough for honest review.
Send your manuscript by email →
Every stage has a reason: protect the work, improve the reading experience and prevent expensive production mistakes.
Before any review begins, we sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that protects the manuscript itself and confirms the book and its copyright remain yours throughout. Copyright protects original work automatically once it is written down—the NDA simply keeps everyone who reviews it bound to confidentiality.
Send the most complete editable draft, working title, author details, intended readers, images, references and any permissions already obtained.
Typical files: .docx manuscript · labelled images · references · permissionsWe assess the structure, language, length, illustrations and production needs, then agree the scope, schedule, responsibilities and quotation.
Editing improves clarity, flow, consistency and structure. Proofreading is the final correction pass after layout, before the author approves production.
We design the cover and interior, prepare the imprint and barcode area, and work with KNLS on ISBN requirements. The ISBN normally appears in the imprint information and as a barcode on the lower back cover. After publication, we guide the required legal-deposit copies.
A physical dummy copy allows the author to inspect size, margins, paper, image quality, colour, binding and final corrections before bulk printing.
After written approval, production begins. Quantity, page count, trim size, paper, colour, binding, cover finish and turnaround all affect the quotation.
We can guide the launch, author presentation, promotional content and selected distribution support based on the agreed package and audience.
Kenya National Library Service is Kenya’s national ISBN agency. Chance Publishers works with KNLS and guides eligible authors through the information and production steps needed for an ISBN.
Copyright protects original expression automatically, once a work is fixed in a tangible form—copyright is not something a publisher issues. Voluntary registration with the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) is a separate, optional step that can provide an official record of ownership. Legal deposit is different again: it preserves the published record of Kenya. Under Kenya’s Books and Newspapers framework, the required deposit includes two copies for the Registrar of Books and Newspapers and two copies for KNLS within the prescribed period after publication.
The price per copy is only meaningful after the finished specification and quantity are known.
These visual examples show relative proportions, not exact screen measurements. The best size depends on purpose, length, illustrations, audience and budget.
A6Pocket devotional
A5Novel or journal
5 × 8Memoir and fiction
6 × 9Biography and non-fiction
B5Workbook or textbook
A4Manual or academic bookPublishing preparation and printing are quoted separately. Compare the Bronze, Silver and Gold packages, then request a printing quotation once the final size, pages, paper, colour and quantity are known.
Send the most complete editable draft with a title, author contact details, intended audience and short book description. Email the manuscript or speak with the team first.
KNLS is the national ISBN agency. Chance Publishers works with KNLS and manages the practical publishing steps for eligible projects. Read the ISBN explanation above.
The manuscript must be edited, designed, proofread and approved. A sample copy should be checked before quantity production. See the printing checklist.
Yes. Launch support can include planning, author presentation and promotional moments. See Chance Publishers launch experiences.
Visit Kenda House, 4th Floor, Tom Mboya Street near Afya Centre, Nairobi, or speak directly with our publishing team.
