Publishing a book involves a lot of moving parts, especially if you're doing it for the first time. Here are answers to some of the questions I hear most often from authors.

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What does your book cover design service include?

Every cover begins with getting to know your book, its audience, and where it fits in the marketplace. I read your manuscript or review the material you provide, research comparable titles, and develop at least three original cover concepts for you to consider.

 

Once we've selected a direction, we'll refine the design through up to three rounds of revisions. Your final files include the complete print cover—front, spine, and back—as well as an ebook cover, prepared to the specifications of your chosen printer or publishing platform.

 

Stock photography or illustration licensing is included when specified in your proposal.

 

How involved will I be in the design process?

Very! This is your book, and the best results come from collaboration.

 

At the beginning of the project, we'll talk about your book, your audience, your ideas, and any visual directions you may already have in mind. I'll bring my design and publishing experience to the process, while making sure you have plenty of opportunity to provide feedback as the design develops.

 

How many cover revisions are included?

Cover design includes up to three rounds of refinement after you select a concept.

 

Most projects reach a final design within that timeframe. If you'd like to explore additional directions or make substantial changes beyond the included rounds, I'm happy to continue at an additional fee.

 

What if I'm not sure what I want my cover to look like?

That's completely fine—and very common.

 

You don't need to come to me with a finished visual idea. Part of my job is translating the themes, tone, audience, and positioning of your book into a visual direction. We'll discuss your book at the beginning of the project, and I'll research your market before developing the initial concepts.

 

What is included in Interior Book Design?

Interior Book Design goes well beyond simply placing your manuscript into pages.

 

I create a visual system appropriate for your book that may include typography, margins and spacing, chapter openings, headings, running heads, page numbers, front and back matter, and special elements such as lists, pull quotes, tables, photographs, or other content.

 

Once the design is established, I format the complete manuscript and provide a print-ready PDF prepared to your printer or publishing platform's specifications.

 

Does my manuscript need to be final before interior design begins?

Yes. Your manuscript should be fully edited and as close to final as possible before interior formatting begins.

You'll have an opportunity to proofread the formatted interior and provide corrections, but significant rewriting, new sections, or substantial changes after layout has begun can require portions of the book to be reformatted and may result in an additional fee.

 

Can you create an ebook too?

Yes. I can convert your final approved interior into a professionally formatted, reflowable ePub suitable for ebook distribution.

 

Because the ePub is created from the final book, I recommend completing and approving the print interior before ebook production begins.

 

Can you help me publish my book on Amazon and IngramSpark?

Yes. My Publishing & Upload Support service is designed for authors who don't want to navigate the technical side of publishing alone.

 

I can assist with uploading your final print and ebook files to KDP and IngramSpark, setting up metadata, keywords and categories, reviewing digital proofs, and troubleshooting file or upload issues that arise during the initial setup.

 

You'll always maintain ownership and control of your publishing accounts.

 

Do you provide ISBNs?

No, but I can guide you through obtaining your ISBNs and setting them up correctly, but I recommend that authors purchase and own their own ISBNs.

 

Do you edit or proofread manuscripts?

No, my primary role is book design and production rather than copyediting or proofreading. Your manuscript should be professionally edited before interior design begins.

 

I will often notice things during the design process and flag them for you, but this isn't a substitute for a professional editor or proofreader.

 

How long does the process take?

Timing varies depending on the project, manuscript length and complexity, and how quickly feedback and materials are provided.

 

We'll establish a schedule before the project begins so you'll know what to expect at each stage. If you're working toward a specific publication or launch date, please let me know as early as possible.

 

What do I need to provide before we begin?

For cover design, I'll need your manuscript or a detailed description of the book along with any relevant information about your audience, genre, and publishing plans.

 

Before the final print cover can be completed, I'll also need your final page count, approved back-cover and/or flap copy, ISBN/barcode information, author photo if applicable, and your printer or publishing specifications.

 

For interior design, I'll need your final edited manuscript along with any photographs, illustrations, tables, charts, or other materials that will appear in the book.

 

Can you design an author website too?

Yes. I design custom author and book websites that give readers, media, and potential collaborators a professional place to learn more about you and your work.

 

Websites can include book information, author bios, reviews, galleries, contact forms, links to purchase your books, and other content appropriate to your needs.

 

Do you work with traditionally published authors or only independent authors?

I work primarily with independent authors and small publishers, but my approach comes from years of experience working in traditional publishing.

 

That combination allows me to bring professional publishing standards and market awareness to authors who are publishing on their own.

 

What is the Author Advantage Package?

The Author Advantage Package is for authors who want one person to help manage the major design and production pieces of their book.

 

It brings together Custom Book Cover Design, Interior Book Design, ePub Conversion, and Publishing & Upload Support in one streamlined package—giving your book a cohesive visual identity and simplifying the path from manuscript to publication.

 

How much will my project cost?

Every book is a little different. Cover Design begins at $1,350 and Interior Book Design begins at $1,200, based on a primarily text manuscript of approximately 60,000 words.

 

Books with extensive photographs, illustrations, tables, charts, footnotes, complex formatting, or significantly longer manuscripts may require additional design and production time.

 

After learning more about your project, I'll provide a proposal outlining the scope and cost before we begin.

How do we get started?

 

Schedule a free consultation and tell me a little about your book and where you are in the publishing process.

 

We'll talk about what you need, what stage your manuscript is in, and how I can help you move it toward publication.