Our Publishing Process
Every book is different. So is every author who brings one to us. What stays the same is the way we work: closely, carefully, and always with your story at the center. From your first conversation with us to the moment your book is in your hands, we walk alongside you through every stage of the process. Here is what that looks like.
1
Discovery & Planning
Before a single word is edited or a page is designed, we spend time getting to know your project. We learn what you are trying to say, who you want to reach, and what kind of book will do your story justice. This phase includes an initial consultation and project scoping, gathering your manuscript, images, and any physical materials you want included, and establishing a clear timeline and working relationship.
For projects that involve ghostwriting, photo restoration, or ephemera digitization, this is also where that foundational work begins. By the end of this phase, we have a complete picture of what your book is and what it needs to become.
2
Writing & Editorial
This is where your manuscript takes its final shape. Whether we are working from a polished draft or building the narrative from interviews and source materials, our editorial process is thorough and collaborative. You will see every significant change and have the opportunity to respond. Our goal is a manuscript that sounds like you at your best: clear, resonant, and ready for the page.
Deliverable: a publication-ready manuscript.
4
Publication & Launch
Your book is printed, distributed, and introduced to the world. We prepare your files, assign your ISBN, and publish through IngramSpark, which makes your title available to major online retailers and available for order through bookstores and libraries worldwide. Physical copies can be ordered at any time, so if you want to sell or gift books yourself, stock a local bookshop, or have copies on hand for events, that is entirely within your control.
If your package includes author branding or marketing support, those pieces come together in this phase as well. We close with your book in print, your distribution in place, and a launch strategy you feel confident carrying forward.
Deliverable: your published book and a launch plan in hand.
3
Design & Production
This is where your book becomes a book. Interior layout, typography, image placement, cover design — every visual decision is made with intention and your specific project in mind. We do not use templates. We build something that fits your content, your audience, and the experience you want a reader to have. Proofreading of the designed pages happens in this phase as well, before anything goes to print.
Deliverable: print-ready files and approved cover design.
"What really surprised and delighted me was how quickly Julie was able to pick up how the story should be told. I was impressed by the way she had the photographs placed and amazed at how she used the envelopes from all the letters I had written as part of the cover of the book.”
— Kirsten Mærsk Hendershot, American Ice Cream
FAQs
What kinds of books do you work on?
We specialize in visually complex publications: books where images, design, and narrative work together to tell a complete story. Legacy memoirs, poetry collections, cookbooks, and children's illustrated books are our core offerings. If your project lives at the intersection of words and images, we are likely a good fit. Reach out, and we can talk through whether your book is the right match for our process.
How is working with Plumb Creative Books different from self-publishing?
Self-publishing puts all of the decisions, coordination, and quality control in your hands. That works well for some people and some projects. What we offer is a full creative and production partnership: editorial guidance, professional design, and a finished product built to the same standards as traditionally published books. You remain in control of your story. We handle everything else.
How is this different from traditional publishing?
Traditional publishing is competitive, slow to respond, and not designed for the kinds of personal, visually rich books we specialize in. With Plumb Creative Books, you do not have to wait for a gatekeeper to decide your story is worth telling. You invest in the process, retain your rights and royalties, and end up with a book that meets the same production standards you would expect from a major publisher.
What does a project cost?
Every project is scoped individually because no two books are alike. Pricing depends on where your manuscript is when we start, how many images are involved, what restoration or digitization work is needed, and which services you need from us. We offer tiered packages as a starting point and are happy to talk through what makes sense for your specific project before you commit to anything.
How long will it take to publish my book?
Our standard timeline runs 18 months to two years for a full-service project, which isn’t unusual (plus, we’re a small team). Traditional publishers routinely take that long from manuscript to finished book, and for good reason. Visually complex books require time. We would rather give your project the attention it deserves than rush it to meet an arbitrary deadline. Shorter timelines are available for projects that arrive further along in the process, and we will give you an honest estimate at the start.
Do I have to have a finished manuscript to work with you?
Nope! Some clients come to us with a complete manuscript ready for editing and design. Others come with a box of photographs and a story they have not yet put into words. We work with both, and everything in between. Our discovery phase is designed to figure out exactly where you are starting from and what your book needs.
Who owns the rights to my book?
You do. Always. Plumb Creative Books does not claim any ownership over your work, your story, or your intellectual property. We are here to help you make your book, not to acquire it.
How will my book be distributed?
We publish through IngramSpark, which makes your title available to major online retailers and orderable through bookstores and libraries. You can also order physical copies directly at any time, which is a good option if you want to sell copies yourself, share them with family, or have stock on hand for events. We are not a distributor in the traditional sense, but IngramSpark gives your book real reach from day one.
What does the author do during the process?
More than you might expect, and less than you might fear. We will need your time and input, especially in the early phases when we are learning your story and getting the direction right. You will review drafts, give feedback on design concepts, and make decisions about how your book looks and feels. What you will not have to do is figure out publishing on your own. That is what we are here for.
How do I get started?
The first step is a conversation. We offer a no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation to learn about your project and make sure we are the right fit for each other before anything is signed or committed to. You can reach us through the contact page to schedule a time.