Do you have a specific question that wasn't answered here?
Q. Are your prices flexible?
I give a range of prices, but these ultimately need to be adjusted to fit your needs. Your best bet is for me to quote it. Then I can give you options! If your book is 20 pages long with no photos or charts, I will not charge you the same as a 20 page book that has images, charts and design elements on every single page (which would take more time, thus costing more). On each project, I figure out my estimate time involved and will quote you accordingly. I often run specials on covers as well, so ask about those or join the email list. I don't send out emails every day so I won't bog down your email. I just send them when I have something really important to say or announce!
Q: What's the process from start to completion?
This is how I like to work. However, we can adjust to fit your needs and requirements!
INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS:
1. Before I design your book, I'll have you complete a questionnaire to give me an idea of what you envision for your book. Or you can fill out the REQUEST A QUOTE.
2. You can call or email me at any time if you need to talk about the design. You’ll email me the document, images, and any other graphics/logos you want to incorporate. I’ll design a mock-up of the first chapter, and you’ll have the opportunity to provide design feedback on each element.
3. After you’ve approved your interior mock-up direction, I’ll continue to format the rest of your book and send it to you in pdf format.
4. Review your proof and give me your final updates. At this point, only minor edits should be done (spelling, strange breaks, punctuation).
After approving your final book interior, I’ll create the final pdf’s for print or ebook.
COVER DESIGN PROJECTS:
1. I'll need the title, subtitle and author name as you'd like it displayed, as well as a brief synopsis of the book or a sample chapter or two, so I am familiarized with your genre and audience. Also, if you want to provide any direction on color or images, you're welcome to do so.
2. I'll design and provide 2 or more options, depending upon the cover package you decide upon.
3. You'll pick a direction and we'll tweak the colors or font styles as you see fit.
4. I'll deliver a flat file for use in your book, as well as a 3-D file for your marketing needs.
INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS:
1. Before I design your book, I'll have you complete a questionnaire to give me an idea of what you envision for your book. Or you can fill out the REQUEST A QUOTE.
2. You can call or email me at any time if you need to talk about the design. You’ll email me the document, images, and any other graphics/logos you want to incorporate. I’ll design a mock-up of the first chapter, and you’ll have the opportunity to provide design feedback on each element.
3. After you’ve approved your interior mock-up direction, I’ll continue to format the rest of your book and send it to you in pdf format.
4. Review your proof and give me your final updates. At this point, only minor edits should be done (spelling, strange breaks, punctuation).
After approving your final book interior, I’ll create the final pdf’s for print or ebook.
COVER DESIGN PROJECTS:
1. I'll need the title, subtitle and author name as you'd like it displayed, as well as a brief synopsis of the book or a sample chapter or two, so I am familiarized with your genre and audience. Also, if you want to provide any direction on color or images, you're welcome to do so.
2. I'll design and provide 2 or more options, depending upon the cover package you decide upon.
3. You'll pick a direction and we'll tweak the colors or font styles as you see fit.
4. I'll deliver a flat file for use in your book, as well as a 3-D file for your marketing needs.
Q: When should the author get me (the designer) involved in the process?
You can contact me at any time while you're writing or after you're done.
For covers only, I can create those prior to the completion of the book as long as you have a strong understanding of the genre, audience, title, and subtitle.
For interior design, books must be complete and in final edited text when I receive it. Word documents are preferred. I will do a final spell check at no additional charge. Revisions are limited to one to three depending on the package. These revisions should only include minor edits such as spelling, punctuation, etc. If preferred, I can also offer final editing services from a pool of extremely talented editors, for an additional charge.
For covers only, I can create those prior to the completion of the book as long as you have a strong understanding of the genre, audience, title, and subtitle.
For interior design, books must be complete and in final edited text when I receive it. Word documents are preferred. I will do a final spell check at no additional charge. Revisions are limited to one to three depending on the package. These revisions should only include minor edits such as spelling, punctuation, etc. If preferred, I can also offer final editing services from a pool of extremely talented editors, for an additional charge.
Q: What if I want to have this traditionally printed in the future?
If this is a possibility, let me know from the very beginning. That way, we can plan the layout accordingly – which will save you money in the long run. Print and ebooks are two very different formats, and I have experience doing both. There will be additional charges for creating the spine and back for a printed book when the time comes, and I'll provide a quote if any rejuggling of size, text, images, etc are required. I know the publishing industry very well, and can also give you advice as to who to use if you're struggling with online self-publishing.
Q: How do I pay you?
For large projects, I will request a 50% payment upon the approval of the mock-up direction (step 3 above). And 50% upon completion of the layout. For smaller projects, payment can be made upon completion. After payment is made, I'll send you the completed packaged files and an invoice. I take credit cards, paypal and checks.
Q: Do I own the copyright of the cover/design?
You will own the copyright to the cover design, although I respectfully ask that credit is given as such: "Cover design by Tanya Back, www.tanyabackdesigns.com"
Note on images: Most images I use are considered royalty free stock, which keeps our costs down and your covers affordable. This means that you do not own the photograph, but you do own the design in as far as how it is portrayed on the cover. This is true for ALL ebook designers, not just me. However, what makes me different: I use pieces of various images and put them together for a one of a kind, unique cover. Unless someone is copying me (which would be unethical and illegal), you will never run into someone having the exact same cover as you!
Note on images: Most images I use are considered royalty free stock, which keeps our costs down and your covers affordable. This means that you do not own the photograph, but you do own the design in as far as how it is portrayed on the cover. This is true for ALL ebook designers, not just me. However, what makes me different: I use pieces of various images and put them together for a one of a kind, unique cover. Unless someone is copying me (which would be unethical and illegal), you will never run into someone having the exact same cover as you!
Q: Kindle? Nook? PDF? PAGE FLIPPER? Word? OH MY!
The entire eBook world is still in it's infant stages, and thus is suffering from a lot of growing pains. You'd think that this technology would be easy to understand, do, format, etc. It's actually kind of a messy area right now. It is something that we'll need to decide before the eBook is designed, so I can efficiently meet your needs.
Kindle? Nook?
To make it simple for me, I only provide Kindle and Nook formats for the Basic Design Package because Nook and Kindle aren't very photo-friendly at this stage in the game. To make it simple for YOU, it's always advised to choose ONE output format according to your main marketing outlet. For additional fees you can have it transferred into the other formats. But all formats will change the way your book looks.
PDF? Page flipper?
PDF files can actually be read by both the newest Amazon and Kindle eReaders, so that's always a safe format – especially if you're planning on marketing it on your site or other book promotional sites. This is my number ONE format that makes the most sense, protects the integrity of the layout and is best used for books that contain any images, graphics, tables, etc. In my SECOND AND THIRD DESIGN OPTIONS, these are all I offer. If you have a special request (ie: just a few charts and images), we can discuss it.The page flipper is great for free ebooks and I will create it online and give you a link you can share with your audience.
Word?
I use Indesign to design eBooks. Under special circumstances or requests, I will transfer the layout to Word at the end and give you both a pdf and Word document for an additional charge. With type-based eBooks, it's very easy and the charge will be nominal. With eBooks that have complex graphics and images, the charge is a bit more and it will not look the exact same as your pdf but will be as close as possible (due to Words representation of charts, graphics, and fonts). If you let me know from the very beginning that this is desired, it can be worked into the budget and quote.
Kindle? Nook?
To make it simple for me, I only provide Kindle and Nook formats for the Basic Design Package because Nook and Kindle aren't very photo-friendly at this stage in the game. To make it simple for YOU, it's always advised to choose ONE output format according to your main marketing outlet. For additional fees you can have it transferred into the other formats. But all formats will change the way your book looks.
PDF? Page flipper?
PDF files can actually be read by both the newest Amazon and Kindle eReaders, so that's always a safe format – especially if you're planning on marketing it on your site or other book promotional sites. This is my number ONE format that makes the most sense, protects the integrity of the layout and is best used for books that contain any images, graphics, tables, etc. In my SECOND AND THIRD DESIGN OPTIONS, these are all I offer. If you have a special request (ie: just a few charts and images), we can discuss it.The page flipper is great for free ebooks and I will create it online and give you a link you can share with your audience.
Word?
I use Indesign to design eBooks. Under special circumstances or requests, I will transfer the layout to Word at the end and give you both a pdf and Word document for an additional charge. With type-based eBooks, it's very easy and the charge will be nominal. With eBooks that have complex graphics and images, the charge is a bit more and it will not look the exact same as your pdf but will be as close as possible (due to Words representation of charts, graphics, and fonts). If you let me know from the very beginning that this is desired, it can be worked into the budget and quote.