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.

check out our decision guide

You don't need to go it alone! We will see you through the publishing process from start to finish. Our team will make sure you receive the support and resources that are right for your book and publishing journey.

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Paperback / Ebook / Hardback Covers

Our talented designers create covers that grab readers' attention while perfectly encapsulating your story. Whether you have a specific vision for your cover or want to hand our designers the reins, we're dedicated to creating beautiful covers that blow our authors away.

Our designers have their finger on the pulse of the industry. We craft the types of covers and interiors that readers want to see, developing each book design based on genre conventions and the unique aspects of your story.

Learn About Cover Design

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.​

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— Tina L. Hendricks

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.

learn about Interior Layout

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.

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— N. West

Self-Publishing Support

We will guide you through the process of self-publishing, making sure you are on the best path to reach your goals.

No Royalty Percentage

Blue 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.

Traditional-Quality Work

Our team members have worked with traditional publishers and consistently produce work that will impress readers and compete with any book on the market.

Vetted Professional Team

Our 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.

Explore our Pen Your Own Pages blog to learn about editing, publishing, and the industry.

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.

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Help readers get lost in your world with custom fantasy maps and children's book illustrations. Or highlight important concepts in your nonfiction work with diagrams and tables—all designed specifically for your book.

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learn about custom maps

You did an amazing job and I would highly recommend your services to anyone needing them. Thanks so much!

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— Joseph Darryl Monday

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.
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Cover Design:

Our custom cover design service includes paperback and ebook versions. Hardback and audiobook versions are available.
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Assisted Self-Pub:

Receive one-on-one assistance uploading your work to KDP or IngramSpark during a live Zoom session.
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Marketing:

Work with our marketing expert to create and implement an effective book promotion strategy.

Custom Maps:

Our artist will create a custom black-and-white or color map—hand drawn or digital.

Full Book Design:

This group of services includes everything authors need for a comprehensive self-publishing process. Adjust any service group to meet your needs.
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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.
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Back Cover Blurb:

Entice readers with a professionally written blurb to use on your back cover and Amazon page.
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Illustrations:

Receive custom illustrations for your children's book, fiction work, or nonfiction book.

view our full service list

The cover designer put the icing on the cake for the efforts of the Blue Pen team I worked with. Kudos!

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— Marcus L. Smith

Blue Pen was founded by a book editor, and it shows. Our team includes highly trained, creative editors who have experience working with both individual authors and traditional publishing houses.

​Whether you need a full edit or a final proofread, we can help you take your story to the next level.​​

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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.
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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.
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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.​
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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.

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