You’re serious about publishing a book.
You’ve probably been working on the manuscript, and you’re ready to hire someone to get your book published.
But before you move into cover design, formatting, metadata, or distribution, we need to address the most important part of the publishing process:
Is your manuscript strong enough to compete?
The truth about self-publishing is this:
Anyone can publish a book. Not everyone produces one that sells.
If your goal is credibility, authority, and long-term book sales—not just printing a book for friends and family—then excellence is non-negotiable.
Let’s walk through what that actually means.
Step 1: Write a Book That Can Compete With Traditional Publishing
Self-publishing removed gatekeepers. It did not remove standards.
If anything, readers expect more now.
A strong manuscript requires:
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Clear structure
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Focused messaging
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Strong pacing (especially in nonfiction)
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Logical chapter progression
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Clean grammar and syntax
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A defined reader in mind
Your design team cannot fix structural writing problems.
That work happens before formatting ever begins.
Step 2: Hire a Credentialed Professional Editor
This is where many authors cut corners—and regret it later.
At Becky’s Graphic Design, we strongly encourage professional editing before design begins.
Not:
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A friend who loves reading
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A former English teacher
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A Grammarly subscription
A professional editor with credentials and genre experience.
A qualified editor will:
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Strengthen your structure
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Clarify unclear passages
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Improve flow
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Identify repetition
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Tighten language
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Preserve your voice
Editing protects your reputation.
If your book represents your expertise—especially as a nonfiction author—your credibility is on the line.
That’s not dramatic. It’s reality.
Step 3: Know Exactly Who Your Book Is For
If your answer is “everyone,” your marketing will struggle.
Define your reader before you finish your manuscript.
Ask yourself:
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What problem are they trying to solve?
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What stage of life or business are they in?
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What other books are they reading?
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What transformation do they want?
Creating a reader persona sharpens:
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Your writing
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Your subtitle
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Your marketing copy
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Your category selection
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Your design direction
Books that are written for someone specific sell better.
Step 4: Study Your Genre
This is your market research phase.
Visit bookstores. Browse Amazon. Analyze:
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Trim sizes
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Page counts
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Subtitle structure
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Category placement
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Cover trends
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Interior layout style
Professional authors understand their category before they publish in it.
This step separates hobbyists from professionals.
Step 5: How Long Should Your Book Be?
There is no magic number—but there are practical guidelines.
From a production standpoint:
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A strong nonfiction book typically lands between 45,000–75,000 words
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40,000 words usually produces ~120 pages at 5.5 x 8.5 trim size
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Under 120 pages may require a smaller trim size for spine visibility
But remember:
Length does not create authority.
Clarity does.
Write enough to deliver transformation—no fluff required.
Step 6: Get Help If You’re Stuck
If writing feels overwhelming, you are not failing.
You’re stretching.
These resources are excellent for nonfiction authors:
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You Must Write a Book by Honorée Corder
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Published. by Chandler Bolt
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How to Write Non-Fiction by Joanna Penn
We have a list of book coaches, editors, and ghostwriters here. Feel free to contact them directly and mention you found them on this site.
Strong books rarely happen in isolation.
When to Begin the Design Process
Once your manuscript is:
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Structurally solid
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Professionally edited
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Clearly targeted to a defined reader
Then it’s time to talk about cover design and interior formatting.
Design is not decoration.
It is positioning.
And positioning determines whether your book blends in—or stands out.
Ready to See If Your Book Is Design-Ready?
If your manuscript is well underway—or already edited—schedule a Book Design Readiness Review.
During this call, we’ll evaluate:
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Your target audience clarity
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Your manuscript length + trim size strategy
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Your positioning within your genre
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Whether it’s time to begin cover design
This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a strategic conversation.
Because good design starts with a strong foundation.
