Our Services

The steps of publishing a book:

Editing

Whether your book needs structural editing, line-editing, copyediting or proofreading—I can help!

Structural Edits focus on big-picture things like flow and organization of the book. Grammar issues are not yet noted, since some changes could be possible due to the “big picture” edit.
Line Edits look at sentence flow, quality of the writing and consistency in the prose or recurring issues in the prose.
Copy Edits deal with the spelling and grammar in the book.
Proofreading is the last round of edits made just before a book is ready for typesetting.

The editing process, no matter which type needed, can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete. Editing doesn’t have to cost a ton of money. I am willing to bundle many of these steps depending on the project. If cost is an issue and you are considering skipping hiring an editor, I would strongly suggest even asking a friend to look over your book before you send it to print!

Typesetting

Also known as Book Design or Interior Book Design. This is the awesome step of book production that “decorates” the inside of your book. Your word file, or google doc, become the interior layout of your book, such as chapters, essays, devotionals etc.

Sample Chapter: A single, formatted chapter of your book is created before the full interior goes through layout. The sample chapter is used to determine exactly how to format the rest of your book.
Images may cost extra.
Also included in typesetting are other pages like the title page, copyright page, table of contents, dedications, acknowledgements, about the author etc.

Book Cover Design

Images are made using Canva. Original artwork can be used if submitted by author, or by the author’s chosen freelancer, who is paid by the author. Credit for artwork stated on copyright page. Cover includes front cover, back cover and spine (if needed). I can write your book’s summary for the jacket or you can! Cover revisions are always an option! It has to be just right for you, the author!

Amazon Author Page

Books are uploaded to the Amazon platform. I can create an Amazon Author Page, if needed, when uploading the book. Author is responsible for maintaining and updating page with new info.

Other Distributions Platforms

I can “help” your book be listed on other sale platforms. For example, Take Heart Books has books listed on Barnes and Nobles online, Hudson Booksellers online and the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. I will submit your book to your local library, if they accept local author submissions. (Author copy for submission to be ordered by author.)

Social Media Promotion

Take Heart Books will promote your book and links to your sales platform and/or website for a minimum of 5 posts via all social media platforms. Remember, ALL royalties and rights belong to the author, so after payment for services, Take Heart Books is essentially helping you promote your book for free. It is about spreading the word of God! I am storing up my treasures in heaven by simply sharing God’s love through your book! Amen!

Speaking Engagements

This is a good discussion to have along the way. What do you want for your book? For you? You have written a book declaring the goodness of God so now what? If you’d like, I can find you at least one speaking engagement to share your book in person. This could be a local church or ministry. It could also be in any locality where you are in fellowship with a ministry. I am happy to reach out to any ministry or setting where you think you might want to share. I am also super happy to join you on this very exciting part of book publishing and liaise as your representative for in-person book sales at the speaking engagement. I am here for you in whatever capacity at this type of event, even just to fill a seat and pray for you!

Ebooks

So ebooks are a newer part of this business for me. I have successfully uploaded TWO ebooks to the amazon platform (yay me!) but, I am still learning! I’d love to continue my hands-on training with your book! A smaller additional fee is added, much smaller!

Least expensive Book Production GUARANTEED.

Book production can vary in length of time and cost, but I promise to offer the most affordable services and give your book my very best. This is how I serve the Lord, by helping those He has called upon to share His word. Amen.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

There is nothing like feeling/seeing your printed book in your hands the first time! It is a moment you will never forget.

FAQ

Do I need an agent?

That is totally up to you. By publishing with Take Heart Books, you retain all rights to your book and if you’d like to see your book go farther than the services described here, then maybe you should look into an agent. Always ask your family and friends to share your social media, that is a good start to get a feel for where your book might go! Pray about it!

How do I submit?

Send me an email! Let me know you’re reaching out and to look for your submission. Then, please send the first 10 pages in the body an email, as I do not open attachments for fear of spam.

What are your fees?

It depends on your book. Editing is a cost. Typesetting is a separate cost. Cover Design is a separate cost. Ebooks are a small cost. Social media promotion and Speaking engagements are not separate. If your book is published under the Take Heart Books brand, promotion for you is promotion for me and these services are included! Published, in this instance means registered to Take Heart Books (author retains rights!) Editing, typesetting and cover design CAN be done without the book being “published” under Take Heart Books. For example, they can be sold as freelance services.

Fees not stated here are not an indication of “high prices.” Truly, every project is different with a unique purpose, and I prefer to have a look at the needs of the project, pray about it, and then gift a price. This work is my service for the kingdom and while I can’t do it for completely free, (Hey, I have to tithe, too!) I will guarantee the best price for the best of my skills! I encourage you to search the web for these costs, the prices are shocking!

What is a Hybrid-Publisher?

So, I am not a traditional publisher. You know, the kind that pays you, the author, an up front commission to buy your book and all the rights from you. The kind that has a warehouse full of your books somewhere waiting to be shipped when they are sold. No. That is not me. What Take Heart Books is, is a publishing services provider to the author. The author pays for the services to be published, retains all the rights to their book and retains all royalties. I do not see a single cent from your book sales. That’s all you! (Taxes are your responsibility, too! fyi) A hybrid-publisher means I will provide you with services, that you pay for, and will publish your book under my brand, which will allow you to expand your book’s distribution to other selling platforms like libraries, B&N, Walmart etc. I will also help you promote that book!

Can I hire a freelancer for any part of the process?

You are welcome to bring your own artwork from a paid freelancer (of your choice and cost) to be included in your book. However, I do require that I am the final editor of your book, as I require that all books published by Take Heart Books meet the required standards before publishing under my brand.

How long does this process take?

As stated above, each project is different. I know you are excited about holding your finished book, but this process does take time. A very vague and generous estimate is maybe three months? A clear timeline will be discussed and agreed upon at the time of contract.

Can I make payments?

Yes. I am so happy to have been contracted for your project, so yes, I gladly take payments.