The Process

There are several steps that an idea must go through before it can become a book. Once the idea is written down it then needs to be edited. Once it is edited, the story can be illustrated as in the case with a children’s book, or designed as in the case of novels. After all the pieces have come together in a coherent and marketable format, they can then be submitted for publishing. Our interpretation of these steps and how we accomplish them are outlined in detail below.

Initial Review & Editing

The manuscript undergoes an extensive review of grammar, content, readability and marketability before DHP will offer a contract to the author. We are very selective with the literature that we allow into our family.

A Thorough Review

Correct GRAMMER is imperative to reach any audience. In a world where the 5-star review is king, quality is a mark of professionalism and trustworthiness.

In order to be accepted by Dowell House Publishing, the CONTENT of all potential literature must uphold the 4 core tenants of our values. While these values do not need to be displayed explicitly, no content or ideas can undermine stated values either explicitly or implicitly. Our core values are very important to us as is our integrity as parents, teachers, and citizens of the world. 

Every piece of literature has an audience. Some questions we should ask to determine READABILITY are: “How old are the people I am writing to/for?” and “What grade are they in?”

When we review a manuscript for MARKETABILITY we want to make sure this will be a product that people will want to buy. It is very important to us that our authors are successful, but more so that their story has the ability to reach as many children as possible. The writing style, characters, plot, relatability, etc. are all considered.

Editing Negotiations

Once a contract is signed by the author, the editorial design and design publishing begin. Being a part of the DHP family entitles the author to have a huge hand in their creative process. We are a service for authors so it only makes sense that the authors would have the final say in how their book would feel and look after edits.

We will be publishing the authors book, however we feel that it is important that the author feels an ownership of their book business as well. You will still own all the rights to your book! Authors are highly encouraged to give their input on cover design preferences, character design, etc. 

The negotiation happens when the publisher may see a need beyond the authors wishes that may affect the books marketability. These issues will be addressed professionally and as equals. Given the concerns at hand with the pros and cons, it will the authors decision on how to proceed, or to leave it in our hands. 

We actually look forward to the negotiation process because it helps us see more of the heart and passions of our talented authors.

Should the need for major re-writes arise, your editor will be with you every step of the way for assistance and direction.

Illustration & Design

The illustration and design process of a manuscript follows the following timeline. Depending on the details and length of the book this process can take 3-6 months. Book cover design for non-illustrated books follows a similar but less strenuous and time consuming process.

Storyboarding

Illustrations are sketched alongside the text to show the action and story flow.

Detail Drawings

Once author approves the story board, detail drawings are drafted in the finished page size.

Tracing

The detail drawings are traced by hand onto quality art paper.

Coloring

Each drawing is hand colored in the style and art medium to match the story.

Scanning

The finished illustration is scanned in high quality for digital cleanup and formatting.

Digital Editing

The digital editing involves fixing contrast, color, lighting, and misplaced sketch/paint marks. We also match the image size to the print requirements and adjust the typesetting for the text.

Publishing & Marketing

Dowell House Publishing uses the print-on-demand (POD) companies of Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) through Amazon.com and IngramSpark. Both of these companies provide excellent quality for all print types. Both companies have their pros and cons and considerations are discussed with the author.

During the first conversations between the editor, illustrator and author the decision is made which printers to choose as this will determine the sizing templates and file formats to use. The book receives an ISBN number directly linking Dowell House Publishing as the book’s publisher. The book will also receive a Library of Congress number (LCCN). 

DHP can pursue both domestic and international distribution.

Marketing Considerations

As a shared-profit holder in your book, DHP will work diligently to market you and your book well. The following avenues are typically pursued:

  • Social Media
  • Author Website/Landing Page
  • Library
  • Local and Niche Bookstores
  • Large Bookstores
  • Magazine and Publication Reviews
  • Social Influencer Reviews
  • Book Signings
  • Press Releases
  • Author Interviews