how it works
Let's prepare you for success.
You want a book that sells and makes you look like the
quality publisher you are. No problem. I got you.
1. Research my One-on-One Retail-Ready Children's Book Course.
I’ve been in this industry for fifteen years and I’ve seen a lot of publishing courses around town—but none of them even come close to the education, the experience, and the quality book that my course delivers.
This is a 12-month journey, because perfection can not be rushed. I am with you one-on-one through each step of the publishing process, building your book and your knowledge of the publishing industry as we go.
Read up on all the details. Then, if you like what you see, request a fit call.
2. Request a free fit call.
Request a call with me so we can get to know each other. I’ll ask you a few questions to see if I can help you publish the book of your dreams. If I can’t help you, I’m going to tell you straight up.
We’ll discuss what your specific needs are, and if we’re a good fit, I’ll send a proposal over based on your project’s parameters.
This article will help you determine if we are a good fit.
3. After the proposal is accepted, I'll invite you to schedule a Publishing Strategy session.
You’ve invested in publishing a book, and I’m going to make sure we select the best options for design, layout, marketing elements, and printing—all while educating you along the way!
Over Zoom, we’ll nail down any remaining details, chat about expectations, and get the ball rolling.
We’ll also have a general Q&A about the publishing process so I can answer any questions you have, as well as ones you may not even know to ask (because, hey, you don’t know what you don’t know!).
4. Then, you get The Melinda Experience™.
The Melinda Experience™ is for ambitious publishers who want a professionally produced book and want to have a good time while moving through the experience! I have poured hours into smoothing out the publishing process for my authors and publishers to maximize everyone’s time and energy.
I’m going to design an amazing book that you will be proud to market. You’re going to be like “WHAT?! This is MY book?” with tears streaming down your face. I promise. It’s going to be so, so good.
"She went above and beyond, Melinda made it possible and is worth every cent and more!"
My partner and I made the most fortuitous decision to hire Melinda to be our guide. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Melinda not only helped design and layout our book in spectacular fashion, but she helped us every step of the way. She made suggestions regarding formatting, advised on how to best execute the watercolor paintings for print, and helped find an editor that fit our style of book. More than that, she was the most patient teacher and never made us feel awkward or hesitant to ask a question. She was quick and clear with responses, often sharing videos for us “visual” learners. I will definitely recommend her to all of my friends who are writers and illustrators.
Mary Pat Kanaley —Mary Pat Kanaley, Co-Author and Illustrator of “Ponies in the Park”
Even though the style will change from genre to genre, good design principles remain the same.
"JR's Jeepney Journey: A Story About Finding Home" by Roanne Gadia and illustrated by Cha Consul. JR is a Fil-Am boy who is missing his American home while he visits his Lola in the Philippines. Roanne is Fil-Am and Cha is Filipino, and this book celebrates Filipino culture and introduces kids to the Tagalog language. This book is currently in production and will be available Spring 2026.
"The Dreamer: A Story About Believing in Yourself" by Nicole Burton and illustrated by Micah Rauch. This is a 10x8 jacketed hardback. It features a red linen cover with a gold foil title treatment. This book is currently in production and will be available Spring 2026.
"Fort Night" by Jimmy Vee and illustrated by Emma Clements is a 10x10 jacketed case laminate hardcover. It features a peek-a-boo cover. Click to take a 15-second book design tour. Available Spring 2026.
I work with ambitious, savvy people who 1) see high quality book design as an investment in their future success and 2) respect the process and advice of the expert they hired. If you can’t make decisions, take yourself too seriously, or have control issues, we aren’t a good fit!
If it seems like we’d be a good match. Book a fit call and we’ll see!
As a production artist, I design books that work with any type of printing process. Some authors like the convenience of print-on-demand, while others require a professional printer (short-run digital or offset) to best meet the tactile experience their book requires.
Absolutely not. Although I’ve designed plenty of bestsellers, no one can predict which books go to the top—not even big shot publishing houses!
What I do is help your book become the best it can possibly be, giving it the best possible chance of it climbing the charts, making you your money back, showing you off as the credible expert you are, and adding clients and opportunities to your business.
The reality is that books ARE judged by their cover, and poorly done or DIY covers just don’t sell because they don’t look like they contain credible information. I know what works in the book industry, and quality design is essential.
Good things to take time! This is a 1-year commitment to go from looking at a draft of your manuscript to holding your professionally printed books in your hot little hands.