Custom Editing & Publishing for Your Book

typewritten text: ready to get published

When you have your manuscript drafted, our custom editing and publishing starts with a quick review of your document.

Depending on the status, we may give you an estimate to proceed, or we may suggest further revision.

(It’s possible we’d let you know your project isn’t the right fit for Clear Sight Books. But if that’s the case, we’ll try to point you to resources who can help.)

Manuscript Need More Work?

In cases where we believe your manuscript still needs significant work, we may suggest a Manuscript Intensive. In this process we review your goals, critique your manuscript in context of those goals, develop a detailed report for you, and then provide a debrief session along with your options for moving forward.

Ready for Publishing?

If your manuscript is solid and ready to go, we’ll give you an estimate that typically includes:

Hands-on editing of your manuscript by Karin (we like to call this “collaborative revision”)
Copyediting and proofreading by our team of editors, so you get fresh eyes on your manuscript
Production of your print book, including professional graphic design for the book cover and interior
Production of your ebook, including conversion from the print version
Management of all account setup and logistics related to print and ebook (e.g., file uploads, metadata)

Once your manuscript is ready for editing and publishing, it typically takes 3-4 months to polish it and get it in your hands. During this time there’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes for you, but it doesn’t mean you get to sit back and relax. You’ll have full control over all edits and design decisions.

There’s nothing quite like holding a beautiful end-product: your book.

Finished your book…loved it…whoever designed cover and inside did a great job…one of the best I’ve seen in a long time.
Reader feedback to a client

More About Publishing Approaches

Common Types of Publishing

There are two main types of publishing:

Traditional publishing – In this process, for nonfiction you typically write a query to find an agent; if successful, you then write a book proposal so your agent can seek a publisher. If you do find a publisher, you may be paid an advance against royalties. Somewhere in here you finish writing your book; the publisher manages the editing and production process. The publisher also handles distribution and (some) marketing. While the publisher pays most costs up front, it also gets the bulk of revenue from book sales; you receive a smaller portion of the sales in royalties.
Self-publishing or independent publishing – In this process, you are in charge of everything from writing to editing to production to marketing. If you hire people to help with any of these functions, you bear the cost. Authors typically use print-on-demand services like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or IngramSpark, which allows them to not hold inventory. After the distribution service takes its cut and the printing costs are paid, the author retains all other royalties or sales revenue.

There are “hybrid” publishers as well that incorporate elements of both.

Clear Sight Books’ Approach

At Clear Sight Books, our services help you self-publish (though we prefer the term “independent publishing”). Some specifics around common questions:

Payment and royalties – You pay for our help with editing and publishing on the front end; you receive all the royalties from book sales on the back end.
Book printing and distribution – Most of our clients like to use KDP and/or IngramSpark for print and Kindle for ebooks, but there are other options we can use.
The “publisher” – Clear Sight Books can be your publisher; or you or your business can be the publisher. (Note: Publishing and printing are two different things.) There are good reasons to choose either of those options; we’ll do what works best for you.

If you have a draft manuscript, let’s talk, answer what questions you might have about the editing and publishing process, and determine your best next steps.

I just saw my book on Amazon!! Wow! It’s actually there!! I’m thrilled and excited that after all of this time it is finally available. I must tell you that you did a fabulous job and made life a lot easier for me. Thanks again for your support and assistance. The book looks great!!
Bill Brown

Learn More about Self-Publishing

To learn more about self-publishing logistics, the following articles are some of the most popular on this website:

Ready to talk? Email Karin at karin@clearsightbooks.com.

“Karin’s approach is dynamic and thoughtful. She knows how to work with clients to identify and hone their message, how to help them draw conceptual gold to the surface and craft it into a beautifully structured book. She knows when to zoom in and support, when to pull back and let the client process, when to listen and when to talk. The results are collaborative and nothing short of amazing.” —Rita Lewis, independent writer and editor

“Karin has an amazing talent for seeing the big picture and fitting the puzzle pieces together, while looking at the details to make sure each word does its job. She pushed and challenged me to create the best book possible.” —Becky Sansbury, speaker and consultant

“I achieved a new level of clarity in putting things together, articulating how I work with my clients, and creating consistent messaging. I feel much more comfortable and confident now in how I approach different markets.” —Bill Brown, BD Brown Communications

“Karin was the perfect solution and fit for me. She worked flexibly and closely with me throughout the editing, formatting and publishing process. ... With keen insights and gentle suggestions, Karin was able to help me transform my good book into a much better one. It was an amazing process. —A. Charles, author and coach

“Simply put, my book never would have gotten published without Karin.” —Alan Hoffler, MillsWyck Communications