It definitely is a long process. I can’t really talk about the feeling of holding your own book though as I am not there yet myself, but it must be fantastic.
I would also be interested in knowing more about that publishing house. Sorry I meant to write my cousin, will do it soon, but maybe you are already quite happy with the suggestions so far!
Thank you - an advice will be an advice more!
For me - publishing is a step forward, like concentrating yourself not only on the content anymore, but you have to think about how to target it, to make the right cover, the right title - marketing is also a totally different new field. Then maybe you can do readings, open stage nights, whatever to push it more. Different level that means.
Yeah, there are a loooot of decisions involved. It’s always nice to get some help with these by the publisher, but not all of them do help of course. Anyone know of other publishers or ways to publish? I am just curious, I would not go there myself but I’m sure it would be interesting for anyone really. We all have that odd story we fantasize about publishing I guess 
There’s a huge difference between wanting to write and writing well enough to get traction. It helps to write what others want to read and will pay for.
Anyone can look into publishing via Amazon, low cost, ‘on demand.’ But then you need to find and build your market. You have to decide what’s important to you: just seeing your words printed (giving away your “book” as gifts) or making money or truly moving people. It’s also hard work, writing is the first part, editing is the second.
It’s rare nowadays to be picked up by a known publishing house without a reputation, recommendations, and track record; they want to know they can make money on you. Everyone likes to think they can be the next JK Rowling, magically discovered.
Still, I would long for an answer of your cousin, like also on what base you have to pay, is there any guidance on that what to expect?
@ lookingforward: and more difference to that what will get published and what will be promoted to gain more wide-spread … well … a hard business, because it is a business.
It’s the “building your market” part that I would find the most daunting I guess - to do all of that on your own, especially if you are not known yet, don’t have a huge amount of followers, or not even a blog (which is my case but then again I am not aspiring to be a writer).
And surely publishing over amazon is not as easy as it seems either right? What about all the hidden costs? (I am assuming there are some). It might be the cheapest route, but it all depends how much you find your time is worth too, because I am guessing it must take a lot of time to do all the promotion and marketing building yourself. So not an easy route in any case.
I haven’t read the entire thread, but I am a creative director on the copywriting side of things. I went into advertising after graduating from Penn years ago and it’s not a bad way to make a living…and plenty of copywriters have “side projects” like blogs, novels, etc.
@tantilla: As far as I can remember, he had several meetings and phone calls with them before he signed the contract… He wanted to be absolutely sure about that, so he has done a lot of research and asked experienced writers about their experiences with this publishing house. For sure, it has taken him a lot of time, but it was worth it 
He is now working on his third novel and will go with novum again as soon as it is finished… at our last meeting, he also told me that he is really satisfied with their services, because they not only take care of layout, editorial and graphics, but also of advertising and PR (I am pretty sure, that this is the most important part of becoming a published author – otherwise, nobody will notice you and your book :P) and because of that, his book already got exposed on book fairs to catch potential readers attraction (an e-book as well as a paperback version) that’s all I know so far but if you have further questions, don’t hesitate asking
SevenDad: I am not sure I get your point - that we should get into advertisement rather than writing? And that writing should be a thing on the side?
PonyPenny: sounds good to me as an amateur in this field 
speaking of book fairs, does anyone know when there will be some soonish in the UK and London region? Spring is always the best time to stock up on summer lectures
Thanx PonyPenny for sharing that with us again, I also had a look at their homepage and think that I may contact them, at least to have a phone talk or email to answer some more questions!
thanx everybody a lot, quite interesting and unique ideas.