how it works

a step-by-step pathway from edited manuscript to printed books

There’s truly nothing I love more than delighting my clients. To ensure we’re both happy campers at the end of our time together, we’ll collaborate using the following process:

1.     Let’s connect

Things kick off when you contact me to express interest in working together. I’ll get back to you promptly to have an initial chat about your particular project. If you’re not a chatter I’m happy to conduct all correspondence via email.

2.     Time to quote

All going well, after our initial chat, we will define the brief and draw out in detail what you want to achieve. I believe you and your book deserve more than a cookie-cutter approach, so you won’t find any one-size-fits-all packages here. Instead, based on your brief and unique requirements, I’ll provide a custom, no-obligation quote explaining exactly:

  • What you’ll get;

  • When you’ll get it; and

  • How much it will cost.

Quotes are valid for 60 days, with payments made in two or three stages after work commences.

3.     Down to business!

Once you’ve agreed to proceed, the next step is to send me your edited and approved manuscript. I’ll get down to work designing, and then send your cover and text concepts as PDF files via email. 

4.     Design review

You’ll then respond with your likes and dislikes, and we’ll go through up to two rounds of alterations to perfect your designs. 

5.     Design roll out

Next up, I’ll apply your approved design to your whole book, and supply the file as a PDF.

6.     Typesetting review

Now it’s time for you to review and mark up changes to your book in full. At this stage, you might like to engage a proofreader to ensure you don’t miss any errors or inconsistencies. I’m happy to recommend one if need be.

7.     Corrections

I’ll then take in any corrections, and send you a second PDF. We then repeat this review process once more if necessary, though the second round of changes is usually minimal. Any corrections beyond this second round will be charged by the hour.

8.     Approval and copyright transfer

Once you’ve approved your final file, I’ll send the press PDFs to the printer, and archive files to you for safekeeping. Once all payments are made, the design copyright automatically belongs to you. This means that the designs are yours to keep, and you’re welcome to use them if you end up getting a deal with a big-name publisher.

Overall timing

All in all, the above process from initial contact to printed books can vary from a few weeks to several months. I pride myself on my responsiveness and quick turnaround times, but this also relies on you (or your editor/proofreader) being available and timely with corrections. Printing and binding can usually be completed within two to three weeks for paperbacks and four to five weeks for hardbacks, once artwork files are approved.

Add-on services

If you are after support in launching and promoting your book, I can assist with marketing items such as business cards, bookmarks, launch invitations, flyers or posters.

Unfortunately I do not offer eBook services at this time but your completed print files can be used for conversion to ePub by other suppliers.

Important note

I am comfortable working on books of many different genres including topics that may be sensitive, confidential, religious or spiritual, crude, contentious and controversial, or contain views I do not share. It is not my place to comment on what you should or should not write about. However, if your manuscript is highly racist, sexist or derogatory to sections of the community I may decline to work on your project. There are limits to my tolerance.

What next?

All great things start with a chat! I’d love to hear from you, so please reach out and contact me here.