FROM MANUSCRIPT TO BOOKSHELF
See what happens from your first conversation to your finished book.
Every author's journey is different, but the path from a finished manuscript to a printed, published book follows a consistent
process. Here's a look at what to expect when you work with us — from our first conversation to the day your book is ready for readers.
Your Story Stays Yours
From the very first page, you retain full ownership of your book manuscript, your characters, and your brand. We’re here to bring
your vision to life in print – the story and the intellectual property stay with you.
The Publishing Journey
Discovery & Agreement
We start with a conversation about your vision for the book — your story, your goals, and your
timeline. Once we're aligned, we put everything in writing in a Publishing & Production Agreement that spells out the services,
schedule, and each party's rights before any work begins.
Cover Design
We design a complete cover — front, back, and spine — with revisions included to make sure it's an accurate, exciting first impression of your book.
With everything approved, your book moves into production. We'll also share
marketing guidance and strategies to help you plan a successful launch.
Character Design & Interior Illustrations
This is a collaborative stage: you can share illustration notes and reference
images to guide how your characters look and feel. Once initial character concepts are approved, illustrations are delivered in
batches for your review, with revision rounds built in at no extra cost.
Interior Formatting & Digital Proof
Once illustrations and edits are finalized, your book is formatted into a professional,
print-ready interior. You'll receive a digital proof to review closely and request any final adjustments before anything goes to print.
Test Print
Before full production, you'll receive a physical proof copy of your book — your chance to hold it, review it in print, and flag any final corrections.
ISBN & Distribution Setup
We assign your book's ISBN and set it up across major print distribution channels, along with
guidance on how each channel works so you know where your book will be available.
Editing & Proofreading
Your manuscript goes through developmental feedback, structural editing, copyediting, and
proofreading. For picture books, this also includes attention to pacing, page turns, and read-aloud flow. We don't move into
illustration until the story itself is in great shape — the number of revision rounds depends on your desired timeline.
Printing, Launch & Marketing Guidance
Good to Know
Timeline:
We'll agree on a production schedule together at the outset. Your timeline and desired number of revision rounds go hand in hand — a more flexible schedule allows for more rounds of feedback, while a tighter deadline means we'll plan for a more streamlined revision process. Delays in feedback or missing materials can extend delivery times.
Payment:
Project costs are paid in three installments tied to key milestones: one at signing, one roughly halfway through interior illustrations, and the final installment prior to printing and distribution setup. Every project is quoted individually based on its specific scope — we'll walk through the full cost breakdown together before you sign anything. Payment installments can be negotiated.
Review Rounds:
You'll have structured opportunities to review and request changes at every major stage — manuscript edits, llustrations, the cover, the digital proof, and the test print — so nothing goes to print without your sign-off.
After Launch:
Our relationship doesn't end at printing. We're happy to talk through reorders, expanded distribution, or future titles whenever you're ready for what's next.
