Consult & choose your path
Start with a free 15-minute consult or pick a transparent package. You keep 100% rights from day one.
Your Publishing Journey with AuthorShelf
Choose a package, set up your title, and follow a clear six-phase workflow — all in your Author Portal.
AuthorShelf is built for authors who want professional publishing without a confusing process or hidden fees. You choose a transparent package, complete the 11-step New Title wizard in your portal, and track every milestone from manuscript through distribution.
You retain your rights. Pricing is upfront. And your Author Portal is the single place for project workflow, team messages, file uploads, approvals, royalties, and orders.
Here is how we take your book from idea to shelf — and what you can expect at each step.
A visual path from manuscript to shelf
High-touch production should not feel abstract. These licensed images illustrate the outcome and presentation quality you are aiming for — paired with portal-tracked phases below.
Portal interface preview (product UI mock) — six phases, tasks, messaging, and royalties. Not a live customer screenshot.
Launch with retail-ready files
Print-ready and eBook files, ISBN, and global distribution — with royalty visibility after Title Live.
Sample timeline: manuscript to market-ready
Many projects move in about 6–8 weeks depending on package, manuscript readiness, and revision speed. Your portal shows exact progress. Ranges below are typical — not a fixed SLA.
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Week 0–1
Package + New Title setup
You choose a package and complete the New Title wizard in the portal. Portal checkpoint: confirm metadata, preferences, and package scope.
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Weeks 1–3
Manuscript & editorial
Upload files and move through editorial work included in your tier. Portal checkpoint: respond to tasks and approve editorial rounds when requested.
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Weeks 2–5
Cover & interior design
Concepts and layouts progress in the workflow. Portal checkpoint: approve cover concepts and interior proofs before files lock.
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Weeks 4–7
eProof & production files
Final polish and print/eBook-ready preparation. Portal checkpoint: eProof approval before distribution setup.
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Weeks 6–8+
Distribution & Title Live
ISBN, metadata, and global retail placement paths complete. Portal checkpoint: Title Live, then royalties and title support views open.
Not sure which package fits this timeline? Book a free 15-minute Author Readiness Call, compare packages, or use our 15-point partner checklist.
Getting Started
Most authors are up and running in three moves: account, package, and New Title setup.
- Create your account at Create Account, then sign in to open your portal dashboard.
- Choose a package on our Publishing Packages page and complete checkout. Milestone plans are available on Pro, Signature, and Ultimate.
- Set up your title using the 11-step New Title form (Dashboard → Add New Title). This captures metadata, preferences, and everything your team needs to begin production.
- Follow your project workflow — upload files, review proofs, and approve phases as your book moves through the six production phases below.
- Track royalties and orders in the Royalties, Reports, and Book Orders tabs after your title goes live.
New to AuthorShelf? Read our Welcome guide or browse the Help Center.
Publishing Packages
Six tiers — from first-time authors to full-service launches. Every package maps to the same portal workflow; higher tiers include more editorial, design, and marketing support.
Spark
$399
Launch
$597
Grow
$749
Pro
$997
Signature
$1,987
Ultimate
$2,989
Compare features and choose the right fit on our Publishing Packages page.
Six Production Phases
Every title in your portal follows the same workflow. Open Projects → View Details on any book to see where you are and what’s next. Read the full stage guide →
01
Project Setup
Your project is created when you complete the New Title wizard and checkout (or when a package order is linked to your account).
- Title metadata, trim size, and package selection captured in the 11-step wizard.
- Agreement acceptance and initial project configuration.
- Dashboard and project record ready for editorial work.
What you do: Complete New Title setup and confirm your package. This phase typically auto-completes once setup is finished.
02
Manuscript & Editorial
Upload your manuscript and any reference materials. Editorial services included in your package run in this phase.
- Manuscript upload via workflow tasks or during title setup.
- Developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading per your package tier.
- Editorial status and revision tasks visible in the workflow panel.
What you do: Upload files on time and respond to editorial tasks. Message your team from the project inbox if you have questions.
03
Design
Cover design and interior formatting for print and eBook — aligned with your genre and package.
- Cover concepts and interior layout developed by our design team.
- Feedback and direction through tasks or Messages & Team Inbox.
- Approved design files prepared for proofing.
What you do: Review concepts promptly and approve direction before proofing begins.
04
Proofing & Approval
Review your eProof (and physical proof if ordered) before files are locked for production.
- eProof review task with Approve or Request Changes options.
- Final chance to catch typos, layout issues, and metadata before lock.
- Clear revision workflow if changes are needed.
What you do: Proof carefully — major title metadata changes are limited after the next phase. See our Approvals and Revisions guide.
05
Production & Distribution
Final files, ISBN/metadata lock, and distribution upload to retail and wholesale channels.
- Print-ready and eBook files prepared for platform requirements.
- ISBN, metadata, and listing setup for distribution.
- Title metadata locked after this phase — plan updates before final approval.
What you do: Confirm final approvals. Your book moves toward live listing status.
06
Marketing & Post-Publication
Marketing materials, launch prep, and go-live — then ongoing royalty and sales tracking.
- Marketing deliverables per your package (assets, guidance, launch support).
- Go-live coordination and post-publication checklist items.
- Royalty tracking begins once your title is live.
What you do: Use Royalties and Reports for sales data. Action items also surface on Dashboard → My Things To Do.
The Author Portal
One place for your entire publishing business
From your first login, the portal sidebar gives you Dashboard, Projects, Messages, Account, Royalties, Reports, Book Orders, Service Orders, Marketing, and Help. Open any project’s View Details page for the full workflow, uploads, tasks, and per-project team messages.
Dashboard & Tasks
See active projects, My Things To Do, and quick links to start a New Title or open messages.
Projects & Workflow
Six-phase progress, file uploads, proof approvals, and per-project Messages & Team Inbox.
Messages
Reach your publishing team from the global inbox or inside any project — no scattered email threads.
Royalties & Reports
Sales and royalty data after go-live, plus reporting tools to understand performance over time.
Orders
Book Orders and Service Orders in the portal, plus My Orders for WooCommerce purchase history.
Help & Support
In-portal Help tab, the site Help Center, messaging, or our contact form.
The AuthorShelf Advantage
Guided Workflow
A consistent six-phase process in the portal — you always know what’s done and what’s next.
Professional Team
Editors, designers, and publishing specialists matched to your package and genre.
Transparent Pricing
Clear package tiers from Spark to Ultimate — no surprise fees mid-project.
Author-First
You own your work. We don’t take rights or royalties on your book sales.
Built-In Approvals
Proof, design, and phase approvals tracked in the portal — documented and easy to revisit.
Ongoing Visibility
Royalties, reports, and orders stay accessible after launch so you can grow your catalog.
Ready to publish?
Compare packages, set up your first title, or reach out — we’re here to help you move from manuscript to shelf.