Publishing

A Beginner's Guide to Navigating Publishing Services

Navigating the world of publishing services can be a challenge for a writer. But with some research and knowledge, you will find a set of services that help you publish the book of your dreams.

Beyond choosing traditional, DIY, or supported self-publishing, there are many other services that you need to consider when you publish your book. Some are simple while some will need specific technical skills. There are services that you may not consider important but are actually instrumental in helping you achieve your publishing goals.

In this blog post, we’ll provide a beginner’s guide to help you understand the various types of publishing services available to you. Before choosing a publishing service, it’s important to understand the type of service you need, the different options available, and what your specific needs are. It’s also important to consider factors such as cost, the level of customer service provided, the time frame for the publishing process, and other essential details.

Publishing services you may need

Choosing a publishing service can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little research and consideration, you’ll be able to find the right service for your project. Some of the publishing services that you will need in order to complete your book include:

• Editing
• Interior design
• Cover design
• Illustrations
• Copyright application
• Ebook formatting
• ISBN
• Book launch events
• Website creation
• Book video creation
• Social media

What to consider when choosing a publishing service contractor

Keep the following in mind before you pick the services or the company that offers them to help you complete your self-published book:

Cost - Consider the cost of the service. Depending on the type of publishing service you choose, you may need to pay upfront fees or ongoing subscription fees. It’s also important to factor in any additional costs that may arise, such as hiring an editor or paying for design services.

Expertise - Make sure the company or contractor that you hire has experience and a good reputation. Research their customer reviews and references, and make sure they understand the industry and have experience with the type of book you’re trying to publish.

Look into reviews from other authors who have used the service. Reviews can provide valuable insight into how the company works and whether or not they provide quality results.

When looking at different publishing services, research the types of customer service that the company or contractor provides. Some offer support via email or phone, while others may have a more limited support system.

Time - Consider the timeline of your project. Find out what kind of timelines the service provider or contractor works with and how long the entire process usually takes. How long will it take for your book to go to print? How long will it take for your marketing efforts to pay off? Make sure the company you choose can accommodate your timeline and expectations.

These are just some of the things to consider when choosing a publishing service. Take your time, do your research, and find a company that meets your needs.

Should you DIY, hire contractors, or work with a self-publisher?

There are some aspects of self-publishing that you can do yourself, using tools or platforms available today. You may need to pay for subscription fees or buy specific applications to use them. For a good number of these tools, expertise is extremely important so that your book will look professionally made.

If you don’t want to go the DIY way, there are many professionals who offer publishing services that you need in order to complete your book. From editors to illustrators to printers, there is no shortage of contractors that you can work with. You can find them online or from recommendations from your fellow writers.

Keep in mind, however, that going the DIY route and choosing ala carte services can be costly. You may end up spending more than your budget. There’s also the danger of hiring someone who may not end up meeting your standards.

The best path to take is by looking into the services that a supported self-publishing company offers. A supported self-publishing company offers publishing packages that already comes with services mentioned above. This makes the process of what publishing services to choose much easier for you. All you have to do is to compare the packages and see which service inclusions you need for your book. In some cases, you can even pick add-on services that are not included in the packages.