I provide tailored self-publishing support for authors, meaning authors can be assisted with as little or as much support as they would like in the publishing process.
Some authors book a self-publishing consultation, discussing the practicalities of publishing and the technical tools required, and then work on their publishing project, returning for email or phone support as needed.
Other authors book a full self-publishing package, in which I manage the process, ensuring production is efficient and stress-free for the author.
Every book and self-publishing project has unique requirements, but a general overview of the process when booking a self-publishing package with the Claire Wingfield Literary and Publishing Consultancy, follows.
Booking in. If you are sure you are going to book in for a publishing package but have a little more work to do, you can book in early to claim your space in the queue. Book-production schedules can be busy, so the sooner you book, the less waiting for your spot in the queue.
Editing. Some clients book a developmental edit as part of their self-publishing package; others are happy to provide the complete, edited manuscript at the point of booking in.
Typesetting. We can professionally typeset your text for all formats – including standard print, large print, hardback and ebook. If there is any image work to be done, we can undertake this. We can suggest beginning and end matter for inclusion and give feedback on material here. If you are a children’s author looking for an illustrator, we have some we can recommend. If you already have the illustrations, we can provide the typesetting and create a cover from one of the illustrations.
Cover design. We can work from your brief, or come up with fresh ideas. Some clients bring an image they’d like to incorporate into a book cover. We pay attention to professional touches on the back cover and spine of the book. We can design a publishing-house logo if required.
Project management. We will prompt any actions needed on your behalf, such as opening publishing accounts or ordering ISBNs. We will be on hand to help with the technical aspects of this if required. We will move through the publishing process in logical steps, to ensure maximum efficiency and consistency of files.
Product Refinement. We can bring in any necessary or requested amendments to the interior and cover files. This can be in the future – such as adding press quotes to the cover or front of the book after the book has been reviewed.
Upload to publishing channels, including Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and Ingram Sparks. We can upload the books for you, ensuring best practice in the set-up of the books, including categories and keywords for SEO. We can give advice on pricing and promotional strategies.
Marketing support. We can provide marketing consultation and advice on managing your book into the future as needed. Each book is an asset and as time progresses, there will be different ways to maximise its potential. We can advise of the best tools to support your book-marketing efforts. Amazon A+ content can also be designed.
Author website. We can consult on author website content and build you one if required.
Access to libraries. We can advise on Publish Lending Right and Legal Deposit copies as needed.
As part of the self-publishing process, we look at some of the books yours will be competing with, and feed this into the overall strategy for the book, in consultation with you. We want your book to be a success and will share any tips and advice that could help you, from our extensive experience of working with authors on their books, as well as publishing in multiple formats ourselves. We can give training to ensure you are confident managing your books at the end of our work together.
Feeling lost? In my role as a self-publishing consultant, I can take the time to explain the steps to publication in detail, ensure you understand any technical terms and the implications of any strategic decisions, and demystify the self-publishing process.
Do get in touch by email if you’d like support with publishing your book. We are always happy to talk about the intricacies and mechanics of book publishing. We also strive to keep the self-publishing process as cost-effective as possible – advising on how to keep production costs to a minimum, where to save marketing costs, how to price your books and even spending time locating discounts where possible.