How your book gets made
Ten steps, one purpose. Nothing happens without your approval, and you can stop after any step.
If this is your first book, read it straight through — and read the extra information, it answers most of what authors ask us.
Let's talk about it
We’ve produced many, many books for self-published authors and we are quite happy to pass on what we’ve learned. Go to the contact page and call or e-mail us.
Some accumulated wisdom
Request your ISBN
The Canada International Standard Book Number is required for all books created by self-publishing authors with a physical presence in Canada.
The current wait is 2 months which gives us lots of time to polish your book to perfection.
Send your manuscript
Email the Word file as it stands — unformatted is fine, and usually better. Tell us roughly how long the book is, whether it has images, and when you’d like it finished.
You receive a written quote and a schedule, promptly.
Editing and proofreading
We review word by word, sentence by sentence, to ensure your writing is the best version of itself. We ensure any typos or grammatical errors are corrected. And, we ensure the essence of your story is consistent and true to itself.
Trim size and specification
We settle the physical book: page size, paper, binding, and which printer it is going to. This decides everything downstream, so it comes first.
Sample pages
Two or three typeset spreads to approve — typeface, margins, chapter openers, running heads. Changes are easy here and costly later.
Full interior layout
The whole manuscript set, with any images placed. You’ll get a PDF proof to mark up and we work together on any corrections.
Cover design
Front, spine and back material is developed. Three choices of typeset and colour to approve. One piece, designed for your book and sized to the printer’s template. ISBN barcode included.
Print-ready files
Press-ready PDFs prepared to your printer’s requirements, uploaded and checked.
E-book, distribution and marketing
E-book files prepared for Kindle and other e-book readers. Setup with the distributors you want to sell through. Marketing ideas tailored to your book.
Typical Cost
$300 – $1,300
Typical Time
3-5 Weeks
You Work With
Jim and Mary-Ruth
Quotes are fixed before we start, and nothing is charged until you approve the sample pages.
Still on step zero?
Send us what you have. We’ll explain best path forward.