How to Hire (and Not Regret) Your Book Support Team
- David Adabale
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Hiring the wrong support team can turn an exciting book project into an exhausting one. For first-time authors, especially, knowing who to hire and how to avoid regret can feel overwhelming.
Hiring a book support team, editors, designers, formatters, and strategists can either streamline your journey or become a major source of stress. And the difference comes down to asking the right questions before saying yes.
Whether you’re figuring out how to self-publish a book, comparing self-publishing companies, or navigating self-publishing for beginners, this guide will help you choose wisely, so you can move forward with clarity, not regret.
What You Need Depends on Where You Are
Before hiring anyone, get clear on your current stage. Support should match your needs, not just your ambitions.
Still writing? Look for a writing coach or developmental editor.
Finished your draft? You’ll need copyediting, proofreading, and formatting.
Ready to publish? Consider help with metadata, ISBNs, and uploading to Amazon or other platforms.
Thinking ahead? Now’s the time to plan how to market a self-published book.
Understanding the full book publishing process helps you build the right team at the right time.
How to Hire (and Not Regret) Your Book Support Team
Here’s what to keep in mind as you choose who to work with:
1. Hire specialists, not just creatives.
Great editors aren’t always great marketers. A beautiful cover doesn’t mean it’s Amazon-ready. If you’re learning how to publish a book on Amazon, make sure your team knows that platform’s specs inside and out.
2. Review past work and process.
Ask to see samples, timelines, and deliverables. It’s not about being demanding, it’s about being smart.
3. Clarify expectations upfront.
Know what’s included, how revisions are handled, and what timelines look like. No assumptions.
What a Strong Book Team Looks Like
To publish with confidence (and without overwhelm), here’s a simple breakdown:
Editor: Improves structure, clarity, and grammar
Proofreader: Final polish before publishing
Designer: Creates cover and interior layout
Publishing Support: Helps with setup on the best self-publishing platforms
Marketing Guide: Helps you build visibility and launch with intention
At Is Your Book Ready?, we’ve supported first-time authors through every phase, from early concept to post-launch marketing. Together, we can design your book, simplify your platform strategy.
Ready to Make a Confident Choice?
You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Book your free consultation today:
We’d love to hear your story and help you bring it to life, with the right support at the right time.
Knowing how to hire (and not regret) your book support team is the foundation of a publishing journey that feels clear, confident, and aligned with your goals.
Comments