In a recent episode of Book Marketing Tips & Author Success, (Oct. 4) the importance of selecting the right vendor and avoiding costly mistakes came up, and the advice couldn’t be clearer: get it in writing. When hiring a designer or any other service provider, it’s essential to have clear terms upfront, ensuring both parties are on the same page.
What Does “Get It in Writing” Mean?
When you’re working with a book designer, editor, or any vendor, always request a written quote before the project begins. This isn’t just a formality; it’s protection against misunderstandings and unexpected costs later on.
Avoiding Unfortunate Surprises
Consider this example from the podcast: An interior designer wasn’t informed in advance about the inclusion of charts in a book. Partway through the project, they had to inform the author, “You owe me more money,” to cover the additional work. Situations like these can easily be avoided with clear communication from the start.
An experienced designer will know to ask upfront if there are additional elements like charts, tables, or images in the manuscript. Knowing these details early helps the designer provide an accurate quote.
Key Questions to Ask Before Providing a Quote
When I quote a project, I make sure to ask authors a few key questions:
- What’s the total word count? This affects the overall design time and complexity.
- Which formats will the book be available in? Paperback, eBook, hardcover, and audiobook formats each come with distinct design needs and pricing.
- What images and visuals are included? This includes photos, charts, tables, and illustrations. Images often require retouching, and charts or tables require specific typesetting, all of which impacts the quote.
How I Break Down Estimates
To keep everything transparent, I itemize estimates to cover:
- Cover design and stock images (if needed)
- Interior design costs based on word count
- Retouching charges for images
- Typesetting costs for tables and charts, priced individually
- Revisions – detailing how many rounds of changes are included
Once the estimate is shared, the author reviews it, signs the agreement, and pays a deposit to initiate the project.
Choosing the Right Designer: Ask the Right Questions
Selecting the right designer is crucial. By knowing what questions to ask and ensuring everything is documented, authors can avoid unexpected costs and make the process smoother for everyone involved.
