Self-Publishing Services & Consulting
Help authors self-publish books with guidance, services, and publishing support
Overview
Self-publishing service providers charge $2,000-$15,000 per book project or monthly retainers of $1,500-$5,000 for ongoing support.
Helping 15-40 authors annually generates $120,000-$550,000 with 60-75% margins after contractors and tools.
In 2025, authors increasingly self-publish to maintain creative control and higher royalties, needing guidance navigating complex publishing process.
Services include publishing strategy and planning, manuscript evaluation and developmental editing, coordinating editing (line editing, copy editing), cover design project management, interior book formatting and layout, ISBN and copyright registration, publishing to Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, launch strategy and marketing planning, and ongoing publishing consulting.
Successful publishing consultants understand entire self-publishing process, maintain network of editors and designers, guide authors through decisions, provide realistic expectations, and help authors avoid costly mistakes.
Many specialize by genre (fiction, nonfiction, children's) or service level (full-service vs.
consulting).
Package-based pricing for complete projects.
Virtual service delivery.
Marketing through author communities, writing conferences, and educational content about self-publishing.
Required Skills
- Publishing Process Knowledge
- Project Management
- Editor & Designer Network
- Book Marketing Basics
- Author Relations
- Publishing Platforms
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Growing self-publishing market
- Project-based revenue model
- Can build contractor network vs. doing all work
- Rewarding work helping authors achieve dreams
- Multiple revenue streams (services, courses, affiliate)
Cons
- Authors often have unrealistic expectations
- Managing multiple book projects simultaneously
- Need deep knowledge of constantly changing platforms
- Some authors have limited budgets
- Competitive market with many self-publishing services
How to Get Started
- Master self-publishing process on major platforms (KDP, IngramSpark)
- Build network of editors, designers, and formatters
- Create service packages (full-service, consulting, a la carte)
- Choose genre or author type specialization
- Build website showcasing published books
- Market through author groups, writing conferences, educational content
- Offer free publishing roadmap consultation to convert clients
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