This phase includes the initial submission of your work, an initial consultation to discuss your project and our guidelines, the finalization of the agreement, and securing the initial payment.

This phase involves the editorial and design process, including collaboration with all key contributors (publisher, editor, designer, and photographer), printing the book, and receiving the second payment.

This phase focuses on the post-printing activities, including marketing, distribution, and sales of your book, and receiving the third and final payment.

All project materials, including high-resolution images, image captions, text, and any other relevant information, will be shared and stored in a dedicated Google Drive folder. This folder will be accessible to the Photographer, Publisher, and key collaborators (e.g., designer).

Ephemere uses Google Chat for all its operations and project-related communications. Therefore, the Photographer and all other collaborators are required to use Google Chat as their primary communication tool for project-related discussions.

For initial consultations and monthly progress meetings, Ephemere will use Google Meet. The Publisher recommends one meeting per month (or more frequently, depending on the project scope) to consolidate updates, address any questions, and ensure the project stays on track.

This fee covers project management, consultation, and marketing services. This includes meetings with the Publisher, ongoing communication, ISBN assignment, social media and email promotion, and event representation.

Fee Range: The fee varies depending on the project and the level of support required (see packages at 3.1).

Responsibilities:
• The Publisher is responsible for providing the services outlined in the chosen package, including overseeing the project and acting as the main communicator between the Photographer and all collaborators (editor, printer, designer, etc.).

• The Photographer is responsible for covering this fee.

This fee covers the cost of printing and binding your book. We work with a high-quality printing partner in Japan that specializes in photobook printing. This ensures that your book will be produced to the highest standards with meticulous attention to detail and color accuracy. We specialize in small-scale editions, usually 50 to 250 copies, and currently offer on-demand printing.

Fee Range: Printing costs are influenced by several factors, including the book's size, page count, whether it is in color or black and white, binding type, and quantity. We set the baseline printing costs according to the binding type (refer options at 3.2).

Responsibilities:
• The Publisher is responsible for communication between the Photographer and the printer.

• The Photographer is responsible for covering the printing fees.

These optional fees cover additional services you may require, separate from the Publisher's Fee and Printing Fees. They include:

Editing Fee: For refining the flow and narrative of your images. Fees vary depending on the project scope and may start from $300.

Designing Fee: For designing your book, including layout, typography, and cover design. Fees vary depending on the designer and project complexity, starting from $500.

Shipping Fee: For shipping the Photographer's copies of the book. Fees vary depending on the destination and weight.

Responsibilities:
• The Photographer is responsible for covering these fees if they choose to use Ephemere's services. If the Photographer prefers to use their own editor or designer, they are responsible for coordinating with that professional and ensuring their work aligns with Ephemere's publishing standards.

• The Publisher may act as the editor or designer, or other professionals may be involved, depending on the agreement. The Publisher will arrange shipping and provide tracking information.

$300~

This package is ideal for projects that are nearly ready for publication. Editing, sequencing, and design are complete.

Estimated timeline

1-3 months

Includes

• 1 initial consultation + one to two 90-minute additional meetings with the Publisher as needed

• Inclusion in our online catalog

• 1 Instagram post announcing the book's release

• Inclusion in a promotional email newsletter

• Representation at relevant events (subject to availability)

$500~

This package is suitable for projects where the Photographer needs assistance with either visual editing/sequencing or book design.

Estimated timeline

3-6 months

Includes

• 1 initial consultation + two to four 90-minute additional meetings with the Publisher as needed

• Inclusion in our online catalog

• 2 Instagram posts (announcement + feature post)

• Feature article in our online journal

• More prominent inclusion in a promotional email newsletter

• Representation at relevant events (subject to availability)

$900~

This package is designed for projects that require comprehensive support from start to finish.

Estimated timeline

6-9 months

Includes

• 1 initial consultation + four to six 90-minute additional meetings with the Publisher as needed

• Inclusion in our online catalog

• 3 Instagram posts (announcement + 2 feature posts)

• Interview and feature article in our online journal

• Book review in our online journal

• Premium inclusion in a promotional email newsletter

• Representation at relevant events (subject to availability)

This traditional binding method is suitable for books with up to 48 pages.

It offers a classic look and feel but is limited in page capacity.

Estimated printing cost: Starting from $500.

This versatile binding method is suitable for books with a higher page count and can be used for both softcover and hardcover books.

It's a cost-effective option for longer narratives.

Estimated printing cost: Starting from $1,000.

This premium binding method offers the highest quality and lay-flat functionality, making it ideal for showcasing photography.

It's typically used for hardcover books and is the most expensive option.

Estimated printing cost: Starting from $2,000.

This optional fee covers the cost of our editor's time and expertise in refining the flow and narrative of your images. This involves working closely with you to optimize the order and arrangement of photographs for maximum impact.

Fee Range: Fees vary depending on the project scope and may start from $300.

Responsibilities:
• The Photographer is responsible for covering this fee if they choose to use Ephemere's editing services.

• The Publisher may act as the editor, or other editors may be involved, depending on the agreement.

This optional fee covers the cost of designing your book, including layout, typography, and cover design. The Publisher collaborates with a team of talented book designers, each with their own unique style and portfolio.

Fee Range: Design fees vary depending on the designer and the complexity of the project. Fees may start from $500. Ephemere contributors include a roster of designers with varying professional fees and talents.

Responsibilities:
• The Photographer is responsible for covering this fee if they choose to use Ephemere's design services.

• The Publisher may provide design services or facilitate communication between the Photographer and designer, depending on the agreement.

This fee covers the cost of shipping the Photographer's copies of the book to them.

Fee Range: Fees vary depending on the destination and weight of the package.

Responsibilities:
• The Photographer is responsible for covering this fee.

• The Publisher is responsible for arranging the shipping and providing tracking information to the Photographer.

Includes: 50% of the total estimated cost, including the Publishing Fee, the initial estimated Printing Fee, Editing Fee (if applicable), and Designing Fee (if applicable).

Due: After the Photographer accepts the agreement.

Includes: The remaining balance of the total estimated cost, plus any adjustments to the printing costs (including potential color proofing fees and any other changes).

Due: Before printing begins.

Includes: Shipping fees for the Photographer's copies of the book, plus any other additional expenses that may have arisen during the project.

Due: Upon completion of printing.

This 50/50 split option is ideal for photographers who wish to directly engage with their audience and manage a portion of their book's distribution. By splitting the distribution responsibilities, photographers have the opportunity to sell copies through their own channels, fostering personal connections with buyers and potentially reaching new audiences. This approach also allows photographers to recoup a portion of their investment, while simultaneously contributing to Ephemere's mission through the 50/50 revenue share.

Distribution
• Photographer and Ephemere equally split the distribution responsibilities.
• This model is unique to Ephemere, offering photographers direct control over their book's distribution.

Sales and Revenue
• Net sales revenue is split 50/50 between the photographer and Ephemere.
• This approach allows photographers to recoup a portion of their investment.

Ephemere Support
• Photographers simultaneously contribute to Ephemere's mission through the 50/50 revenue share.
• Optional: Photographers may choose to donate 100% of their sales revenue to Ephemere, becoming a collaborator in supporting future projects.

This 100% donation option is perfect for photographers who prefer a hands-off approach, entrusting Ephemere to handle all aspects of distribution and sales. By choosing this option, photographers can focus entirely on their creative work, knowing that Ephemere will manage the entire process. Furthermore, by donating 100% of the sales revenue, photographers become valued collaborators, directly supporting Ephemere's ability to publish future projects and showcase emerging artists.

Distribution
• Ephemere manages all distribution.
• Photographers receive 10% of copies as artist prints.

Sales and Revenue
• 100% of the net sales revenue is donated to Ephemere.
• Photographers can focus entirely on their creative work, knowing that Ephemere will manage the entire process.

Ephemere Support
• Photographers become valued collaborators, directly supporting Ephemere's ability to publish future projects and showcase emerging artists.

After the first payment is received, we will add your project to the "Upcoming Publications" section on our website.

Once the printing is finished, your book will be featured in our online catalog (also accessible through our online shop).

Depending on the publishing package you choose, your book may also be featured in our online journal, with an interview or review.

We actively promote your book on our social media channels, primarily Instagram, reaching our engaged audience of photography enthusiasts.

We'll also announce your book in our email newsletters, sharing it with Ephemere subscribers. Additionally, the Publisher may share about your book through her personal Substack publication.

We encourage you to share "works in progress" posts and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your book's creation on social media, tagging Ephemere and the Publisher to expand your reach.

Additional social media posts beyond those included in the chosen package will require a separate budget. Fees for these can be discussed separately.

We are dedicated to showcasing our published books at relevant events and festivals to increase visibility and generate sales. We have a strong track record of participating in prestigious events, including:

Tokyo Art Book Fair
Indonesia Photo Fair
Singapore International Photography Festival
Taipei Art Book Fair
Kuala Lumpur Art Book Fair

The Publisher curates the titles to represent at relevant events at their own expense and discretion. Several factors influence this selection, including event suitability, resource availability, and the Photographer's chosen publishing package.

Both the Publisher and the Photographer may choose to give away free copies of the book for promotional purposes, such as sending copies to photobook reviewers, artbook store owners, or potential partners. This can help increase the book's visibility and generate interest.

Both Photographer and Publisher agree to hold confidential all information shared during the course of this publishing project, including but not limited to financial details, marketing strategies, and any proprietary information related to the Book.

This information shall not be disclosed to any third party without the express written consent of the other party, unless required by law.

The Photographer retains all copyright and intellectual property rights to their work.

The Publisher is granted a non-exclusive license to use the Photographer's work for the purpose of publishing and promoting the Book.

The Photographer's name and copyright notice will be prominently displayed in the Book.

The project may be terminated by either party for any reason by providing written notice (e.g., via email) to the other party.

In the event of termination by the Photographer, all payments made to the Publisher shall be forfeited and will remain with Ephemere.

In the event of termination by the Publisher, all payments made by the Photographer shall be fully refunded to the Photographer.