A Publishing Proposal Checklist for First-Time Authors
Check the work being purchased, the formats, review stages, deliverable files, timeline assumptions and payment milestones.
Writing, editing, cover design, formatting, publishing setup, author websites and book marketing—scoped around the stage your book is actually in.


Some authors arrive with a polished manuscript. Others need help shaping the book before production begins. We review what is complete, what still needs attention and which deliverables are necessary for the formats and platforms you plan to use.
Review the scope, deliverables and cost factors for each service before deciding what belongs in your project.
Turn notes, interviews, outlines, or an unfinished manuscript into a structured book with professional writing support …
View serviceHire professional book editors for developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading before publishing…
View serviceRequest a publishing quote for print and eBook production, formatting, cover coordination and platform setup support. S…
View serviceConvert a finished manuscript into an audiobook with narration planning, production coordination, quality review, and d…
View serviceCustom book cover design for eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers with genre-aware concepts, retailer-ready files, and pr…
View serviceProfessional author websites for book discovery, email capture, media credibility, direct inquiries, launch campaigns, …
View serviceCreate concise book trailer and promotional video assets for launches, author websites, social media, ads, and retailer…
View serviceRequest an author marketing proposal for Amazon-focused book promotion. Discuss reader positioning, campaign assets, bu…
View serviceBuild long-term book and author visibility with useful articles, interviews, email content, launch assets, and search-f…
View servicePlan author social media content, book-launch campaigns, short-form creative, reader engagement, and paid social suppor…
View serviceImprove organic discoverability with technical SEO, search-intent pages, metadata, internal linking, structured data, a…
View serviceCoordinate pre-launch, launch-week, and post-launch activity across author platforms, email, social media, Amazon, cont…
View serviceCover design, interior preparation and metadata should work together so the finished title feels deliberate and appropriate for its audience.

Production can include print-ready interiors, eBook files, cover specifications, metadata, pricing decisions and retailer setup. The scope should state exactly what is being delivered and which publishing accounts remain under your control.




Your exact sequence will depend on the manuscript, but the approval points should be clear before production starts.
Assess the manuscript, goals, formats, deadline and work already completed.
Complete writing, developmental work, editing and proofreading before final production.
Prepare the cover, interior, eBook files, metadata and platform-ready deliverables.
Review proofs and listings, resolve corrections and approve publication details.
Publish through the agreed accounts and use measurable launch and marketing activity.
Our Find Answers section focuses on costs, ownership, Amazon KDP, ISBNs, formatting, timelines and marketing so authors can compare services on substance rather than package names.
Browse Find AnswersThe quote depends on manuscript readiness, formats, editing and design needs, platform setup and launch scope. Professional fees should be separated from third-party costs.
Author-controlled accounts provide the clearest ownership of listings, reports, pricing and royalties.
Usually yes. Final production is more efficient after substantive revisions are finished.
No. Publishing and marketing services can improve preparation and execute campaigns, but sales, reviews and rankings cannot be guaranteed.
We’ll use your manuscript stage, target formats and goals to define a practical project scope.
Check the work being purchased, the formats, review stages, deliverable files, timeline assumptions and payment milestones.
Review the intended reader, cover, description, available formats, reader journey and current campaign activity.
Provide the manuscript length, genre, editorial status, intended formats and any special content such as illustrations, tables or notes.