What this is: for a fixed price that is a fraction of what you’d pay to a hybrid publisher, Paul will prepare your manuscript for self-publishing, creating a book that looks and feels like it came from a large press, and is submitted into the book sales and distribution system—in 30 days or less.

This is right for you if have:

• a novel, memoir, short story or essay collection, or book of poetry
• a fully completed—clean and proofread—manuscript
• properly licensed or personally owned cover art

This is not right for you if your book has:

• non-standard or artistic interior design (we use an attractive but standard template; samples available)
• layout-intensive content such as extensive illustrations, sidebars, pull quotes, as is common with business, self-help, and similar nonfiction trade books
• objectionable content (distasteful, libelous, misogynistic, racist, phobic, etc.)

Your book is not ready for this service if: it has not finished. That is, if you plan to make any more changes; or if it hasn’t been extensively and completely proofread (if I see more than a few errors I’ll stop work and send the book back to you for revision).

What does it cost? $900.

What does that include? From your files I’ll create the layout for the book interior and wraparound paperback cover, with extensive attention detail so that every page looks like it came from a traditional publisher. You’ll get an ARC (advanced reader copy) before the book goes live so that you can check every page. Once the files are approved by you the book will get a release date, go into production, and will be part of the international book distribution system, available for order from anywhere. Finally, I’ll make an account for you at IngramSpark that, after my work is done, will give you total control over your book.

Optional extras:

• An ISBN that you own (prices vary; we’ll talk about your options)
• Proofreading: $3/page prose, double-spaced); $1/page poetry
• Hardcover wraparound layout: $150
• Ebook conversion by IngramSpark: $0.60 per page

What is Paul’s experience? I have done book design, layout, and production for dozens of books for two small publishers, ICSC Press and Charlotte Lit Press.

Who will be the publisher? Either IngramSpark or whatever imprint name you choose for yourself. We can talk about that so that you can make a good choice.

A key question you might be asking: “Can’t I just do this myself?” Sure! Many people do. But if you don’t already have the skills and knowledge you need, how long will it take you to acquire them?

How is this different than hybrid publishing? Hybrid publishing means you pay for everything—between $5,000 and $10,000—and the publisher does the work of making the book and getting it into the distribution system. I’ll do that for $900. Note that the hybrid publisher’s fee includes things my fee doesn’t—with great variation by publisher—such as line editing, proofreading, cover design, and marketing. I believe that you can do or hire out all those tasks for less. Hybrid publishing is right for you if you want everything done, turn-key, and you need some hand-holding. I’m not going to do much or any hand-holding. I’m just going to make you a great book and get it out there.