General Questions
I specialize in cover design, formatting, social media advertising, and email marketing.
Yes, you can view my cover design and formatting portfolio here.
My prices vary from project to project. You can find out more information by going here and selecting which service you’d like more information on.
Cover Design: Photoshop and Illustrator
Formatting: Photoshop, InDesign, and Jutoh
For cover design I book out 6-8 months as there are very limited spots.
For marketing services, I prefer you book at least 4 weeks before your release.
Fill out the contact form here. Or email me directly at alyssa@upliftingauthorservices.com
I only accept payments through PayPal.
It really depends on the project, scale of the project, how quickly I get information/files from you, and when you book.
Yes, but for my hourly rate of $50/hour with a minimum of 30 minutes billed.
Formatting
For formatting, I do not read the book before hand (I just don’t have time anymore), so if you’re wanting ebook or paperback stunning formatting, having a good synopsis of the story is a big help. Also if you already have some ideas in mind, those help too. We will work together to give you a beautiful professional look.
Word is not a program I prefer and I do not use it for formatting. Most people can format a book decently in Word, but I take it to that next level by using professional programs that give your book that shine and sparkle it deserves!
Yes, very much so for KDP. The larger the file, the higher the delivery costs.
You can read about KDP delivery costs here.
As soon as I have the final finished and proofed I will send you the file with the total page count (this number doesn’t always match the page number in the back as there is front and back matter that do not get page numbers).
For mobi files use the Kindle Previewer.
For ePub users use Adobe Digital Editions.
I noticed that I had a wide range of requests. Some people like their file sizes as small as possible to avoid delivery costs. Others just want it sparkly and pretty no matter the cost. Charging the same amount for different needs seemed wrong, especially when one requires way less work than the other.
Cover Design
I actually have a new client on boarding process. When you schedule a cover design, about 2 weeks before your scheduled date you will receive an email from me with your contract and a portal login. In the portal there will be a questionnaire for you to answer questions about your book and what you see in your head for the cover.
You will be able to login to this portal whenever you see or think of something you’d like to see on your cover. This will help speed up the actual design process.
That really depends on you. Industry standard is somewhere between 5×8 and 5.5×8.5, but many in the indie community prefer 6×9. It’s really up to you what size you go with.
Yes. It boils down to preference. This does factor into the size of your book though, so it’s something that needs to be figured out before final files are sent.
Totally fine. I know many people who even format their own books. I will just need your page count in order to finalize your cover design.
Yes, upon request. You will get the title on a transparent background as well to be used for branding on promotional graphics.
For digital, I send JPEGS using a sRGB coloring scale.
For print, I send a PDF using a CMYK coloring scale as that is what all the print on demand services request.
Credit must be included in the copyright of the book as “Cover Design by Alyssa at Uplifting Designs & Marketing”
Marketing
I have a communications and marketing degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and have over five years of experience in this industry. Most of my hands on experience with ads and newsletters comes from running many successful campaigns for Kendall Ryan, who I work for as an executive assistant.