Our 6-step Publishing Process


Guiding You From Vision to Publication

What you’ll get

Learn & Review

We begin by receiving your manuscript submission and learning your story-both on the page and behind it. Through a personal interview, we gain insight into your vision, goals, and purpose for publishing. This helps us determine the best path forward together.

Develop

In this phase, we partner with skilled editors to help shape and strengthen your manuscript into its best version. Our extensive proofreading process ensures your work is published, professional, and free from distracting errors-while preserving your authentic voice.

Design

Together, we craft a cohesive visual identity for your book. Every design element-from cover to interior layout-is aligned with your message, your audience, and your creative intent. Your book should look as powerful as it reads.

Promote

We help you build a strong foundation for your book’s success. From marketing strategies to promotional materials, we equip you with the tools and guidance needed to reach your ideal audience and maximize exposure.

Produce

We manage all the production details-from formatting and ISBN registration to printer coordination and distribution setup-so you can stay focused on what you do best: writing, creating, and connecting.

Publish

Congratulations! Your book is officially released and in the hands of readers. As a published author, your voice is now part of the literary landscape-and your legacy begins to take root.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • We operate under an author-centered, royalty-free publishing model.

    This means you retain 100% ownership and royalties of your work, while we offer professional publishing support through a personalized, service-based partnership. You pay for the services you need—nothing more, and no future royalties are collected by us.

  • Not necessarily.

    While a completed manuscript helps us move forward more quickly, we also work with authors in the early or mid-stages of writing. Through our Learn & Review step, we offer vision sessions and manuscript consultations to help guide your next steps before formal editing or design begins.

  • Our services are organized into six key steps:

    1. Learn & Review – Manuscript submission, author interview, and vision planning

    2. Develop – Editing, proofreading, and refinement with experienced professionals

    3. Design – Custom cover design, interior formatting, and visual branding

    4. Promote – Marketing strategy, promo kits, and launch planning

    5. Produce – ISBN, printing, and distribution setup (e.g., Amazon KDP, IngramSpark)

    6. Publish – Final release and optional post-launch support

  • Yes. Always.

    Shelton Legacy Press does not claim any rights to your work. You retain full ownership, creative control, and all royalties. If you choose to use our imprint, it is solely for professional branding and credibility—it does not affect your rights.

  • Timelines vary depending on your manuscript's readiness and the services you select.

    On average, the full process—from submission to publication—can take 3 to 6 months. We’ll discuss your timeline goals during your vision consultation and provide a personalized publishing calendar.

  • Yes.

    As part of our Promote step, we work with you to develop a marketing strategy tailored to your audience and goals. We provide digital promo materials, social media templates, and press release support. Additional marketing coaching and author spotlight opportunities are available for our clients through the Author Partners-Only Access portal.