Author Services

Full Book Design Guide

Everything you need to know before you book: what’s included, how the process works, and what to send me before we begin.

$2,250

What’s Included

I turn your finished manuscript and illustrations into print-ready files for every printer you plan to use, with covers and interior designed to feel like one cohesive book.

  • Front cover design and layout, with title, names, back cover text and barcode
  • Back cover and spine design
  • Interior design and layout for 32–36 pages
  • Your artwork carried onto the title, copyright, dedication, bio and activity pages
  • Matching self-ends from your interior art (not needed for print-on-demand)
  • Minor illustration touch-ups when needed
  • Up to four final formats (e.g., KDP paperback, IngramSpark hardcover & paperback, Kindle eBook)
  • Print-ready PDF and JPEG files in CMYK (print) and RGB (online)
  • One exterior mockup of your finished book
  • Help with page count and layout (printed books need pages in multiples of four)

How It Works

Most projects take no more than 14 days from your start date to final files.

  1. Reserve your spot. The date you book is when I begin work on your project. The time you book is our Zoom call to review your files and talk through your ideas.
  2. Send your files. Everything on the checklist below must arrive before your start date. Late materials may move your start to my next open window.
  3. Drafts. I’ll send draft designs for your review.
  4. Edits. Send all edits together in one email or Word document. We repeat this until you love it, with unlimited edits before final approval.
  5. Final files. Once you approve the design in writing, I’ll share your final files in a Dropbox folder.
Quick, decisive feedback keeps your project moving. A few days without a reply can slow your timeline.

What I Need Before We Begin

Please send every item below before your start date.

For the Cover

  • Front and back cover artwork, CMYK, 300 DPI minimum
  • Book title and subtitle, if any
  • Author and illustrator names exactly as they should appear
  • Back cover text
  • ISBN numbers and pricing (for your cover template and barcode)
  • Your barcode, if you already have one
  • Spine text, for hardcovers: last names, title and publisher

For the Interior

  • All illustrations, CMYK, 300 DPI minimum. Layered Photoshop files (PSDs) strongly preferred; name files in page order with left/right noted
  • All text, final and edited, in one Word document labeled by spread, including copyright/CIP, dedication and back matter
  • Author and illustrator photos, with photographer credits
  • Any other images you want included, with licenses to use them
  • Your ideas, inspiration and design requests

How to Send Your Files

Share everything in one folder or link, sent to Katie@ALittleOffbeat.com before your start date. Illustration files are too large for email attachments.

  • Google Drive or Dropbox (preferred): one folder for your book, shared with download access.
  • WeTransfer: all files in one transfer. Links expire, so send it within a week of your start date.

Organize Your Folder Like This

  1. Cover — front and back artwork, plus barcode if you have one
  2. Interior Illustrations — named in page order (e.g., “Spread01_Left”)
  3. Text — one Word document, labeled by spread
  4. Photos — author and illustrator photos with credits
  5. Extras — inspiration, notes and anything else

I’ll confirm by email once I’ve downloaded everything.

Booking & Deposit Policy

When you book, you’re reserving one of a very limited number of design spots on my calendar. I take on just two full book design projects each month, so a booking holds a big piece of my month for your book, and I turn other authors away for that time.

Because of that, and because this work is my income, deposits are nonrefundable. Your deposit isn’t only payment toward your finished project; it also secures my schedule for you, so no one else can take that spot.

I so appreciate you understanding, and I can’t wait to work on your book!

Good to Know

  • Your text is placed exactly as sent. Please have it professionally edited first; you approve the full book before print.
  • Add-ons available: extra pages, dust jacket, extra mockups and matching marketing pieces. Ask for pricing.
  • Fonts must be licensed for commercial use. I’ll suggest options; paid font licenses are yours to purchase.
  • Edits are unlimited before final approval. Edits after final files are delivered are $50.
  • Major changes cost extra. Changing trim size or other major specs after work begins adds a fee.
  • Image rights are yours to secure for any photos or images you provide.
Ready? Book Your Spot →

Questions first? Email Katie@ALittleOffbeat.com