The Design Studio

The Design Studio is for author-publishers who have a copy edited manuscript and an illustrator who is ready to get to work. I work with you to develop the tech specs for your project, review artwork at each stage of development, and create print-ready cover and interior files. 

$6,000

Payable in 6 installments.

Request a fit call

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The Right Fit

You want to publish your own books or books by other authors. You value having a veteran publishing coach and book producer on your team to reduce the learning curve. You want to abide by the professional processes for creating a retail-ready picture 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 Design Studio is best for author-publishers who have already selected an experienced picture book illustrator and are now looking for a seasoned picture book producer to join their team to take the project from storyboard through completion.

Quick FAQ

  1. YOU are the publisher. This is not a vanity publishing or a hybrid publishing program. All accounts are setup in your name.
  2. Proofread is included.
  3. Illustrations are not included.
  4. Design is included.
  5. Most illustrators require 4-6 months to complete illustrations. Because of this, the timeframe to complete production will range between 6 – 9 months.

(Read more.)

The Design Studio Includes:

Before your book goes to print, it will be paired with an editor for proofreading. All text for your book will be proofread against the Chicago Manual of Style.

Your book should have already received a developmental edit and a copy edit prior to working with us.

  • Creative brief
  • 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

Regardless of the path you choose, I will see you through the complete printing process, which will include physical proofs of your book, final sign-off on production, and delivery of your books.
  • Publishing strategy session
  • Education at each stage of the process
  • 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

My years as a network administrator really gave me a leg up on all of the file management needed for publishing books.
 
It is very common for projects to conclude with the creation of over 500 files—and sometimes double that!
 
I manage and organize all of the files for your project on a cloud-based server so you can have immediate access to any files that have been created for you.

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

$6,000

(payable in 6 installments)

Request a fit call

Compare all packages.

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.

Request a fit call

Looking for my adult nonfiction book services? Visit this page.

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Free Workflow Process: How to Organize Your Manuscript.