What does an author services company (BGD) do?
An author services company helps authors professionally prepare and self-publish their books without using a traditional publisher. Our services include cover design, interior formatting, eBook creation, metadata setup, ISBN guidance, uploading files to distributors like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, and launch preparation.
At Becky’s Graphic Design, we guide authors through the complete publishing process while allowing them to retain full ownership, creative control, and royalties.
What is the difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing?
Traditional publishing typically requires an author to secure a literary agent or publishing contract. The publisher controls many aspects of production, pricing, timelines, and royalties.
Self-publishing allows authors to maintain complete ownership of their book while controlling the design, pricing, marketing, and publishing timeline. Authors also earn a significantly higher percentage of royalties per sale.
Today, many successful nonfiction authors, business leaders, coaches, and entrepreneurs choose self-publishing because it provides speed, flexibility, and long-term control over their intellectual property.
Do I really need a professional book designer to self-publish?
Yes. Professional book design directly impacts readability, credibility, reviews, and sales potential.
A professionally designed book includes:
- Proper typography
- Industry-standard formatting
- Print-ready production files
- Optimized cover design
- Correct spine calculations
- Distribution-ready PDF files
- Reader-friendly layouts
Poor formatting and weak design are some of the fastest ways to lose reader trust.
Do I have to get my book edited?
Yes! Your book must be professionally edited before we will work on your project. This will save you unnecessary time, cost, and future heartache, as making content changes after layout is extremely expensive.
If you do not have a professional editor in mind, we have several references, including Melissa Stevens at Purple Ninja Editorial. Editors are highly encouraged to utilize Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) standards for manuscripts.
Formatting (interior design) can only begin after the manuscript is fully edited and finalized.
Major text changes after formatting can:
- Increase production time
- Create layout inconsistencies
- Add unnecessary costs
- Delay publication timelines
Professional editing improves readability, credibility, and reader satisfaction while helping your book compete with traditionally published titles.
What is included in book formatting services?
Professional book formatting typically includes:
- Front/back matter formatting
- Chapter styling
- Typography selection
- Headers and footers
- Image placement
- Table formatting
- Copyright pages
- Page numbering
- Print-ready PDF preparation
- Ebook conversion preparation
At Becky’s Graphic Design, formatting is customized to the genre, audience, trim size, and publishing goals of each project.
What is the difference between Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark?
Amazon’s KDP is the largest direct-to-consumer self-publishing platform and offers strong Amazon marketplace visibility.
IngramSpark provides expanded global distribution to bookstores, libraries, schools, and retailers through the Ingram Content Group network.
Many professional self-published authors use both platforms together for broader reach and distribution flexibility.
Should I publish my book through both Amazon’s KDP and IngramSpark?
In many cases, yes.
Using both platforms can help authors:
- Improve bookstore accessibility
- Reach libraries and institutions
- Expand international distribution
- Maintain Amazon visibility
- Access hardcover options
- Increase wholesale opportunities
The best setup depends on your goals, audience, pricing strategy, and publishing plan.
What file format do I need to publish a book on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)?
Amazon KDP typically requires:
- A print-ready interior PDF for paperback or hardcover books
- An EPUB file for eBooks
- Properly-sized cover PDFs
- Metadata including keywords and categories
Professional formatting ensures these files meet distributor requirements and reduce upload errors.
What is a trim size in book publishing?
Trim size refers to the final physical dimensions of a printed book.
Common nonfiction trim sizes include:
- 5″ x 8″
- 5.5″ x 8.5″
- 6″ x 9″
- 7″ x 10″
Children’s books often use larger custom trim sizes to support illustrations and visual storytelling:
- 8.5″ x 8.5″
- 8″ x 10″
- 8.5 x 11″
Choosing the right trim size affects:
- Printing cost
- Reader experience
- Spine width
- Distribution compatibility
- Overall market positioning
If you’re not sure what trim size you should choose, take a trip to your favorite library or book store with a ruler in-hand! See what size feels right compared to other books in your genre.
How much does it cost to self-publish a professional-quality book?
Professional self-publishing costs vary depending on:
- Editing needs
- Cover design
- Interior formatting
- Illustration requirements
- Ebook development
- Marketing preparation
- Print specifications
Many professionally produced books range from several thousand dollars to significantly more depending on complexity and production goals.
Investing in professional editing and design dramatically improves the quality and marketability of the final product.
What is metadata in self-publishing?
Metadata is the information that helps readers and retailers discover your book online.
Book metadata includes:
- Title and subtitle
- Book description
- Keywords
- Categories
- BISAC codes
- Author information
- ISBN details
Strong metadata improves discoverability on Amazon and other retail platforms.
How important are keywords and categories on Amazon KDP?
Keywords and categories are extremely important because they influence how readers discover your book through Amazon search.
Strong keyword strategy can help:
- Improve visibility
- Reach the right audience
- Increase conversions
- Support category rankings
- Improve long-term discoverability
Metadata optimization is one of the most overlooked parts of self-publishing success.
Do I need an ISBN to self-publish my book?
Yes, if you want full publishing control and broader distribution options.
An ISBN helps identify your book internationally and is often required for:
- Bookstores
- Libraries
- Expanded distribution
- Hardcover editions
- Multiple formats
Many authors choose to purchase their own ISBNs through Bowker to maintain publisher ownership.
Can you help upload my book to Amazon and IngramSpark?
Yes! Many authors feel overwhelmed by:
- File setup
- Metadata entry
- Pricing decisions
- Distribution settings
- ISBN management
- Print specifications
Becky’s Graphic Design assists authors through the upload and publishing process to help reduce errors and improve launch readiness.
What is the difference between eBook formatting and print formatting?
Print books and eBooks require completely different formatting structures.
Print formatting is “fixed” and designed for physical pages.
Ebook formatting must adapt to:
- Different screen sizes
- Device settings
- Font resizing
- Accessibility standards
- Responsive layouts
A professionally formatted eBook improves readability across Kindle, tablets, and mobile devices.
Are children’s books harder to format than regular books?
While it is a common misconception that children’s books are easier to create than regular novels, they are often more technically demanding because they involve:
- Working with an illustrator to create full-page illustrations
- Bleeds and image positioning
- Specialized typography
- Fixed layouts
- Read-aloud flow
- Print color management
They also require careful coordination between illustration, storytelling, and production specifications.
What makes a good nonfiction book cover?
A strong nonfiction cover should:
- Clearly communicate the topic
- Appeal to the target audience
- Remain readable at thumbnail size
- Look professional in online marketplaces
- Match industry expectations
- Establish authority and trust
Cover design is one of the most important marketing tools for your book.
How long does it take to self-publish a book?
Publishing timelines vary depending on:
- Editing status
- Design complexity
- Illustration completion
- Revision rounds
- Proofing time
- Distribution setup
Our professional self-publishing projects take several weeks to several months from manuscript approval to final publication. Rushing the process almost always reduces quality.
What is a book launch team or Advanced Reader Team (ART)?
An Advanced Reader Team (ART) is a group of early readers who receive advance copies of your book before release.
These readers help:
- Generate early reviews
- Create launch momentum
- Increase visibility
- Support social sharing
- Improve credibility on release day
Launch preparation is one of the biggest differences between books that quietly release and books that gain traction.
Can self-published books get into bookstores and libraries?
Yes. However, success depends on:
- Professional production quality
- Wholesale distribution setup
- Returnability settings
- Metadata optimization
- Library-friendly formatting
- ISBN ownership
Using platforms like IngramSpark improves access to bookstore and library distribution channels.
Why should I trust Becky’s Graphic Design?
Our team boasts over 40 combined years of graphic design and book publishing experience. The team leader, Becky, has self-published her own award-winning book: How to Format a Children’s Book for Self-Publishing.
Awards
- The BookFest; FIRST PLACE AWARD for Artistic & Technical Book Design
- American Book Fest; FINALIST for Business: Writing/Publishing
- Silver Award in the Interior Design category at the IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association) Book Awards.
Educators
Additionally, the Becky’s Graphic Design YouTube channel features over 100 free video tutorials to help both beginner and advanced InDesign users in the realm of book and eBook formatting. The BGD Utorify page offers InDesign cover and interior templates to help boost your book design projects along.
