What to Expect When You Hire a Professional Publishing Company

Professional book publishing services


So, you've finished your book. First off, congratulations! That alone is a major accomplishment. But now comes the next big step: publishing. If you're considering taking your work to the next level, you may have looked into professional book publishing services.

But what does that actually involve? What should you expect when you decide to work with a professional publishing company?

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything from editing to marketing and share why investing in professional publishing could be one of the best decisions you'll make as an author.

The First Conversation: Getting to Know You

When you first reach out to a professional publishing company, they usually start with a consultation. This is your chance to talk about your goals, ask questions, and explain what your book is about.

It’s not a sales pitch. It’s a conversation.

They'll want to understand your vision. Are you publishing for business purposes, personal branding, or to become a full-time author? This first step helps both of you decide if you're a good fit to work together.

I remember during my first call with a publishing team, I was nervous. I wasn’t sure how my book would be received. But the team listened carefully, asked smart questions, and immediately gave me confidence.

Manuscript Evaluation and Editing

Once you move forward, the next step is usually a manuscript review. This isn’t just a quick glance at your work. It’s a deep look at structure, clarity, and content.

You'll typically go through several types of editing:

  • Developmental Editing: Looks at big-picture stuff like plot holes, pacing, and structure.

  • Line Editing: Focuses on improving sentence flow and readability.

  • Copy Editing: Corrects grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

  • Proofreading: Final check before printing.

Working with professional book publishing services means you're not alone in this process. You have skilled editors helping you shape your story so it reads better and connects more deeply with readers.

Cover Design and Interior Formatting

"Don't judge a book by its cover" may be good advice in life, but it doesn’t apply in publishing. People absolutely judge books by their covers.

Professional publishing companies have graphic designers who create eye-catching, genre-appropriate covers. They'll also format the inside of your book so it's clean, professional, and readable on any device.

In my own experience, this was one of the most exciting parts. Seeing my book in a beautiful layout with a stunning cover made it all feel real. It made me proud.

ISBNs, Copyright, and Legal Details

There are a lot of technical pieces in publishing that many authors aren’t aware of:

  • ISBN registration

  • Copyright filing

  • Library of Congress registration

  • Barcode generation

These may seem minor, but they matter. They make your book "official" and ready for bookstores, libraries, and online retailers.

When you work with professional book publishing services, they handle all of this for you. You don’t need to Google your way through a maze of legal forms.

Distribution Channels

Where will your book be sold? Amazon is a big player, but it's just the beginning.

A good publishing company will get your book into:

  • Amazon

  • Barnes & Noble

  • Apple Books

  • Kobo

  • Independent bookstores

  • Libraries (both digital and print)

Some services also offer global distribution. That means your book could reach readers in the UK, Australia, India, and beyond.

Without help, setting all of this up is complicated. That’s another reason why professional book publishing services are so valuable.

Author Branding and Online Presence

Today, publishing isn’t just about the book. It’s about the author, too. Readers want to know the person behind the story.

Most professional publishers help you create a strong online presence. This includes:

  • Designing an author website

  • Setting up your Amazon Author Central profile

  • Writing your author bio

  • Creating a media kit for interviews and events

They might even guide you on how to start a newsletter or build an audience on social media. This branding can help you connect with readers, grow your platform, and sell more books.

Marketing and Promotion

Marketing is a big part of a book's success. Unfortunately, it's also one of the hardest parts for authors to handle alone.

Here’s where professional publishers really shine. Their marketing teams can help you with:

  • Book launch strategies

  • Social media promotion

  • Press releases

  • Email campaigns

  • Blog tours

  • Book reviews

  • Paid advertising (Amazon, Facebook, etc.)

During my last book launch, the publisher handled outreach to bloggers and scheduled podcast interviews. That exposure brought in more readers than I ever could have managed by myself.

Print and Digital Options

You should have choices when it comes to formats. Most publishing services will offer:

  • Paperback

  • Hardcover

  • eBook (for Kindle, Nook, etc.)

  • Audiobook (some even assist with narration)

These options matter. Some readers only buy digital. Others love the feel of a paperback. Giving readers options can increase your book sales and reach.

Timeline and Communication

Many authors ask, "How long will this take?" It varies, but a professional publisher will give you a clear timeline. Expect 4 to 6 months from start to finish, though this depends on how fast you provide feedback.

Good companies also keep you in the loop. You’ll get updates, review drafts, and approve materials before anything goes live.

One thing I loved about my experience was how responsive my team was. If I had questions, they got back to me fast. It made the whole process smooth and less stressful.

Ongoing Support After Publication

The support doesn’t stop once your book is live. Many companies continue to help with:

  • Quarterly marketing pushes

  • Promotional opportunities

  • Planning your next book launch

  • Monitoring sales and reader reviews

Long-term success as an author takes ongoing effort. Professional publishers understand this. They often offer packages or add-ons for continued support.

How Much Does It Cost?

This is one of the most common questions. Professional publishing isn’t free, but it’s an investment in quality and reach.

Costs can range from a few thousand to several thousand dollars, depending on the services you choose. But think about it this way: you’re paying for expertise, design, editing, marketing, and peace of mind.

And unlike traditional publishing, where you give up royalties, most professional publishing models allow you to keep the bulk of your profits.

Final Thoughts

Working with a professional publishing company is a partnership. You bring the words; they bring the polish, platform, and plan.

From editing to marketing, branding to distribution, professional book publishing services take your manuscript and transform it into a finished product that readers will love.

If you're serious about being an author and you want your book to reach as many people as possible, going the professional route might be the smartest step you can take.

You don’t have to do it all alone. In fact, you shouldn’t have to. Let the pros help bring your vision to life.

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