Category Archives: Standard Cover Design

Welcome to the Army — Now Available!

Congratulations to Dennis Schulze on the release of his book Welcome to the Army!  Columbus Publishing Lab was excited to assist Dennis with the production of this military memoir about his time serving as a military attorney in Vietnam.

The Schulze family believed that Dennis had a story to tell, so they gifted him the Columbus Publishing Lab Complete Package.  We edited, designed, and distributed Dennis’ book so that he could bring his story to a worldwide audience.

Our graphic designer made the author’s personal accomplishment into a beautiful book cover.  Dennis submitted a picture of an award he received.  Our graphic designer took that picture, cleaned it up, and turned it into a meaningful cover that Dennis can be proud to call his.

This book used extensive military jargon, which our editor expertly edited and conformed to style guidelines.

“My publisher has been so patient and professional in guiding a
novice author to the completion of his goal. I couldn’t have done it
without you!”  — Dennis Schulze

Check out Welcome to the Army by Dennis Schulze!

The Design and Construction of the Nautilus – Boyle & Dalton

The Nautilus CoverEver since he was a boy, Demetri Capetanopoulos was enthralled with Jules Verne’s Nautilus, drawing his first set of schematics at the age of ten. Fast forward to the present day, and Demetri has years of experience as a nuclear submarine engineer and deep submersible pilot—and he still loves the Nautilus. The Design and Construction of the Nautilus seeks to answer the question, “Could the Nautilus have been real?”

We worked with Boyle & Dalton, the publisher of The Design and Construction of the Nautilus, to provide editing, design and marketing services, so the finished book would reflect the years of passion and research that Demetri Capetanopoulos put into exploring the science behind the Nautilus.

The first step in the publishing process was a developmental edit. After reading the entire manuscript, an experienced developmental editor provided Demetri with a detailed report containing recommendations to improve areas of concern. As a result, Demetri was able to act on the suggestions of our editor to vastly improve The Design and Construction of the Nautilus before the book was released to readers.

Next, a professional copy editor combed through the manuscript correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes, as well as standardizing the manuscript to a style guide. Our editor worked closely with the author to ensure the technical terms used throughout the book were formatted accurately.

After the copy edit was complete, our interior designer set to work creating a custom aesthetic to be both elegant and readable. We also incorporated pictures, graphs, and schematics provided by Demetri to enrich the reader’s experience and illustrate the different systems of the Nautilus, seamlessly building them into the design of the book.

As soon as the interior design was complete our proofreader checked the entire manuscript a final time, searching through the text and the design for any last-minute errors.

Our cover designer worked with Demetri and his publisher to incorporate several schematic drawings, creating a dynamic cover design that commemorates the Nautilus while attracting passing readers to his work.

We distributed The Design and Construction of the Nautilus in paperback and hardcover formats to all major retailers as soon as Demetri was completely happy with his final files. The Design and Construction of the Nautilus is readily available to readers, and Demetri collects a quarterly check for his sales without the need to store, ship or purchase copies of his book up front.

Find The Design and Construction of the Nautilus on Amazon.com here.

Demetri spread the word to his friends and family about the release of The Design and Construction of the Nautilus but wanted to expand the reach of his story. Columbus Publishing Lab provided marketing services to Demetri following the release of his book to help get The Design and Construction of the Nautilus into the hands of more readers.

Throughout the entire publishing process, Demetri had a dedicated point of contact for questions and updates. Calls were answered or returned, emails were read and promptly answered, and a close-knit team who actually cared about his book brought the project to fruition.

If you’re interested in making your book project a reality, we invite you to contact us by clicking here. We’re happy to sit down with you for a free consultation or answer your questions via email/phone.

Maman — Boyle & Dalton

Maman weaves the life story of a Jewish-Iranian woman whose identity is fiercely bound to her family, her country and her faith. Married at a very young age, Maman raised seven children in the midst of poverty and the chaos of political upheaval in Iran. Moris Niknam, one of those seven children, tells his mother’s story with a nostalgic love through memories both sweet and heart-wrenching.

We worked with Boyle & Dalton, the publisher of Maman, to provide editing, design and marketing services, so the finished book would reflect the heartfelt effort Moris Niknam put into chronicling his mother’s extraordinary life.

The first step in the publishing process was a developmental edit. After reading the entire manuscript, an experienced developmental editor provided Moris with a detailed report containing recommendations to improve areas of concern. As a result, Moris was able to act on the suggestions of our editor to vastly improve Maman before the book was released to readers.

Next, a professional copy editor combed through the manuscript correcting spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes, as well as standardizing the manuscript to a style guide. Our editor worked closely with the author to ensure the Persian language used throughout the book was formatted accurately.

After the copy edit was complete, our interior designer set to work creating a custom aesthetic to be both elegant and readable. We also incorporated pictures provided by Moris to better illustrate his upbringing in Iran, seamlessly building them into the design.

As soon as the interior design was complete our proofreader checked the entire manuscript a final time, searching through the text and the design for any last-minute errors.

Our cover designer worked with Moris and his publisher to incorporate several family photographs, creating a dynamic cover design that commemorates Maman while attracting passing readers to her story.

We distributed Maman in paperback and e-book formats to all major retailers as soon as Moris was completely happy with his final files. Maman is readily available to readers, and Moris collects a quarterly check for his sales without the need to store, ship or purchase copies of his book up front.

Find Maman on Amazon.com here.

Moris spread the word to his friends and family about the release of Maman, but wanted to expand the reach of his story. Columbus Publishing Lab provided marketing services to Moris following the release of his book to help get Maman into the hands of more readers.

Throughout the entire publishing process Moris had a dedicated point of contact for questions and updates. Calls were answered or returned, emails were read and promptly answered, and a close-knit team who actually cared about his book brought the project to fruition.

If you’re interested in making your book project a reality, we invite you to contact us by clicking here. We’re happy to sit down with you for a free consultation, or answer your questions via email/phone.

Call Me Bud — Custom Publishing Package

Often when we publish books it’s because authors are trying to reach larger audiences–sharing their story with the world. But sometimes the smaller the audience the more profound the impact.

Such was the case with Call Me Bud, the memoir of 95-year-old WWII veteran Bud Embree.

Sharon Embree, Bud’s daughter-in-law, contacted us about publishing the memoir she had compiled from Bud’s writings over the years, along with photographs and documents from Bud’s time as an artillery pilot in WWII.

The completed book was to be presented to Bud as a surprise at his upcoming birthday party. With this deadline on our radar, we got to work.

Our interior designer took the materials provided by Sharon and created a custom aesthetic, separating the memoir into chapters by dates in Bud’s life. We kept the design simple and readable, while incorporating design elements that reflected Bud’s service in the air force.

After the text had been professionally laid out, we created a gallery of photos and documents at the end of the book, sharpening the images as needed to make them stand out in print.

Our cover designer took several of the photos taken during the time of Bud’s service (including a dashing photo of Bud in uniform), combining them into a custom cover design.

After Sharon was completely happy with the final files, we uploaded the book to the printer and shipped the book copies off in time for Bud’s birthday surprise, ready to be handed down to grandchildren and to generations still to come.

“I wrote this down so that my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would learn about the Great Depression and World War II, and so they could come to understand my life a little better.”

–Bud Embree, Call Me Bud

From books designed to reach the masses, to those special projects that mean the most to just a few,  Columbus Publishing Lab handles each project with care, attention to detail and personalized service that shows in the final product. If you have a book project on the shelf, large or small, we invite you to contact us.

Herm’s County — Boyle & Dalton

Since opening our new office in Zanesville, Ohio, we’ve had great experiences meeting Mizel_Proof_FrontCover-186x300and working with authors in Appalachia.

We recently had the pleasure of producing Katherine Mitzel’s second book, Herm’s County. This mystery story takes you through the twists and turns that unravel a small Ohio town when a local boy goes missing.

Find a copy of Herm’s County here, or ask for it at your favorite bookstore.

Katherine had already worked with an editor prior to bringing her manuscript to us, and so we got right to work on the interior design of her book. We created a custom interior for her book that is aesthetically pleasing, as well as easy-to-read.

As soon as the interior of the book was finished, our proofreader read through the book in its entirety, catching any last-minute mistakes before the book headed to print. As soon as the interior was complete, we created an e-book version of the book, readable across all major e-book platforms.

Katherine provided her own artwork for the cover, and our cover designer chose bold, simple typography to complement the painting.

In addition to book design services, Columbus Publishing Lab also created a simple author website for Katherine, where she can showcase both of her books.

Upon completion of the production process, Herm’s County was evaluated for inclusion under our Boyle & Dalton imprint, and ultimately accepted. Learn more about Boyle & Dalton here.

Along every step of the production process, Katherine had a direct contact at Columbus Publishing Lab to answer her questions, provide her with updates, or give publishing support.

If you’re ready to take your book project to the next level, we invite you to contact us by clicking here. We work with authors and small presses at all levels, and we’d love to learn more about your project.

L is for Leader — Boyle & Dalton

L is for Leader LLC has a mission: Create products to inspire, empower and encourage case8.000x8.000.inddyoung girls to live as leaders.

The latest product in the L is for Leader line is a colorful picture book, designed to show young girls what it means to be a leader in their everyday lives. We were thrilled when L is for Leader founder Sarah Kregel came to us with her L is for Leader book materials, and we started the publishing process right away.

Learn more about L is for Leader LLC at www.LisforLeader.com.

Sarah provided us with the book text, as well as pictures for each page. The L is for Leader team had a clear idea of how they wanted the book to look, and our interior designer worked closely with them to ensure expectations were fulfilled.

We created a professional layout for Sarah’s pictures and text, and added playful embellishments on each page that corresponded with the existing L is for Leader branding elements. Our cover designer then created a bright, simple cover design that uses the L is for Leader logo as the focal point.

After the cover and interior were complete, we reviewed L is for Leader for  inclusion under our exclusive imprint: Boyle & Dalton. Based on the quality of content and design, L is for Leader was accepted and is distributed as a Boyle & Dalton book to all major online retailers in hardback and e-book formats.

Find L is for Leader on Amazon.com here. 

Along every step of the publishing process, Sarah and the L is for Leader team had a dedicated point of contact. If they had a question or needed an update, there was someone to answer their call or speedily reply to an email.

Congratulations to Sarah Kregel and her team on the release of L is for Leader!

Columbus Publishing Lab works with individuals, organizations, businesses and small presses to create great books. If you’d like more information on making your book project a reality, we invite you to contact us here.

Kathleen Sutton — Let Me Lead

Let Me Lead tells the story of a gentle woman dealing with loss, a brutal temptress ebook_coverdetermined to destroy everyone she comes in contact with, and the young dance instructor who has their full attention.

We enjoyed working with author Kathleen Sutton to turn her thrilling manuscript into a published novel.

Nab a copy of Let Me Lead here.

The first step in the publishing process was copy editing. A professional editor combed through the raw manuscript, correcting spelling and grammar mistakes and standardizing the text to a style guide.

As soon as the copy edit was complete, our designer worked closely with Kathleen to create an interior design aesthetic that fit the target audience of the book, while still being readable and professional.

While our proofreader checked the book’s interior for any remaining errors, we worked with Kathleen on her cover. We enhanced a photograph she provided to create a cover image that is eye-catching and reflective of the dramatic nature of the book.

After Kathleen was completely happy with both the cover and the interior of Let Me Lead, we created an e-book version. Columbus Publishing Lab handles the print and e-book distribution for Kathleen. We handle the hard work of getting the book up for sale, and Kathleen collects a royalty check.

Let Me Lead is already garnering great reviews! Professional editing and production services DO make a difference.

“As I read Sutton’s book, Let Me Lead, I was intrigued by the development of the complex characters and how they continued to intersect with each other in ways unforeseen…  I could not put the book down. I look forward to Sutton’s future novels.”

–Amazon reviewer

We love helping authors succeed. If you’re interested in taking your book project to the next level, we invite you to contact us today by clicking here. 

When It Rains It Pours — The Solution Package

When It Rains It Pours tells the story of a troubled Cleveland family. Their bonds are tested perf6.000x9.000.inddover and over again by heartbreak and hardship, but their will to keep the family together perseveres.

Ron Wilson Jr. drew from his own experiences as he was writing When It Rains It Pours. With so much heart put into the writing of this book, he wanted to find a company that would invest the same time and care into the publishing process.

After meeting with Columbus Publishing Lab, Ron decided The Solution package included everything needed to produce a professional book. Our copy editor got right to work, thoroughly editing Ron’s manuscript to eliminate errors of spelling, grammar and punctuation, all while standardizing it to a style guide.

As soon as the copy edit was complete, our interior designer formatted the text to look professional and be readable. From there, a proofreader combed through the interior once again, searching for any last mistakes in the text or in the design.

Our cover designer worked closely with Ron to create a standard cover design that fit the serious tone of his book. After selecting a photo, we professionally laid and manipulated type to compliment the stormy aesthetic.

After Ron was 100% happy with the final book files, we distributed When It Rains It Pours  in paperback and e-book formats to all major retailers. Ron collects a check, and we handle all the hard work.

Find When It Rains It Pours here.

We were also able to help Ron spruce up some existing marketing materials he had prepared for his book, leaving him with a professional platform to attract new readers. Learn more about our marketing services here.

Throughout the entire publishing process, Ron had a dedicated point of contact at Columbus Publishing Lab. There was always a friendly Ohioan to take his phone calls or answer his emails.

Columbus Publishing Lab produces great books. If you’re interested in publishing your book, we invite you to contact us by clicking here. We’re happy to chat about your project over a cup of coffee, or via phone or email.

Psychology of the Music Business — The Isotope Package

Psychology of the Music Business is the second book Willie H. Alls, Jr has published with perf5.000x8.000.inddColumbus Publishing Lab. This companion to his first book, Making It To The Top In Gospel Music, contains information, insight and advice to help gospel artists find success within the music industry.

Willie chose The Isoptope Package, and added our standard cover design service to give his book the professional exterior he was looking for. We incorporated the aesthetic from his first book to ensure his existing author brand was well represented. The interior of Willie’s book was also expertly formatted — we made sure the text was not only readable, but ready for the printer and all major e-readers.

“Writing is hard work (at least for me it is). Columbus Publishing Lab has made this process easier for me than I ever thought it would be.”

-Willie H. Alls, Jr.

We handle Willie’s distribution to all major print and e-book markets under our Proving Press imprint. There’s no standing in line at the post office, or dealing with frustrating customer service reps.  We do all the hard work, and Willie collects the check.

Find Psychology of the Music Business here.

Along every step of the way, Willie had a dedicated point of contact at Columbus Publishing Lab. If he had a question or needed an update, there was always someone on the other end of the line to take his call.

We’re here to make the publishing process a professional, enjoyable experience. If you have a book project in the works, we’d love to discuss it with you over a cup of coffee. Contact us here with questions, or to schedule a free consultation.

Trevor Zahara — The Solution Package

Confessions of an OSU Usher by Trevor Zahara tells the untold stories of the Ohio State OSU usherBuckeye Ushers. Trevor spent a lot of time compiling anecdotes, photos and reflections from his fellow Ushers, and when he decided he wanted to share them in a book, he knew he wanted the finished product to be top-notch. After completing a successful Kickstarter campaign, Trevor invested his funds into The Solution Package

Find Confessions of an OSU Usher here. 

Since the book’s release in late August, Confessions of an OSU Usher has been featured on/in Good Morning Columbus, The Lantern, The Bucyrus Telegraph and other local news media. It has steadily been ranked in the Top 100 (currently Top 50!) on Amazon.com in the sports humor category.  

Learn more about our publishing packages here.

Confessions of an OSU Usher was professionally edited, and our team of designers got to work creating a professional-looking book cover with Trevor’s provided photograph. We formatted the interior text of the book for both print and e-book markets, and incorporated the full-color photos Trevor provided. When the book was ready, we uploaded it to all major print and e-book retailers. Since we’re handling the book distribution,  Trevor can fully focus on marketing his book. O-H-I-O!

Throughout the entire publishing process, Trevor had a dedicated point of contact at Columbus Publishing Lab. When he had questions, or wanted an update, there was always someone available to take his call/email.

If you’re interested in producing a professional book, we invite you to contact us for more information.