Before you officially become a client, we start with a preliminary manuscript assessment during our fit call. Sometimes quite a bit of work is required on the front-end to prepare your manuscript for next steps, and I want you to know my proposed course of action before you commit.

After onboarding, your manuscript will go through several touchpoints as we work out the pagination and art notes.

All text in your book will be edited against the Chicago Manual of Style.

I will manage all communication between you and the different levels of editors required to get your manuscript into top-notch shape.

• Development edit
• Copy edit
• Proofreading of print-ready PDFs

Yes, quality illustrations are included in this course, and I prioritize selecting the right illustrator for your project. 

I do not employ any illustrators. Each illustrator is hired as a freelancer, and I hire illustrators from all over the world. If your book is specific to a region or culture, I priortize finding an illustrator from that region or culture.

It may be someone I’ve worked with previously or I may bring on a new illustrator just for your project.

Each project will go through contract negotiations so both parties (you and the illustrator) will have the opportunity to address any and all aspects related to the illustrating of your project.

Creative direction is the special sauce that takes your book to the retail-ready level. Most illustrators prefer working with a creative director, because it safeguards their creative energy and protects them from scope creep.

As the creative director, I prepare the book for pass-off to the illustrator, work on the book midstream with the illustrator, and commit several days to the finessing of the book long after the illustrator’s work is through.

• Initial character sketch for assessment
• Creative brief
• Illustrator contract
• Illustrator communication
• 2 rounds of storyboarding
• 2 rounds of line art
• 2 rounds of color
• Dust jacket design
• Secondary cover design
• Typesetting
• Title treatment
• Series branding
• Barcode generation
• Print coordinator

Professional Printing

This program includes educating you on how to go direct to the short-run or offset printer of your choice, regardless of their location.

Although I will coordinate all activity with the printer, no printed books are included in this price.

As of Spring 2026, an offset print run of 3000 picture book units going directly through a reputable printer in China averages $1.75 per unit ($5K total), and that includes DDP shipping.

Prices vary based on trim size, number of pages, and options.

Print-On-Demand

You may also opt for a print-on-demand paperback version of your book. If you select this option, then this course will also include files needed for that service, as well as uploading the book to the POD platform of your choice under your account.

Print Proofs

There is a lot to learn about this industry! This course not only teaches you the essentials, it is also custom-fit to your specific needs as a publisher.  

• Publishing strategy session
• Education at each stage of the process
• Manuscript assessment
• Mid-project Zoom calls
• Email support
• Resource connections

Team Management

While you will be included in various communication points along the way with the illustrator and the printer, my goal is to serve as the sole point of communication between you and the various members that are hired for your project.

This helps streamline communication, avoid confusion, and prevent scope creep.

File Management

Account Management

A variety of accounts will be required for the professional publishing of your book.

All accounts will be setup in your name.

• Up to 2 formal copyrights filed with copyright.gov
• Library of Congress Control Number
• PCIP block
• Bowker account for ISBN purchases (10 ISBNs included)
• Any additional accounts that are specific to your project
  • For example, if you choose to sell on Amazon, then I will help you through navigating that process. However, not every client wants to sell on Amazon.

As you begin to market your book, you’ll discover that you need way more than just your physical book to properly meet the market’s demands.

• 2-minute video showcasing your book
• Print-ready PDFs for your printer’s specs
• Fixed-format ePub
• Digital Advance Reader Copy
• Each spread as a JPG file
• Cover as a JPG file
• Sell Sheet
• Cover elements as individual PNG files
• 3D mock-ups of the cover and 3 interior spreads
• Source files

I don’t just drop you in the grease after our official time together is up. I am an advocate for you in the author-publishing space and will remain available to answer questions via email and provide resources as needed.