This presentation was offered by Karen Ferreira. Any misinformation is the fault of the note taker.

Q: What are the five pillars of creating a high quality book?

• Book should be well written: need to meet the market standards.
• Have genera tropes.
• In children’s books is word count. (500 wds)
• Show not tell.
• Get education about the correct things about writing.
• Self-nonfiction books ae not well written. They tend to meander.
• Especially have 3-4 first books edited.
• have professionally edited.
• Don’t rely upon self-editing.
• A professional edit and help your book to meet the traits of your genera.
• They can help you find writing bad habits.
• The quality of our work is a reflection on your brand.
• Professional cover
• The interior should look professional.
• Quality is not only appearance but also what people expects.

Q: How do you get professional illustrations?

• Illustrations will be your biggest investment.
• You want a book you will be proud of.
• If go cheap you will later regret it.
• 14 illustrations average in a picture book. Paying $35 Is too low or get low quality look about %2-3K covers. Show they are experienced illustrators.
• 8 weeks is a very fast deadline.
• Illustrations for nonfiction help our book. It breaks up the text that makes the book easier to read. Can be simple illustrations to clarify an idea.

Q: what can an author’s book cover is professional

• Look fantastic.
• Art should be genre appropriate and specific. Romance has a man with no shirt.
• See what other books look like in your genera.

Q: how to make sure book interior is professional.

• Have it professional formatted.
• Different font for title.
• Make sure you have space between the lines.
• Make sure fonts are easy to read.

Q: final advice.

• Don’t go the cheapest way or fastest way.
• Don’t compromise on quality.
• Will you be happy with this in five years.