Even experienced indie authors need professional publishing help to create a quality self-published book. Professional publishing services include three main areas: editing, design, and marketing.
Within these three areas there are a wide range of tasks –– everything from cover design to author branding. Because of this, some new authors decide it’s easier just to use one self-publishing company. However, more self-published authors are choosing to hire professionals for specific tasks in order to have quality control over their book. But first, read these tips on what makes a good or bad make client.
First, don’t be a nightmare client
When you hire a professional, you also need to behave professionally (or you may get fired as a client). These are examples of bad client behaviour (so don’t do them):
- Aggressive haggling over fees or special rates
- Being a perfectionist who demands endless changes
- Frequent complaints or insulting comments
- Not paying your invoice in a timely manner
Occasionally, bad client behaviour creates so many extra hassles that the client must be dropped. So don’t be one of those clients. When working with professionals, strive to be a good client:
- Communicate clearly what you need and when you need it
- Be respectful of their skills and advice
- Don’t waste their time
- Pay your invoice promptly
Now that that’s out of the way, here are some helpful resources for your indie author journey.
self-publishing Professional Services (Big Lists)
- Reedsy
- Alliance of Independent Authors – Ratings Chart
Find Professional Editing
“There is a reason why we spend so much on editing. It’s vital.”
–Reddit self-publishing thread.)
Before you seek professional publishing help for editing, you should learn about the various types of editing available. There’s a wide range ––everything from development and concept editing, to copy and line editing. Check these resources to determine the type of editor you need:
Find an Editor (BC)
- Professional Editors of Vancouver Island
- West Coast Editors
- Adroit Editing (Victoria, BC – recommended)
- Jesse Holth Editing (Victoria, BC – recommended)
- Micaëla Clarke (Victoria, BC – editing & freelance writing)
Writing Evaluation
- RAWmixture (recommended)
- Behind The Book (BC)
- Writing Coaching Services (BC)
- Peggy Herring Manuscript Editing (BC)
- Children’s Book Manuscript Consultants
- Finding Beta Readers
Book Design
- Page Two Strategies (Vancouver)
- LifeWriters (Memoir specialists – BC)
- Book Design Timeline
Book Cover Design
- Fresh Design (Vancouver Island – recommended)
- Megan Barker Design (Vancouver)
- Ana Chabrand Design (Vancouver)
- The process of creating a book cover
Example of top book cover designs: Chapman & Wilder (US & UK)
For more design resources and tools, see Find an Illustrator.
Helpful Writing tools & apps
- Writing & editing tools for self-published authors
- Editing tools for writers (Creative Penn)
- Tools & services for self-published authors
- Review of Grammarly for writers
- NEW – How self-published writers are using AI
Audio Narration
- Voice Bunny
- Iambik – turns books to audio books
- ACX – turns books audio books
- FindAwayVoices – create & sell audiobooks
Ebook formatting information – see ebook resources.
Book marketing information – see Marketing.
ISBNs, copyright, permissions, etc. – see Technical Tools.
Tax information – see the Business Side of Writing.
In addition, it is also helpful to check with other self-published authors and writing groups for their recommendations for professional publishing help.
Note: Links and information are for research purposes and do not replace professional advice. In addition, the accuracy of third-party websites cannot be verified and links do not indicate endorsement –– unless they are listed as “recommended”.
Updated October 2023 by 3PennyPublishing – Victoria, BC, Canada; researching and sharing self-publishing resources with writers since 2010.