In 2012, it is easier than it ever has been for indie authors to publish their own work; however, many people don’t have experience properly formatting manuscripts, designing book covers, or editing for grammar, spelling, and composition.
Whether you are interested in publishing an eBook, paperback, or hardcover edition, I can help you. I have experience working with Smashwords, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CreateSpace, and Lulu. If you have a finished manuscript and are not sure where to turn to next, I can edit and format it for you—I can also refer you to a professional cover designer, with rates beginning as low as $40.
Writing is a hard dollar—especially for independent authors—therefore, I strive to keep my rates affordable. My base rate for formatting is $2.00 per page; copy editing runs a bit more. In cases where there is minimal work involved on my part (professionally-executed manuscripts), I will reduce my rate. Please contact me for a specific estimate for your project. Upon receipt of your manuscript, I will provide you with an estimate and never bill you beyond that without prior approval. Generally, to begin work on a manuscript, I require a retainer equal to half of my fee, the remainder being due upon completion. All transactions may be subject to a personal consultation, to protect both you (the client) and me (the contractor).
When I return your manuscript to you, it will be formatted as an eBook, for print, or for traditional submission to an agent and/or publisher, depending on what you request. If you are interested in having your work in multiple formats, I will provide you with an estimate. I am also available to assist you with uploading your material to distributors (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, etc.). I guarantee proper conversion and acceptance into Smashwords’ Premium Catalog, allowing your eBook to be distributed to all major channels worldwide.
Selected titles will have the option of being published under the Maple Hills Press imprint, which means that your title will appear on our Available Titles page. There is a nominal fee for this; however, all royalties and rights remain the property of the author.
I am a professional; therefore, I will never take on an assignment that I do not believe is saleable. I cannot guarantee your success; however, I can guarantee that your project will look just as good as anything being put out by a major publishing house. Writers are interested in writing—leave the mundane details to me. Email me at editor@secretlaboratory.org if you are interested.
—John T. Schmitz, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
