Let's turn your manuscript into a book.
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If you are self-publishing, you are the author and the publisher. That means you retain full control over your book, but it's also a lot of responsibility. As the publisher, you are responsible for editing, book design, and marketing.
With Blue Pen, you have an entire team of experts at your disposal. Our team members are the best of the best, so you know your editing and book design will be of the highest quality. We will never force you to take packaged services—you get exactly what you need. If you're a first-time author, understanding the self-publishing process can be challenging. You may not know exactly which services you need. Use our interactive decision guide to develop an understanding of the typical editing and book design process. The guide walks you through the decisions you'll need to make and generates an estimate for services. |
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Custom Cover Design
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I want to thank the team at Blue Pen for your knowledge and expertise. My first novel has been published and I couldn't be more proud of the cover and interior layout.
— Tina L. Hendricks Read author stories. |
Paperback & Ebook Interior Layout
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Your readers have expectations when they open your book. Meet and exceed those expectations with a professional interior design.
We create a paperback layout that will keep the focus where it should be: on your story. You'll also receive an upload-ready ebook file that looks perfect on any device. We'll make sure your words look beautiful on both the page and the screen. |
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Victoria and the Blue Pen team met and exceeded my expectations. Victoria's patience and promptness in the design of my book cover design was greatly appreciated.
— N. West Read author stories. |
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Self-Publishing SupportWe will guide you through the process of self-publishing, making sure you are on the best path to reach your goals.
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No Royalty PercentageBlue Pen is not a publisher, which means authors only pay for the services they need, maintain 100% of their royalties, and sacrifice no rights or creative control.
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High-Quality WorkOur team members have worked with traditional publishers and consistently produce work that will impress readers and compete with any book on the market.
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Vetted TeamOur team comprises the industry's best, all ready to support you. We save authors the time and frustration of searching for professionals they can trust.
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Educating Authors
Explore the Pen Your Own Pages blog to learn about editing, publishing, and the industry.
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Founded on Integrity
Blue Pen was founded by Victoria Griffin, an author and professional editor. When she had filled her schedule with clients, Victoria began building her team of editors, intending to continue focusing only on editing.
However, she constantly heard stories from Blue Pen clients about disastrous experiences with less than reputable "self-publishing companies." Her clients were being taken advantage of, and many others in the writing community were as well. So she expanded Blue Pen to offer a variety of services for independent authors.
With Blue Pen, authors know they are being treated right. They're receiving accurate information and advice based on what is best for their book and career—not on what costs the most. Victoria personally vets each editor and designer, and our team members have the talent and experience to produce exceptional work.
Regardless of whether you work with Blue Pen, we recommend utilizing Writer Beware to research any industry professional or company you consider.
However, she constantly heard stories from Blue Pen clients about disastrous experiences with less than reputable "self-publishing companies." Her clients were being taken advantage of, and many others in the writing community were as well. So she expanded Blue Pen to offer a variety of services for independent authors.
With Blue Pen, authors know they are being treated right. They're receiving accurate information and advice based on what is best for their book and career—not on what costs the most. Victoria personally vets each editor and designer, and our team members have the talent and experience to produce exceptional work.
Regardless of whether you work with Blue Pen, we recommend utilizing Writer Beware to research any industry professional or company you consider.
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You did an amazing job and I would highly recommend your services to anyone needing them. Thanks so much!
— joseph darryl monday Read more testimonials. |
Book Design & Self-Publishing Services
Start to Published:All of our services are available a la carte, but this group of services comprises a full edit and everything necessary to self-publish a high-quality book.
Cover Design:Our custom cover design service includes paperback and ebook versions. Hardback and audiobook versions are available.
Assisted Self-Pub:Receive one-on-one assistance uploading your work to KDP or IngramSpark during a live Zoom session.
Marketing:Work with our marketing expert to create and implement an effective book promotion strategy.
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Interior Layout:Showcase your story with a custom paperback layout and reflowable ebook. Interior layout is available for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
Back Cover Blurb:Entice readers with a professionally written blurb to use on your back cover and Amazon page.
Illustrations:Receive custom illustrations for your children's book, fiction work, or nonfiction book.
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The cover designer put the icing on the cake for the efforts of the Blue Pen team I worked with. Kudos!
— Marcus L. Smith Read author stories. |
Expert Editing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Pen a publisher?
No, we are not a publisher. We provide services that authors need to publish independently or to prepare to pursue representation or traditional publication.
Authors pay only for the services they need, and our clients retain 100% of their rights and royalties.
Authors pay only for the services they need, and our clients retain 100% of their rights and royalties.
Is Blue Pen a vanity press?
No, we are not a vanity press. While we charge up front for services, we do not claim to be a publisher. We also do not require authors to book packaged services or purchase copies of their books. And we do not take any rights or royalties.
We encourage authors to research and understand the difference between a legitimate service provider, a traditional publisher, and a vanity press (which is a scam). Consult Writer Beware before working with any industry company, including us.
We encourage authors to research and understand the difference between a legitimate service provider, a traditional publisher, and a vanity press (which is a scam). Consult Writer Beware before working with any industry company, including us.
What are Blue Pen's values?
Excellence. Integrity. Professionalism. We are part of the writing community we serve, and we are proud to deliver services that benefit that community and help wonderful books reach readers.
We make sure that each edit and design meets the highest standards of quality, and we prioritize each author's experience. Our clients should finish their project with us feeling confident, encouraged, and ready to take on the next chapter of their writing journey.
We make sure that each edit and design meets the highest standards of quality, and we prioritize each author's experience. Our clients should finish their project with us feeling confident, encouraged, and ready to take on the next chapter of their writing journey.
Blue Pen was founded by author and editor Victoria Griffin. While working as a freelance book editor, Victoria found that many of her clients needed trustworthy author services, which led her to develop Blue Pen as a comprehensive resource for authors who want to produce high-level work.
