How much will my book design cost?
There are many variables contributing to cost. Some of these variables include the length of the book (word count), how much interior imagery is required, whether cover art is provided, or if it needs to be created from scratch, and if last minute edits are required. A payment plan is worked into our contract from the beginning (see design process) and additional breakdown may be negotiated.
What do I need to have before we can begin?
Before the cover design can begin, you should have your title, back cover summary, and any other cover text that you would like to include. It also helps if you have an initial idea of what you’d like to portray on your cover. If you don’t, we can work through a design consultation, where the design direction is discussed and agreed upon. If you wish to include an author bio, you will need to provide that text as well as a high resolution author photo. The inclusion of a bio is optional and can be placed either on the back cover or in the interior of the book.
Before I can begin the interior layout design process, you will need to have the final version of your manuscript completed. You will have one final round at the end for additional text edits and corrections, but these should be minor at the interior design phase.
What privacy and other protections do you provide?
You can rest assured that I will not share or otherwise publish your work, nor will I display your book as an example of my design, without your permission.
You will pay no fees, and no design will begin, until we have a contract of work in place.
What is your design process? How will this work?
Initial Consult
During this phase, you will describe your needs and the parameters of your book. I will give you a quote and we will sign a contract of work.
Book Design: Chapter 1
At this point, you will pay 40% of the quoted price. For interior design, I will do a mock-up of the front matter and first chapter (up to 25 pages). You will have two rounds of edits for this mock-up.
For cover design, I will provide you with two concepts (if desired) based upon discussion of your vision for the cover. Again, time and cost for the cover design will depend upon what you are providing and how much original design you may require. You will choose one of the concepts with which to move forward.
Book Design: Chapter 2
For interior design, I will do a full layout of the manuscript based upon the approved design. You will get two rounds of edits after this full layout is complete.
For cover design, you will get two rounds of design edits and one text edit based upon the concept chosen.
Book Design: Chapter 3
Once the interior design is finished and approved, and ebook conversion has been secured in the contract, I will convert the interior to ePUB and MOBI formats for your use as ebooks.
I will also provide you with a flat JPG of the front cover for use with your ebook, as well as a 3d version of the cover for marketing use.
Book Design: Chapter 4
After final approval of all edits, you will make your final payment of the quote (plus any additional fees that you may have incurred). Upon receipt of payment, you will receive all of the final files required to send your book to be self-published.
How do I get an ISBN for my book?
You can get an ISBN at no additional cost from some book publishers, but this may create obligations to that publisher. This is up to you, but I highly discourage the use of the free ISBN. If you purchase your ISBN, you will be free to publish your book with whomever you choose in the future. Buying a personalized ISBN helps you retain all of the rights to your book. Bowker.com is the best place to purchase barcodes, and has a lot of good information for authors. Some reasons to purchase your own ISBN:
- You will be the publisher of record, so you can publish or sell the book with any publisher or bookstore you wish.
- If you plan on writing several books or a series, it makes sense to have your own publishing imprint on your books going forward. This helps you market your work better, and for readers to find you easier.
- You have control over your book’s metadata, which are the descriptions and categories that help libraries, bookstores, and readers discover your book and decide whether they want to purchase it. In today’s digital world, this greatly helps its chances of being found and purchased by your target audience.
What if I want to send my book to a traditional publishing house rather than self-publish?
My services are geared to help you publish your book by whatever means you wish. My files are print-ready, and should work with any publishing company that you choose.
Can you design marketing and promotional materials?
Yes. I can design social media ads, banners, audiobook covers, book signing flyers, bookmarks…and many other extras for an additional fee after the book cover has been approved and purchased.