From Edie: Learn how done-for-you publishing services work, what they include, and what authors should watch for. Understand costs, control, and key decisions before choosing this publishing path.
Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Done-for-You Publishing Services
By PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells
Authors can choose from six publishing options to make their project available.
- Traditional Publishing
- Hybrid Publishing
- Independent Publishing
- Vanity Press
- Done For You Publishing Services
- Boutique Publishing
Done For You
Also known as Do It For You publishing, Done For You services are designed to handle the administrative, operational, and technical parts of turning a manuscript into a book. This publishing option is a step between traditional publishing and true do-it-yourself independent publishing. Important for the author to know, the quality and ethics of these services vary widely, so do your homework before making your decision.
The author, in theory, retains a meaningful level of control and ownership. Working with a Do It For You service, the author pays for project management and editorial oversight.
The process typically begins with an intake, discovery, or onboarding phase to assesses
- Is the manuscript status in draft, revised, edited, or final
- What are the author’s goals regarding career author, thought leader, IP development, and lead generation
- Target audience and genre expectations
- Timeline and budget
- Desired level of author involvement
A credible DFY provider outlines expectations early concerning
- What success does and does not look like
- What is included, and what are the add-on services
- What the author retains in the area of rights, ISBN ownership, and accounts
Editorial Services
Managing the editorial process on the author’s behalf, the DFY services include
- Developmental or structural editing as needed
- Line and copyediting
- Proofreading
- Version control across revisions
Generally, the DFY service sources, schedules, and coordinates the editors. The author typically reviews and approves the edits.
Design and Production
The DFY provider handles production tasks including
- Interior layout for print and ebook
- Cover design aligned with market standards
- Font, trim size, and file specifications
- Create metadata including subtitle, keywords, and BISAC categories
High-quality DFY services design for commercial viability, not just aesthetics.
Accounts
A reputable DFY service will
- Publish the book under the author’s name or imprint
- Ensure ISBNs are owned by the author or transparently licensed
- Upload files to platforms such as Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and others on the author’s behalf
- Give the author direct access to accounts or establish clear long-term access rights
Red flags are when the DIFY
- Lists themselves as the publisher of record
- Retains control of ISBNs and distribution accounts
- Locks the author into the DFY’s proprietary systems
One of the most important questions an author can ask is who has ownership of the book’s infrastructure including files, ISBN, accounts, and intellectual property.
Distribution
Most DIFY services configure standard retail distribution.
- Amazon ebook, paperback, and/or hardcover
- Expanded print distribution for bookstores, libraries, schools and universities
- Audiobook coordination may be offered
DFY services move your manuscript to published book. This service does not generally provide discoverability, marketing, or promotion. These may be offered as an add-on.
Launch
Some DFY services offer launch support such as
- Launch timeline planning
- Coordinated publishing date across formats
- Basic marketing assets such as sales copy, author bio, and cover mockups
- Optional setup for ads or PR referrals
Post-Publication
At the conclusion of the project, a strong DFY provider delivers to the author
- Final production files
- Documentation of accounts, ISBNs, and metadata
- Clear instructions for future updates or reprints
- Optional ongoing support or coaching but not dependency
The goal for an author to use a DFY service is to give the author autonomy. In other words, the DFY is not set up to provide ongoing support.
DFY publishing is designed for authors who
- Want professional execution without becoming publishing technicians
- Value speed and quality control
- Understand that publishing is a business, not just creative expression
The DFY publishing option is not a shortcut to readership. It can be an effective way to bring a book to market without operational drag.
Red Flags
- Providers that skip strategy and rush directly to contracts or packages
- Service uses generic templates or covers that do not align with genre norms
- Offering or promising bestseller status, guaranteed sales, or media placement
- The DFY publishing option is not a shortcut to readership. It can be an effective way to bring a book to market without operational drag.
In summary, pay attention to what a DFY service does and does not provide for the author. Be clear about financial obligations before beginning. Look at the other books done by the service and see if the quality of the final product aligns with what the author envisions for their book.
Reach out to authors who have used the service and ask about their experience. Ask what the author liked, felt disappointed with, and what questions are vital to talk through when considering using this service.
TWEETABLE
Don't miss the rest of the posts in this series!
Action and adventure, romantic suspense, military romance, and cozy mystery are the page-turning novels by P.S. Wells including Chasing Sunrise, Homeless for the Holidays, and The Patent. How to live better, easier, and simpler is the focus of her nonfiction including The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make.
PeggySue is a frequent guest with media including Focus On The Family, Family Life Today, and Christian Product Expo. She regularly teaches at conferences including Write To Publish, Taylor University Writers Conference, Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. Collaborator on multiple titles including books with Dr. Benjamin Hardy, Shemane Nugent, Pat Palau, and Pam Farrel, PeggySue is a writing coach. When not writing, she parasails, skydives, snorkels, scuba dives, rides horses, and has taken (but not passed) pilot training. Founder of SingleMomCircle.com, connect with PS Wells at WWW.PEGGYSUEWELLS.COM, on Facebook at PeggySue Wells, and LinkedIn at LINKEDIN.COM/IN/PEGGYSUEWELLS
No comments:
Post a Comment