On commencement, the editor reviews the complete manuscript and provides a sample edit of 3 to 5 pages, plus general feedback on any major structural issues and/or further requirements.

If the author is happy with the editor’s approach, the editor performs a comprehensive edit, with four stages:

1.   Editor makes first sweep of changes through the manuscript, with comments, questions, suggestions, notes and tracked changes.
2.   Author reviews the editor’s suggestions and improves the manuscript where required, then returns it to the editor.
3.   Editor makes second and final sweep through the whole manuscript, to complete their edit.
4.   Author reviews the final manuscript and agrees it is ready for layout to commence, or makes further changes, which are checked again.

A comprehensive edit includes THESE three components:

• Substantive editing (sometimes called structural or content editing) ensures that the structure, content, language, style and presentation of the document are suitable for its intended purpose and readership.
• Copyediting aims to achieve accuracy, clarity and consistency of language in a document.
• Proofreading: The document is checked and prepared for publishing. This includes ensuring all elements are included and in the proper order; all amendments have been inserted; the set style has been followed; and all spelling or punctuation errors have been corrected.

The author completes our Book Cover Design Brief to begin this stage, and the designer then provides a selection of front cover concepts, based on the brief, as a starting point.

Based on author’s feedback, front cover designs are reviewed and re-worked until the preferred option is decided. This quote includes two design rounds of concepts, then revisions of one or two preferred concepts until the final design is reached. (Excessive rounds of major changes may incur extra costs because of the added designer time involved.)

We purchase ISBNs and barcode in author’s name. (This cost is NOT included in this bundle – see ‘CHARGES’ below.)

Full cover designs for print & e-book are then finalised. Assistance with back cover blurb provided if required.

Full cover design is checked and approved by the author.

Interior design options are presented, based on the front cover style, then revised to determine preferred internal style.

Once the editing is finalised, the interior layout is completed, checked and updated inhouse, then provided to author for checking.

Author changes are instigated and checked inhouse again.

After a complimentary marketing consultation with book marketing expert Linda Johannesson from Growth Garden, you can choose from this suite of book marketing support options:

Do It Yourself: For the independent author who wants to take charge of their book marketing but is still keen to benefit from expert tools and guidance. We’ll provide you strategic guidance and some of the proven marketing tools but you’ll be on your own to implement them yourself.

Done WITH YOU: For the author who wants a personalised plan and support but is comfortable implementing lots of it themselves. These authors want to  benefit from expert tools and guidance. This option includes planning, consultation, process recommendations, marketing priority setting, review of the tools already in place, and the development of those still required to get the job done!

AD HOC Consulting: For the author who knows they need some support but is unsure as to what type, how long, or what sort of commitment they are prepared to make. They may be comfortable implementing marketing activity themselves but know there is value in receiving additional expert tools and guidance, or supplemental advice on their efforts to date. This option may include planning, consultation,  process recommendations, marketing priority setting, and review of the tools built by the author or other marketing service providers.

Done FOR YOU: For the busy author who values strategic guidance, and wants to collaborate in the planning, goal, and priority setting, as well as provide the final say. But this author would far rather see most components of the marketing infrastructure built for them rather than have to build it for themselves. 

We can help you to send Advanced Reader Copies out at this stage. They will be protected by disclaimers and clear notices that this is not the final version of your book. You can request reviews, let media contacts and podcasters etc know that you are available to speak about the book, and spread the word about your coming book further than you could possibly do on your own. This adds 3 weeks to the publishing schedule. You can also adjust your book files at this stage if someone spots a problem and tells you in their review.

Cover and page layout are proofread again after page layout has been completed. This includes layout components, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Corrections are made to the final files.

With author approval, print-ready book cover and page files are prepared for the printer in required format.

IngramSpark enables self-publishing authors to easily access global print book and e-book distribution.

IngramSpark is the largest wholesaler of print books in the world. They have about 40,000 retail partners, consisting of online retailers including Amazon, physical booksellers, library suppliers, other wholesalers, and institutions.

They also distribute e-books to Amazon, Apple, and the 20 other online retailers, including Booktopia.

They are a print company too. You can log in and order your own stock of books at print cost as you need them. Order as few or as many at a time as you require

You can also take orders for your book online or in person, and use IngramSpark to fulfill and despatch those orders at the click of a button.

We set up your author account with Ingram Spark in your name – you retain 100% ownership of account, files, and all ensuing book sales revenue.

PRINT BOOKS

We upload your print files to IngramSpark and order one or more proof copies, to be checked again before printing a large order. If there are still some corrections needed, we update the files and upload them to IngramSpark again, to replace the former ones. 

Your book is then enabled for distribution through their channels. 

You can also order bulk copies of your print book at this point. (NOTE: This print cost is NOT included in our fee. We manage this for you, and give you flexibility with the number of books you purchase.)

E-BOOKS

We then convert your book layout files to e-book format, ready for upload to IngramSpark.

Your e-book is set up for global distribution to Amazon, Apple, Book Depository, Booktopia, Kobo, Barnes and Noble and other outlets.

So that you, the author, retain ownership and access to your own accounts and files, the following charges are applied directly to your card when we manage this process for you:

—  ISBN and Barcode (Cheapest option is AUD$133 for a bundle of 10 ISBNs + 1 barcode. New account set-up fee is AUD$55.)

—  IngramSpark set-up costs for print (USD$49) and e-book (USD$25); advertising in their global catalogue (USD$85); and all printing costs (see their online calculator here).

Once your book has been lodged with IngramSpark, and final payment is received, all book files become the property of the author.

We also provide support to our authors by sharing their work in social media and in our newsletters, and by making referrals, introductions and recommendations when we can.

Ongoing editing services are available to our authors for their blog posts, website updates, marketing material, articles, etc. ($60/hr)

We can also assist you with an author website and other material in preparation for book marketing.

While writing your book, or during editing, arrange a professional photoshoot so you have a selection of high quality images to use on the back of your book or in it; on your author website; in your speaking and media kits; and for various other opportunities as they arise.

Become a member of the Australian Society of Authors to access members’ benefits, including the opportunity to apply for a book distribution arrangement with John Reed Books.