Independent Author FAQs

To decide if I am the right fit as your book designer, please read through these FAQs. If you would like to schedule a consultation or if you still have questions regarding my services, please contact me directly.

How much do Tami Boyce Design book services cost?

There are many variables contributing to cost. Some of these variables include the length of the book, how much interior imagery is needed, how much cover art is provided versus how much needs to be created, and if last minute edits are required. A payment plan is worked into our contract from the beginning (see design process) and additional breakdown may be negotiated.

What do I need to have before we can begin?

Before the cover design can begin, you should have your title, back cover summary, and any other cover text that you would like to include. You will also need to agree on the anticipated aesthetic for the cover design. This is accomplished through a design consultation between the author and myself, where the design direction is discussed and agreed upon. If you wish to include an author bio, you will need to provide that text as well as a high resolution author photo. The inclusion of a bio is optional and can be placed either on the back cover or in the interior of the book.

Before I can begin the interior layout design process, you will need to have the final version of your manuscript completed. You will have one final round at the end for additional text edits and corrections, but these should be minor at the interior design phase.

What privacy and other protections do you provide?

Before we begin book design, I will provide a nondisclosure agreement. You can rest assured that I will not share or otherwise publish your work without your permission. I will not display your book as an example of my design without your permission. I will do no design work and you will pay no fees until we have a contract of work in place.

What is your design process? How will this work?

Initial Consult
During this phase, you will describe your needs and the parameters of your book. I will give you a quote and we will sign a contract of work.

Book Design Phase 1
At this point, you will pay 1/2 of the quoted price. For interior design, I will do a mock-up of the first 15 pages or the first chapter (whichever is shorter). You will have two rounds of edits for this mock-up.
For cover design, I will provide you with two concepts based upon discussion of your vision for the cover. Again, time and cost for the cover design will depend upon what you are providing and how much original design you may require. You will choose one of the concepts with which to move forward.

Book Design Phase 2
For interior design, I will do a full layout of the manuscript based upon the approved phase 1 design. You will get two rounds of edits after this full layout is complete.
For cover design, you will get two rounds of design edits and one text edit based upon the concept chosen in Phase 1.

Book Design Phase 3
After final approval of edits made in Phase 2, you will make your final payment of the quote (plus any additional fees incurred due to extra edits). Upon receipt of payment, you will receive all of the final files required to send your book to be self-published.

How do I get a barcode for my book?

You can get a barcode at no additional cost from some book publishers, but this may create obligations to that publisher. If you purchase your barcode, you will be free to publish your book from whomever you choose in the future. This is up to you, but I highly recommend against the free barcode offered. Buying a personalized barcode is around $99 and it helps you retain all of the rights to your book.

Do I need to pay to have my book listed on Amazon?

Once you have received the digital copies of your book file, you can upload them to Kindle Direct Publishing (formerly CreateSpace) and can list them on Amazon at no additional cost.

What if I want to send my book to a traditional publishing house rather than self-publish?

My services are geared to help you self-publish. I do not have the means to get you in contact with a traditional publisher.

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