The Homestretch
The Homestretch is for author-publishers who have a copy edited manuscript, ready-for-production illustrations, and are ready for the interior and the cover to be finalized for print.
$2,500
Payable in 2 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 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 Homestretch is best for author-publishers who have production-ready art from an experienced picture book illustrator and are now looking for a seasoned picture book producer to join their team to complete the project.
Quick FAQ
- YOU are the publisher. This is not a vanity publishing or a hybrid publishing program. All accounts are setup in your name.
- Proofread is included.
- This timeframe is 2-4 months.
The Homestretch 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.
- 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
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.
- Print-ready PDFs for your printer’s specs
- Digital Advance Reader Copy
- Each spread as a JPG file
- Cover as a JPG file
- 3D mock-ups of the cover and 3 interior spreads
- Source files
$2,500
(payable in 2 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.