Make the book
Writing and editing.
How we work: from manuscript to launch
Publishing a book means a long run of decisions. This page explains each stage: what we do, what you do, and where your approval is needed.
The free book review: where every book starts
Before anyone talks about cost, we read your book and tell you what we think.
You submit your manuscript through the free book review form. A member of the team reads it and sends you our feedback on where the book stands and what it needs next. The review is free, and you're under no obligation to do anything afterwards.
What to send
The whole manuscript if it's finished, or at least the first three chapters if it's still in progress, as one Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF file of up to 15 MB. You don't need to polish it first. If your book doesn't have chapters, such as a picture book or a poetry collection, or your file is larger than 15 MB, send us an enquiry and we'll tell you what to send.
What you'll receive
Our feedback on your manuscript and our decision on whether we're a good fit for your book. If we are, we'll add a recommended publishing roadmap for you to consider.
What our decision can be
- We accept the book.We'd like to work with you, and we send a recommended roadmap with our feedback.
- We accept it with conditions.We'd like to work with you, but we think something needs to happen first or alongside, such as further work on the opening chapters. We'll explain the conditions clearly.
- We decline the book.We don't think we're the right fit at this stage, and we'll say so plainly. The feedback is yours to keep and to use however it helps your book.
If you want to go deeper
For a detailed read with comments through the manuscript, an Alpha Reader Review is available as a separate service.
Four stages from manuscript to launch
At each stage you'll know what we're doing, what we need from you, and what you're being asked to approve.
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Submit your manuscript
The free book review.
What we do
A member of the team reads what you send and considers where the book stands and what it would need to reach a professional standard.
What you do
Send your manuscript and a few details about your book through the form. If you have questions first, call, WhatsApp, chat to us or email.
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Review our feedback and approve your roadmap
Our recommendations, with the reasons for each.
What we do
We send our feedback and, if we're a good fit, a recommended publishing roadmap: the services we'd suggest, in what order, and why. We also explain how your book would be published, including whose ISBN would be used.
What you do
Read the feedback and the roadmap, ask questions and ask for changes. Nothing goes ahead until you've approved the roadmap.
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Review and sign the service agreement
Scope, fees and approvals, in writing.
What we do
We send a written quote and the service agreement. The agreement sets out what each service includes, the fees and payment dates, what you'll be asked to approve, and how many rounds of changes are included.
What you do
Read it, ask about anything that's unclear, and sign when you're ready. Work begins once you've signed.
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Review the finished work and launch
Your book, through your own distribution accounts.
What we do
Editors, designers and other specialists carry out the agreed work and share it with you at the agreed stages. When the book is ready, we prepare the final files and launch your eBook, paperback or hardback through your own distribution accounts.
What you do
Review each stage and tell us what to change. Approve the finished book before it's launched.
Questions to ask any publishing service, including us
Whether this is your first book or one of several, these are the questions that decide who controls your book and who gets paid. Here are our answers.
Who will be named as the publisher of my book?
That depends on whose ISBN is used. You can use one registered to your own imprint, or ours. If we use ours, we're listed as the publisher in the book's metadata, but that gives us no rights in your book.
Whose accounts will my book be sold from?
Your own Amazon KDP and IngramSpark accounts, which are in your name. We help you launch from them, and you see your own sales and royalty reports.
What happens to my rights and royalties?
You keep all rights in your book, and we never take ownership of it. Retailers pay your royalties directly to you.
What will it cost, and what's included?
The review is free. Our services are paid for. You'll see a written quote and the service agreement, including fees and payment dates, before you commit to anything.
What if I want to change things later?
Your listings sit in your own accounts. An ISBN stays registered to whoever bought it, so if we supplied yours and you later want your own imprint, tell us and we'll explain the options. Cancellation and refunds are covered in our Terms.
Who will see my manuscript, and how is it handled?
Read our NDA and privacy notice to see how we handle what you send. If you have a concern, ask before you submit.
The specialists who may work on your book
Depending on your roadmap, your book may involve some or all of these roles. We'll tell you who to contact about your book.
Writers & ghostwriters
Shape ideas, interviews and drafts into a finished book, in your voice.
Editors, proofreaders & alpha readers
Developmental editors, copy-editors, proofreaders and readers who sharpen the text and keep your voice.
Interior layout designers & formatters
Design print interiors, format eBooks, and prepare files to platform specifications.
Cover designers & illustrators
Create covers and artwork for your genre and your readers.
Publishing specialists
Help with ISBNs, metadata, account set-up and launch.
Marketing specialists
Plan launches and run the campaigns you agree to.
Make it, dress it, launch it
Eight services in three groups. Your roadmap may include several of them or only a few, depending on what your book needs.
Dress the book
The cover, artwork and pages readers see first.
Launch the book
Getting it published, and in front of readers.
Based in the UK, working with authors online
We work online with authors, by phone, WhatsApp, video call, live chat and email, so where you live doesn't get in the way. UK English is our standard unless your book needs otherwise.
- UK-basedA UK company, registered in England and Wales.
- Online, start to finishEvery stage, from review to launch, works remotely.
- A clear next stepYou'll always know what happens next and what we need from you.
Common questions about how we work
How long will the review take?
It depends on the book and how much you send. If you'd like to know where things stand, call, WhatsApp or email us and we'll tell you.
Can I send the whole manuscript?
Yes. Send the whole book if it's finished, or at least the first three chapters if it's still in progress, as one Word or PDF file of up to 15 MB. If your file is larger, or your book doesn't have chapters, send us an enquiry and we'll tell you what to send.
How much does it cost to publish a book?
It varies widely between providers and between books, so it's worth asking any provider exactly what's included. Our review is free. Our services are paid for, and what you pay depends on your book and what it needs. You'll see a written quote and the service agreement before you commit to anything.
Do I have to pay for the review?
No. The review is free, and you're under no obligation afterwards. Paid services only begin once you've approved a roadmap and signed the service agreement.
What if you decline my book?
We'll tell you plainly, and the feedback is yours to keep. It means we don't think we're the right fit for the book at this stage, not that you shouldn't publish it.
Who reads my manuscript?
Our team reads it, and a member of the team makes the decision. Our privacy notice explains which tools we use to support our work, and how to ask us not to use AI-assisted tools on your manuscript.
Can I talk to someone before I send anything?
Yes. Use the enquiry form, call +44 7456 061335, message us on WhatsApp (opens in a new tab), use live chat, or email info@fablestudio.co.uk.
Ready for an honest read of your book?
Submit your manuscript for a free book review. Send the whole book, or at least the first three chapters. There's no obligation, and you'll hear what we think before you're asked to commit to anything.