Services Overview
Cover Design: You want a beautiful, professionally designed cover that lets your book introduce itself to potential buyers and hints at what’s inside. It needs to be distinctive and attention-grabbing. But most of all, your cover needs to let your story speak—it needs to CONNECT.
Layout & Typesetting: While the cover pulls your reader in and connects with them, the interior design elevates their experience. Professional layout and typesetting showcase the underlying beauty of your book—the ideas, information, and emotion.
Publishing Assistance: In addition to providing exceptional designs for your cover and interior, I can help you through the next stage: getting your book into production.
The world of self-publishing can be complex and confusing, but you don’t have to go it alone. I will actively guide you through the process, clarify the options, and show you how to do it.
Working with Illustrada is smooth and efficient, and your project will arrive on time and on budget. You’ll get a design that successfully links the craft of writing with the business of publishing.
Custom Publishing/Special Editions/Limited Editions
Not all books are intended for sale in the bookstore “trade.” When I am asked to create a special purpose design—to celebrate a business milestone, an organization’s journey, an artist’s work, or perhaps a family or loved one—I consider that a “special,” or limited edition book. These extraordinary books are a lasting, permanent, and tangible way to honor your history, accomplishments, and future.
We collaborate on unique design and production elements to create your one-of-a-kind special editions. Heirloom-quality touches are available—including customized jacket designs, protective slipcases, leather bindings, gold leaf, and thick, luxurious paper to complement full-color interiors.
A special-edition book can:
- Enhance your organization’s image and reputation, creating a unique marketing item.
- Document your organization’s history and share its vision for the future.
- Recognize your donors and show appreciation.
- Amplify your business or speaking credibility.
- Provide exhibition catalogs for artistic events.
- Commemorate an important anniversary or special event.
- Preserve your family history and memories.
Additional Services
The following services are available to meet your unique needs:
Artistic Add-Ons
- Custom illustrations
- Custom photography
- Graphic development (charts and infographics)
- Photo re-touching
Marketing Collateral
- Press kits
- Banner ads
- Bookmarks
Production Assistance/Publishing Services
The book design process ends with the handoff of the cover and interior files. However, I can help you navigate the next stage of your project: getting your book into production.
We’ll start by identifying printers and gathering quotes and specifications. We’ll secure an ISBN and other formal registrations. I’ll manage the technical details and delivery of the final print-ready files and help you review proofs. I can advise you on the intricacies of print-on-demand (POD) portals and best practices in working with eBook distributors.
Consulting
Sometimes, my clients are capable DIYers who feel it would help to have someone look over their shoulder to check things over. Maybe it is reviewing a design in progress, offering tips and training on how to utilize design tools such as Adobe’s InDesign, or discussing implementing the visual part of a marketing plan.
For these specialized situations, I’m happy to offer hourly or retainer-based design consulting services. Please get in touch with me to set up a time to talk about where I can help.
Design Services for Where You’re At
Cover design, interior layout, typesetting, publishing consultation, photo editing, illustration development, and production assistance.
Whether you are an established press or an up-and-coming publisher, we’ll work together to create something unique and beautiful.
Organizations
Trade Publishers
Self Publishers
When you work with me, you are hiring an artisan with the creative and technical skills to design a custom book that stands out. I’ll help you address your expectations and those of readers, reviewers, and award committees.
I encourage questions and open communication because I care deeply about you, your authors, and your books. My industry experience and problem-solving skills help resolve any issues before they arise.
