(651) 206-8926 (Debbi)Independent Publishing FAQs
Documents: How to Prepare the Manuscript | Description of Services | Book Design Process
Interior Book Design:
Q: For independent publishing how much should I expect to spend on interior formatting?
A: Book formatting and design fees are all over the board in independent publishing. The going rates can be between $200 and $1500 for the interior design of a lightly formatted book. More for more complexity. For cover design you can expect to pay between $100 and $3500.
We, at MyBookDesigner, charge about $400 for the interior design for paperback, of an average 62,000 word manuscript (100% text, like fiction). Get a more accurate quote for your type and length of manuscript, today. Get a quote…
Q: How do I get my book printed and/or selling on Amazon, with other booksellers, or even on my own website?
A: MyBookDesigner offers free consulting about independent publishing when you contract with us for formatting or cover design services. We will advise you about print-on-demand and how to get your book online for sale. We prepare books for printing with popular print-on-demand companies like Lulu.com, Diggypod.com, KindleKDP, Lightning Source, Ingram Spark or your choice of printer. Besides the printing, there’s the marketing. Many authors sell on their own sites.
Q: Is it better to get my manuscript formatted for print or an eBook? Which one first?
A:: MyBookDesigner has services for both print formatting and ebook conversion. Everyone knows that the eBook market is growing, but rest assured that 70% of the readers still read books in print. Our opinion is that for credibility as an author you go to print, and better yet, offer both formats. It is a common opinion that if a book is in print then the author is a “real writer”. We can begin formatting either version first. Our pricing offers up to a 10% discount when purchasing both services simultaneously. Read more about eBook formatting or conversions
Cover Design
Q: How do you design my book cover? What’s the process?
A: We will have a phone interview to discuss your book. You can provide a synopsis as well. You might have an image in mind. We direct you to websites to look over photos or illustrations which can be purchased at a nominal price. You may find 2 or 3 images you’d like combined which we can do for you. We prepare and email a pdf sample layout, discuss it with you and make 1 or 2 revisions before we have the final. Some authors want to look at 3 or more designs right from the beginning (there are package options). All covers are custom designed; we never use templates.
Q: Do you use the same cover for an eBook version?
A: Typically, yes, the front cover is the same, and saved in the correct format for ebooks. There is no back cover on an ebook.
Q: What is the cost of book cover design?
A: Depending on who you go with, you can expect to spend $50 –$3500, maybe more. What you spend on your cover has a lot to do with your business plan. We at MyBookDesigner.com offer several cover design packages, all include design of the full layout (front, back, spine and barcode) and per the printer specifications. All packages are custom designs, using no templates. You can choose to start with 1 or more concepts, and a couple revisions. Our basic plan starts at $150. Get a quote for your print and/or ebook cover design…
eBook Conversion
Q: Is there a difference between an eBook with reflowable text and an eBook pdf?
A: Yes. The setup and formatting are the same up to a point and the fee to format each is about the same.
An eBook prepared for reading devices has reflowable text which allows for the person reading to change the font size. There’s code created to define how the manuscript looks and flows on the “page” of a device like Kindle or Nook. The ebook file type is known as an epub or mobi. These types of files can have links to other pages, linking Table of Contents and hyperlinks to actual websites.
A pdf eBook is for reading on a screen or monitor, with links, bookmarks and hyperlinks. This type of eBook is often a manual or an article, but can even be a book. The pdf can be read on a digital reading device (eg. Kindle device) but it, not reflowable text; the text remains static, each page is like a picture. It can be difficult reading a pdf ebook on a small screened device because it requires zooming, spanning and scrolling to read a page.
Q: What is the fee if I just want an eBook and cover design for something like Kindle?
A:: We don’t have a price list since every book is different in length and complexity. We charge a basic set up fee for the interior formatting (between $150-$300 depending on complexity) and a per word fee. Cover design for eBooks starts at $50. So the minimum for ebook alone is $200 (it’s less if in conjunction with a printed book contract). Contact for a quote… 651-206-8926
Q: Do you prepare and upload the files to my choice of eBook seller?
A: Yes. MyBookDesigner can upload the files for you. Many of our authors and publishers would rather do it themselves. We provide instructions to help you, but if you prefer to have us do it, we can, and we can even do it together via phone call or video conference.
Other Graphic Design Services
Q: If I fulfill the book orders myself, I’d like to include a bookmark or postcard with the book. Is this something MyBookDesigner can design for me?
A: Yes, absolutely. We are graphic designers. We’ll design and can also order your printed marketing materials to be shipped to you ready to include with your many book orders.
Q: How much does MyBookDesigner charge for proofreading and graphic design services?
A: Proofreading your manuscript or your book files, or graphic design services are billed by time. With other companies you can expect to pay between $35 and $150 per hour. Our regular hourly rate is $50/hr ($40/hr for non-profits). We do not charge for phone time.
Copyright
Q: In independent publishing who gets royalties from my book sales? Does MyBookDesigner assume any royalties?
A: No. Any royalties on selling your book are yours and Amazon’s (if you are selling on Amazon). When we complete our services— designing, possibly proofreading, preparing your book files for print and eBook—you make your final payment and no more.
Q: Do I own and control the copyright of my book?
A: Yes. Completely. Some independent publishing companies have another arrangement, but MyBookDesigner has no ownership of your copyrighted book and takes no royalties.
Q: Do I need an ISBN for my eBook?
A: Yes, and no. An ISBN is required for the Apple iBookstore, but is not required for Amazon or Barnes and Noble. To purchase one or more ISBNs ($125+) under your name, go to http://www.myidentifiers.com or we can provide one at a lower cost under NRD Publishing. We register your book, but keep NO royalties.
Marketing
Q: Will MyBookDesigner.com market my book?
A: No. We are not a book marketing company, nor a distribution company. Independent publishing most often means independent marketing. It will be up to you to market your book, but we can offer you suggestions. Some authors hire a marketing firm when their book is printed for such things as promotions, book signings, listing their books on “New” books directories, as well as optimizing their websites for discovery on search engines. *Note that some companies offer some FREE services such as ebook conversions … find out how they make their money. Nothing is free. Check our Blog page
Other Questions?
Q: Do you offer editing and proofreading services?
A: Yes and no. Most manuscripts we receive have already been professionally edited and thoroughly proofed. Before we format your manuscript to a book we assume it’s FINAL. If you need additional proofreading services, do let us know. We don’t do fact-checking, resource checking, developmental editing, bibliography checking. We’ll be glad to be of service with:
- grammar editing
- rephrasing for readability
- manuscript proofreading for things like typos
- thorough proofreading of the pdf book files
Q: I have a lot of questions. Do you charge for coaching in independent publishing?
A: No, there is no charge for coaching when you sign a design contract with MyBookDesigner for book design, ebook conversion or editing services. If you need us as a resource check out our blog page for more independent publishing information. For coaching only, there is a fee based on our regular hourly rate. Feel free to contact us during normal business hours. 651-206-8926
Debbi, Just wanted to let you know how pleased Victoria and I were with the Epub formatting you did for us. It was a great experience and I am sure you get a lot of business as your service was great!
– Mark Varley, Cloud People and Other Scary Stories for Children by Victoria Varley
