There is nothing worse than working with a new person and having no idea where this journey is going to take you. It’s like falling down a rabbit hole and ending up in wonderland. Let me assuage your fears. Here is my book process and why I work this way. If you have any questions, I’m here for you! Don’t hesitate to ask.

 

Initial contact

You are having a tough time with your book design, or book concept. It’s frustrating you to no end and taking up way too much of your valuable time. You think, wouldn’t it be great to have someone do this thing I don’t like or I’m not skilled at. You do a Google search and there I am…your Book Guide to lead you out of the muck and mire to the paradise of palm trees and umbrella drinks...or at least it feels that way.

 

 

Proposal

We aren’t getting married. It’s not that kind of journey, but we will be working very closely together to take your book from drab to fab. The proposal phase is kind of like Online dating. We have to get to know each other and see if working together is a good fit. You’ll fill out a Creative Brief, telling me all about your beautiful project. I’ll send you a Proposal Agreement that says "Hey I like you and would like to work with you." If you feel the same, you will read, sign, and send it back to me. Then, I’ll sign it and send you a signed copy.

 

 

Payment

Yeah, it’s that time! After the Proposal is signed, you’ll pay the first payment outlined in the Proposal. As soon as I receive payment, your project will be scheduled on my calendar. Congratulations! You’ve just booked your journey for an amazing book adventure!

 

 

Project Management Set-up

Once your adventure is booked and everything is scheduled, you’ll get a Welcome Packet from me that tells you all about my process. First, we’ll get you all set-up in my Project Management system, Trello. This is where we'll communicate through the rest of the process.

 

 

First Draft

This is where the journey gets exciting! I get to reveal the first phase of our adventure together…the first draft! The First Draft for your project will include: interior and/or 3 cover samples, and color choices. You’ll get the chance to make changes. You’ll hear me say, “What do you like and what would you like to see different?” You’ll be able to change the First Draft twice (two revisions). Any more than that, and there will be an extra $100 for each change, so thoroughly review each draft for revisions.

 

 

Final Design Approval/Second Payment

Congratulations! The design is approved! We’re ready to go to your next destination! Isn’t this a fun adventure?! First, you’ll need to pay the second payment outlined in the Proposal.

 

 

Self-publishing Set Up

Your adventure is moving along! Here we are at the next destination! You'll need to set up your account with

CreateSpace, and let me know your sign-on information (you can change it after we're done), so I can set up your self-publishing book profile. If you are choosing to publish a digital book as a PDF, Kindle, Nook, or I-books, those accounts will need to be set up as well. I will walk you through step-by-step!

 

 

File Upload and Review

We are so close! Our adventure is coming to an end. It’s time to prepare and get ready to implement any marketing plans. Once your final project is approved, you’ll need to pay the final payment, as outlined in the Proposal. We’re coming in for a landing! You've made any final changes to your book. We're almost ready to upload the files.

 

 

Upload and Proof Order

When I have received your final payment, I will upload and check your files on CreateSpace. Once the files are approved by CreateSpace as good to print, you'll order a proof. The proof will arrive in 7 to 15 working days. You'll need to review this VERY carefully for anything that got missed or misplaced in the upload of the file. Minor corrections are included in your fee. Any major changes, like replacement text or image replacements will incur a $100 charge per incident.

 

 

Approval to Print

We have arrived at our destination! Your project is going live! Woohoo…throwing the confetti! I’ll celebrate with you with some horn-tooting for your book on my social media accounts, as well as my blog and newsletter. We'll also schedule a training session where I can show you around CreateSpace, and how to maintain your book going forward, as well as order copies of the book. It will be recorded and sent to you for your future use. You'll also get a bonus pack of goodies from me for your ongoing book adventures.

 

 

Farewell

At the end of the project, you’ll have 2 weeks of support from your faithful tour guide...ME! You’ll also receive a Farewell packet regarding how to contact me if you need any updates to your book, a feedback form (that is greatly appreciated), and helpful resources for you and your book going forward. Oh…I’m so sad to see you go!

 

 

Why do I do things this way?

It’s super-fun for me and hopefully for you as well. Everything flows, and you and I know that we’re on the same page! Getting you from a so-so book or E-book project that was frustrating and time-consuming (or that you just plain hated) to one that lights you up, and that you’re proud to show everyone…that really floats my boat!