While many authors choose to self-publish independently, full-service self-publishing services play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the self-publishing journey.
But what exactly can a niche-specific do-it-all self-publishing service do for you, the children’s author?
While I can’t speak for all services, I can offer insights from Writers on The Move Press Self-Publishing Service (WOTMSP).
Here are 14 features WOTMSP provides to self-publishing children’s authors (and there’s a bonus feature):
1. Specialization
WOTMSP helps self-publish children’s picture and chapter books (under 10,000 words). We are focused on this specific niche, and all our efforts and expertise go into it.
2. Price
Our prices can be reasonable as very small service with a specific niche.
3. Personalization
One of the most essential things WOTMSP does is personalize the process. You deal directly with the owner. There is no go-between or chance of a different handler taking over the account.
You can be assured that any concerns are addressed promptly.
4. Communications
We discuss everything related to the project with the client. And all emails and phone calls go directly to the owner as part of the personalized service from the beginning to the end of the project. The owner will know what’s going on with the project at all times.
There is no go-between—no need for the correct extension or name of the representative or salesperson you’re dealing with.
5. Quality Control
WOTMSP wants to help you produce quality books for two reasons:
A. To satisfy you, the author.
B. To build a professional and quality reputation as a self-publishing service.
To ensure a quality reputation, WOTMSP will take extra care to ensure everything is done right, from the story to the illustrations to the book’s interior and covers. We don't publish just anything.
Our attention to detail is paramount.
6. Minor Editing
While it’s best to have a professionally edited manuscript before thinking of self-publishing, WOTMSP will make minor edits for manuscripts under 1000 words free of charge.
It’s a crucial step for maintaining the quality and credibility of the book.
The market is very competitive; you’ll want your book to stand out.
There may be a small fee if the manuscript is longer or needs extensive edits.
7. Illustrations
-If you have your own illustrations, WOTMSP will review them to make sure they’re ready for the next phase. If any edits are needed, WOTMSP will notify you or the illustrator.
WOTMSP checks for consistency, text-to-illustration accuracy, and proper spacing for text, proportions, and more.
-If you need illustrations, WOTMSP will discuss the cost of the illustrator and hire the right one for the project.
WOTMSP will work directly with the illustrator, reviewing the illustrations and checking for the same elements mentioned above, requesting edits if needed.
You will get copies of the illustrations to review and offer input.
8. Formatting, Design, Production
Handling the production process is another key responsibility of a full-service self-publishing service, and WOTMSP collaborates with a highly talented and professional formatter/designer. Ensuring everything goes smoothly takes timely communication with all parties involved in the project. WOTMSP will handle all communications.
Book covers and formatting contribute significantly to a book's professional appearance and marketability.
In addition, the formatter/designer ensures that the book’s print and eBook versions are produced with high-quality standards, meeting the requirements of different publishing formats.
WOTMSP focuses on producing a professional book, from the interior formatting to the cover designs.
9. PDF Review
WOTMSP will review the PDFs the formatter/designer provides, request revisions if needed, and review each revised PDF.
Each PDF is sent to the client for review.
10. Help with Pricing, Returns, Discounts
WOTMSP will discuss and advise on pricing the book and whether to allow returns and discounts.
11. ISBNs
WOTMSP advises you on how to get ISBNs if needed.
ISBN is an acronym for The International Standard Book Number. It’s a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally.
There’s a lot more information on ISBNs here:
Self-Publishing: Why Use Your Own ISBNs
12. Inputting Metadata in the Distributor’s / Retailer’s Service
WOTMSP understands the importance of metadata in making a book discoverable online.
Optimized metadata such as keywords, categories, and book descriptions enhance the book's visibility on online platforms, making it easier for potential readers to find.
Here is an example of the most recent picture book I helped self-publish, Mindful Molly Jumps, Shoots, and Scores! by Robert Facchini:
While the book is 1,612,534 in best sellers rank, the total number of books for sale through Amazon is almost 33 million as of January 2023. But notice the keyword and category statistics.
13. Uploading and Final Review
Once the print-ready files are approved, WOTMSP will upload them to Amazon for paperback and ebooks and IngramSpark for hardcovers; then the Review Copy will be reviewed before publishing.
Getting the book into various online and physical distributors and retailers increases its accessibility to a broader audience.
And that’s it. Your book will be available for sale with minimal effort.
14. One-Stop-Shopping
We cover everything from handling the illustrations to formatting and design to publishing.
And if your manuscript needs help, Karen Cioffi Writing for Children can handle it.
Our motto is Value, Quality, and Ease.
15. Book Marketing (Bonus Feature)
Even though your book is available for sale at this point, if you don’t know how to promote it, it won’t sell.
To help remedy that, WOTMSP gives clients the step-by-step DIY Creating an Author Online Platform ebook to help them navigate the book marketing arena. It’s also available as an e-course if you need extra help.
You will also receive a book review on Amazon and Goodreads.
Summing It Up
In the self-publishing world, self-publishing services serve as invaluable partners for authors seeking professional assistance, guidance, and a higher level of polish.
Self-publishing services can empower authors to create quality books and reach a wider audience by offering editing and follow through to distribution.
If you have a picture book or simple chapter book manuscript that you’d like to self-publish but need help, Writers on the Move Self-Publishing Service would love to discuss your project with you.
The Making of a Children’s Book Illustrations
Self-Publishing: 3 Tips to Help You Avoid the ‘I Want It Now Syndrome’
(What’s a ‘Wannabe’ Author to Do?)
Self-Publishing: Dealing with the Unethical
5 Top Tips to Boost Your Writing Skills
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
PICTURE BOOK, CHAPTER BOOK, MIDDLE GRADE COACHING
Four to twelve-week coaching programs.
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING HELP
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.
You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)