Print-on-demand technology has opened up a new world for authors. You can now self-publish your book quickly and easily instead of relying on traditional publishers. You retain more control over the finished product, and your book will be available to readers worldwide. You’ll receive royalties from your book sales without spending thousands of dollars up front for a print run.

But you still need your book to look professional and attractive. Ideally, readers (and potential vendors such as local bookstores) should not be able to tell that it was self-published. You’ve done the hard part – the writing – but the presentation is still important, especially from a marketing perspective. An appealing cover and polished interior content and design will help ensure your book’s success. That’s where I come in.

I take your manuscript and transform it into a finished book, with a wide variety of possible services depending on your unique needs and where you are in the process. I can take care of all the details on the inside – from editing or proofing the text itself, to formatting the layout, to preparing images for printing – as well as create an eye-catching cover that will look great both on a physical display and in an online storefront. I can convert a new or existing print book to an ebook to broaden your market. I can design collateral materials such as postcards and flyers that complement your book cover, as well as a header/images for your blog or website. I can also assist you in selecting a print-on-demand platform, and provide guidance through the self-publishing process at whatever level you require, up to and including doing all of the uploading and online setup for your book files.

I generally recommend using one of the major print-on-demand companies such as Lulu, KDP or IngramSpark. They will provide an ISBN, print your books, and make them available internationally on Amazon.com and other online retailers, as well as fulfilling orders from bookstores and libraries. Depending on the company chosen, you will have many options for different trim sizes, binding types, paper quality and interior color. Aside from ordering an initial proof copy, they don’t charge any up front costs (or only nominal fees) and you are paid royalties via direct deposit on a monthly basis. If preferred, however, I can also work with specialty printers such as Blurb and Book Baby, and can design for small press runs as well.

When you contact me to discuss your book, we’ll determine which services are appropriate and I will then give you a firm quote and timeline, with all the details outlined in a brief contract. I require 1/2 of the payment up-front, and 1/2 when the work is completed, after which I will provide all the finalized files. Payment is accepted via Paypal (which processes all major credit cards) or personal check.

At the outset of the design process I will ask you for certain critical pieces of information as well as any preferences you may have in regard to stylistic elements. This document provides some basic checklists to get you started.