Ready to publish your first book? There are more options than you might think—from printing copies just for family to getting listed on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Here's what every first-time author needs to know about print-on-demand publishing, ISBNs, and the steps most people don't see coming.

What begins as a first-time publishing project quickly becomes a collaborative journey in editing, design, technology, and problem-solving. In this case study, discover how a team of educators transformed an unedited manuscript into a polished curriculum book for middle-school teachers—complete with a stronger title, engaging cover design, and fixed-layout ePub solution for Amazon.

A first-time author hired me to design his suspense novel in ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats. Along the way, we discussed ISBNs, book sizes, print-on-demand platforms, proofreading, and the realities of self-publishing. This project became a reminder that new authors often need guidance through every step of the publishing process—and that education is just as important as design.

A simple pocket-sized prayer book became one of the most memorable projects of my career. From paper selections and gold-foil stamping to spot-raised UV and soft-touch laminate, every detail was carefully considered to create a keepsake worthy of its purpose. This case study shares the design journey behind The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order and the collaborative effort that made it a conference success.

Creating a children’s book is a team effort. In this case study, author Jon Ferry, illustrator Caroline Zina, and book designer Peggy Nehmen worked together to bring Across the Battlefield: A Pawn’s Journey to life. From choosing the book size and coordinating illustrations to designing the cover and preparing files for print-on-demand publishing, every decision required collaboration, communication, and attention to detail.