STEP 01
Know Your Manuscript
Understand what stage your manuscript is truly in before paying for services.
Publishing can get expensive fast. Before you spend serious money, sign a contract, or hand over rights to your work, understand the road in front of you.
Spaulding Creative Holdings helps first-time and developing authors understand the publishing process before making expensive decisions. The goal is not to sell you a dream. It is to help you ask better questions, understand what you're paying for, and protect the work you created.
Use this roadmap as a starting point for understanding the business side of becoming a published author.
Understand what stage your manuscript is truly in before paying for services.
Learn the difference between developmental editing, copyediting, line editing, and proofreading.
Compare traditional, hybrid, assisted, and independent publishing options.
Understand ISBNs, copyright, ownership, and what should remain under your control.
Plan professional formatting, cover design, print specifications, and final files.
Understand where your book will be available and how distribution actually works.
Know the numbers: retail price, print cost, discounts, royalties, and net revenue.
Build a realistic plan for presales, launch, social media, appearances, and reader outreach.
Read the contract. Understand the term, rights, exclusivity, fees, deliverables, and exit language.
A focused conversation about where you are, what comes next, and what questions you should be asking.
Understand the moving pieces before choosing services or a publishing partner.
Learn the business questions an author should consider before entering a publishing agreement.
If you're trying to figure out what to do with your manuscript, start with a conversation. Tell SCH where you are in the process and what you're trying to accomplish.
CONTACT SCH ABOUT AUTHOR GUIDANCE →