The Deep Dive
The Deep Dive is for author-publishers who have an unedited manuscript and no illustrator. I am with you one-on-one through each step of the publishing process, building your book as we go.
The Deep Dive is ideal for clients who want everything included in The Total Package but need more flexibility on which illustrator they want to work with. For example, some illustrators charge $20,000 per project, so they can not be retained under The Total Package.
Payable in 8 installments.
The Right Fit
You want to publish your own books or books by other authors. You value having a veteran publishing coach and book productr on your team to reduce the learning curve. You want to learn the professional processes for creating a retail-ready book that competes alongside traditionally published titles.
Credentials
Since 2012, I have designed and assisted in the development of 1,000+ books across multiple genres and layout complexities. While the foundational years of my business were spent in the nonfiction realm for adult readers, I turned my full attention to producing picture books in 2023—my first true love.
Overview
The Deep Dive provides the framework, the resources, and the foundational knowledge of the publishing industry you need to make the right decisions in your business. You’ll be able to replicate this process without me for future books if you choose to do so.
Quick FAQ
- YOU are the publisher. This is not a vanity publishing or a hybrid publishing program. All accounts are setup in your name.
- All three levels of editing are included.
- Illustrations are included.
- Design is included.
- This is a 12-month timeframe.
The Deep Dive Includes:
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
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
$8,000
(payable in 8 installments)
To Help with Your Due Diligence
At the end of each project, I make a 2-minute video to showcase our teamwork. I’m big on due diligence around here, and I highly encourage you to review my work before scheduling a fit call. While each book is crafted with intention and has its own unique vibe, good design principles are always followed. These videos will give you a feel for who I am as a designer.
Okay, now you're ready to schedule your fit call!
During the scheduling process, you’ll have an opportunity to share some information about yourself and your project.