FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Who owns the rights to my book?
You do. We transfer all agreed rights to you in writing. For ghostwritten projects we provide a contract that assigns authorship and copyright to you upon final payment.
Do you keep projects confidential?
Yes. We sign NDAs on request and use secure file storage and limited-access project systems to protect your work.
How do I get started?
Book a discovery call or submit your project details through our form. We will assess scope, timeline, and provide a tailored proposal and contract.
How do you communicate during a project?
We typically use email and a project management tool such as Trello, Asana, or Google Drive. Major milestones include kick-off, draft reviews, and final delivery.
Writing & Content Development
How involved will I be in the ghostwriting process?
You can be as involved as you want. Options range from hands-off with interviews and checkpoints to collaborative with regular drafts and feedback. We adapt to your preferred level of input.
Do ghostwriters take credit?
No, our ghostwriters remain behind the scenes unless you agree otherwise. The manuscript will be delivered ready to publish under your name.
Can you write in my voice?
Yes. Our process includes interviews, reference materials, and style samples so that we capture your tone, perspective, and intent.
Designing & Formatting
What is the difference between proofreading and editing?
Proofreading fixes surface errors such as typos, punctuation, and formatting. Editing which can be line editing, substantive editing, or developmental editing improves structure, clarity, pacing, and style. We offer both as separate or combined services.
Which file format should I send?
Preferably an editable Word document (.docx) with all notes consolidated. For complex layouts, a PDF is fine for reference but not ideal for editing.
Do you use Track Changes?
Yes. We deliver editable files with Track Changes and comments so that you can review each suggestion and accept or reject edits.
Publishing & Distribution
What formats do you deliver?
We deliver print-ready PDF for print-on-demand or offset, EPUB for most e-readers, and a Kindle-ready file if requested. We also supply source files such as InDesign or styled Word on request.
Do you format for specific platforms?
Yes. We optimize files for Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and other platforms, ensuring margins, gutter, and trim settings meet their requirements.
Can you format illustrated books or books with complex layouts?
Yes. Illustrated and highly designed books require additional time and cost. We provide a tailored quote after reviewing sample pages.
Audiobook Production & Publishing
Do I need an ISBN?
If you plan to sell through bookstores, libraries, or online retailers, an ISBN is strongly recommended. Each edition or format typically needs its own ISBN such as paperback, hardcover, or ebook.
Do you buy the ISBN or do I?
We can do either. You may provide an ISBN you have purchased, or we can obtain one on your behalf and transfer necessary metadata to you.
Can you register copyright for me?
We assist with the process and prepare the documentation. Local or national registration still requires your signature and sometimes a fee. We recommend legal counsel for complex rights situations.
Marketing & Promotion
Do you guarantee bestseller status or sales?
No provider can guarantee bestseller status. We guarantee professional execution through tailored strategy, targeted outreach, and measurable campaigns, but sales depend on many variables including market fit, budget, and timing.
What does a typical launch package include?
A typical package may include launch strategy, social assets, email campaign setup, PR outreach, advertising setup, and review management. Packages are customizable based on goals and budget.
How do you measure marketing success?
We measure success using key metrics such as pre-orders, sales numbers, website traffic, social engagement, reviews, media placements, and return on ad spend. We provide periodic reports and refine tactics accordingly.
Author Branding Excellence
What can I expect from a consulting session?
You will gain clarity and a practical roadmap. Sessions focus on publishing routes, budget optimization, marketing priorities, and a step-by-step action plan tailored to your book and goals.
Is consulting one-off or ongoing?
Both. You can hire a single advisory session or retain ongoing consulting for hands-on project support and adjustments as needed.
Timelines and Turnaround
What are typical timelines?
Timelines vary by service. Proofreading for a full-length manuscript often runs from a few days to a few weeks. Substantive editing and ghostwriting can take months. Typesetting usually takes one to three weeks depending on complexity. We provide a timeline in every proposal.
Can you rush a project?
Yes, for an additional fee depending on availability. Rush timelines require a clear scope and may limit rounds of revision.
Revisions and Approval
How many revision rounds are included?
Standard packages include a set number of revision rounds, such as one or two rounds for editing and two or three for ghostwriting. We define rounds in the contract, and additional rounds are billed at an hourly or per-word rate.
What if I do not like the direction?
We stop, regroup, and propose alternative plans. Contracts include checkpoints and an escalation path to ensure alignment. If the issue cannot be resolved, cancellation terms in the contract apply.
Pricing and Payments
How are projects priced?
We price based on scope, word count, service type, complexity, and turnaround. Options include per-word, per-hour, flat project fee, or retainer. You will receive a transparent quote before work begins.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. Typical practice is a 25 to 50 percent deposit to secure the schedule, with milestone or final payments as defined in the contract.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Flexible payment plans and installment options are available for many services. Details are included in each proposal.
What is your refund policy?
Refunds are handled case by case. Because work is time-based and deliverables are produced, refunds are limited and outlined in the contract. We always aim to resolve issues through revisions first.
Legal, Rights and Ethics
Do you check facts or legal issues?
We perform standard fact-checking relevant to editorial accuracy. For legal risks such as libel or sensitive claims, we recommend legal review, especially for nonfiction involving living persons or allegations.
Will you sign an authorship or rights agreement?
Yes. We provide templates for ghostwriting agreements, NDAs, and service contracts that clearly define authorship, payment, confidentiality, and deliverables.
Technical and Files
What file types do you accept?
Preferred: .docx (Word) for editorial work, .indd (InDesign) or styled Word for complex layout, high-resolution TIFF or JPEG for images. Final deliverables include print PDF, EPUB, and source files on request.
How should images be supplied?
High resolution (300 dpi) TIFF or JPEG, with color profiles and captions as needed. Provide images separately and not embedded in low-resolution PDFs for best print results.
Do you handle cover design?
Yes. We offer cover design or work with your chosen designer. We ensure spine and bleed settings match interior typesetting for print-ready submissions.
Distribution, Sales and Metadata
How do you handle metadata and discoverability?
We prepare strong metadata such as title, subtitle, description, keywords, categories, and author bio. We optimize it for retailers and catalogues to improve discoverability.
Will my book be listed in bookstores and libraries?
With proper ISBN and distribution setup such as IngramSpark, your book can be made available to bookstores and libraries. Placement is subject to retailer policies and distribution agreements.
Do you help with ebook specifics such as reflow, images, and table of contents?
Yes. We create valid EPUB files, a functional table of contents, and ensure images and formatting are optimized for e-readers and accessibility.
Marketing Specifics
What is an ARC and do you provide them?
An ARC which means Advance Review Copy is a copy distributed before publication for early reviews. We can prepare ARC files and coordinate reviewer outreach.
Can you manage paid advertising?
Yes. We plan and run paid campaigns including Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon Ads if included in your package. Advertising spend is billed separately.
Do you handle media and press outreach?
Yes. We craft press materials, pitch to relevant outlets, and can coordinate interviews or guest posts depending on the campaign scope.
Extras: Audiobooks, Translation, and More
Do you produce audiobooks?
We can coordinate audiobook production from casting to studio booking and file delivery, or guide you through ACX and other audiobook platforms.
Do you help with translations?
We can recommend vetted translators and manage the localization process, including different formatting needs for translated editions.
Cancellation and Dispute Resolution
How can I cancel a project?
Cancellation terms are defined in the contract. Typically, completed work is billed proportionally. Deposits may be non-refundable if work has already started. We include a dispute resolution clause to handle disagreements professionally.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Do you follow accessibility best practices?
Yes. For ebooks we follow accessible EPUB guidelines such as alt text for images and semantic headings. For print, we can advise on large-print editions or other inclusive formats.
Final Practical Questions
Can you provide samples of previous work?
Yes, we can share anonymized samples and case studies. For confidentiality we only show client materials with permission.
How do you protect my manuscript files?
We use secure cloud storage, limited access controls, and export or archive policies. Upon project completion we can provide file transfer and deletion options if requested.
I have a unique situation. Who should I contact?
Submit your project details via our contact form or schedule a consultation. We will review and propose a tailored plan.
