FAQs

I specialize in non-fiction books, memoirs, and titles created by self-publishing authors and non-profit organizations. Whether your project is a thought-leadership book, a self-help book, personal story, or a guidebook, I design for readability, clarity, and visual appeal—both in print and digital formats.

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Book design covers the overall visual direction of the cover and interior. Typesetting focuses on how your text is arranged on the page using professional layout software (like Adobe InDesign). Formatting is the process of preparing the layout for a book print or print-on-demand platforms such as Amazon KDP or IngramSpark, and ensuring your files meet each platform’s technical requirements.

Congratulations on finishing your manuscript! You’re part of a unique group. 81% of people say they want to write a book, 15% start writing their book, 6% make it to the halfway mark, 3% finish their books, and only 0.6% publish!

Each of my Custom Design Packages includes professional book cover design and interior formatting for self-publishers —which incudes layout, typesetting, and project management until your book is published. I use industry standard apps (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat) to create high resolution files for you or your book printer. A low-resolution JPG of your front cover for email and social media use.

Use the contact form on my website (https://sanserofin.com/contact/) to send a short description of your project, word count, and whether you’ll publish in print, digital, or both. From there, we’ll book a 20-minute Author Chat to see if we’re a good fit. 

Absolutely. I enjoy collaborating with my clients. Your input is vital as the book’s subject matter expert. I’ll consult with you throughout the design and production process. Once the design is confirmed, you can feel confident I’ll handle all the technical and production details.

Yes. Investing in an experienced copy editor is essential for a polished, professional book—and it will save you money in the long run. Even the smallest text changes after your book is typeset could require reworking of the layout. Most designers, myself included, recommend that your manuscript be fully copyedited and proofread before layout begins to avoid costly reflow corrections later.

A 200-page book with no images or special text treatments typically takes 4–6 weeks from concept to final files. A pictorial memoir or family history with a complex layout, graphic elements, images, and sidebars may take 3+ months. Project length is determined by how organized your files are and how responsive you are during the proofing and feedback rounds. Timelines vary based on your book’s complexity, word count, and whether the files are prepared for Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or another printer.

A limited number of revisions are built into each package, as outlined in your Client Agreement and Statement of Work. The full list of deliverables will appear on your custom quote. Changes outside that scope will incur additional charges—but I’ll always alert you first so we can regroup.

Yes. Each platform has slightly different specifications for trim size, spine width, and cover setup. I prepare and supply separate files for both platforms to ensure your book prints correctly and professionally, wherever readers buy it.

I work with an ePub expert who will convert your print file to a reflowable ePub or fixed-layout format suitable for Kindle and other platforms. I design and typeset every print book to ensure the conversion process is seamless.

Yes. Once your project is complete and paid in full, you’ll own the design and production files. You’re free to print, republish, or adapt your book without further permission or licensing fees.

Yes and no. I will liaise with your book printer to ensure your files meet all technical specifications and printing timelines. You can also arrange to send me a copy of your hard copy proof for review before you publish for print-on-demand. If you need help uploading your files to Amazon KDP or IngramSpark, I’ll refer you to a trusted partner who will guide you through the process.

While I don’t handle book marketing or distribution directly, I can connect you with marketing experts who specialize in promoting self-published authors and indie books.

In addition to book design and layout, and typesetting, I also provide: simple explainer graphics, tables, charts, and graphs for book interiors plus marketing materials for in-person book launches, book reading events, and speaking engagements. Details and pricing upon request.

My services are priced per project, depending on page count, design complexity, and whether you need both cover and interior print-ready design. After you’ve approved my Quote, we’ll sign a Client Agreement and Statement of Work. A 50% deposit is required to begin; final payment is due upon delivery of print-ready files. For my US- and European-based clients, I accept payment through PayPal. Canadian clients are required to pay by e-transfer.