Great books don't just happen.
We make them happen.
Publishing and Book Design
From the first spark of an idea to the finished book in readers' hands, The Book Lab brings together the creative talent, production expertise, and marketing know-how to make exceptional books happen.
Whether you're an established publisher looking for a creative production partner or an independent author ready to bring your vision to life, we offer customized, full-service or à la carte book production.
the STEPS
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Let’s take some time to reflect on the core elements of your project:
Wants: What are your aspirations for this book? What do you hope to achieve creatively and personally?
Needs: What essential components must be included to make this project successful? Consider things like genre, tone, structure, or target audience.
Goals: What specific outcomes do you want? (e.g., completing a draft by a certain date, publishing traditionally or independently, building a readership, etc.)
Next, look outward:
Inspiration: What books, authors, or styles currently resonate with you? What draws you to them?
Market Research: What’s working well in the marketplace right now that aligns with your interests? Are there trends, formats, or themes that you admire or want to explore?
We’ll use these reflections to guide your creative direction and align your book with its rightful place in the marketplace.
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The Lab provides a comprehensive proposal outlining the following:
The Team: Identify the necessary contributors (e.g., artists, designers, copyeditors, etc.) and their roles.
Project Plan: Detail the steps and milestones we'll achieve throughout the project, highlighting key deliverables.
Budget Breakdown: Include a detailed cost estimate for the project, covering all resources and services.
Timing: Specify the estimated duration for each phase and the overall timeline for project completion.
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We present with a visual look and feel for the book, artist portfolios/illustration vision, storyboard (if necessary), page count, finishing details (details of physical book…paper, hardcover vs. softcover, etc) and any final details you can image! Scratch-n-sniff glitter right there on the cover? YES! The world is your sparkly oyster.
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Client feedback is crucial and The Lab takes your input extremely seriously. We’re here for you. We hear you. We’re here to make sure you’re getting the book you envision.
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Rolling up my sleeves, We dive into designing the book and fine-tuning every word. This is the culmination of the entire journey—refining it all into the final product, ready to be shared with the world.
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Hey, you just published a book! It’s time to shout it from the rooftops. Everyone needs to know about what you’ve created. We’re well-tested for the creation of marketing materials including (but not limited to) social media posts/art, video promotions/book trailers, and custom websites. All of these messaging tools point potential consumers to your favored point of sale. We get your future readers and fans excited for your story!
the TOOLS
Every project is unique. Some need all of the tools below, some need just a few. We’ll work together to sort that.
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Whether it's a novel, picture book, cookbook, photography coffee table book, or the ultimate guide on how to rule the world in ten easy steps, the design of your book is your first chance to make a memorable impression and stand out. These are fast-moving times and people are conditioned to scrutinize aesthetics more than ever. Let’s make sure your book catches every eye.
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If you're looking for an eye-popping picture book to dazzle kids with the turn of every page or a novel with tastefully appointed spot illustrations, images round out your story and attract readers. An illustrated cover can do some real heavy lifting to give the reader a feel for your book at a glance.
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Pictures, art and illustration don't just fall into place. They often need a bit of love and care to truly be right for your book. As your Art Director, I work with you and the illustrator/artist/photographer to ensure that the art meets your story where it lives.
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Style is everything. Even with all of the amazing talent out there, there is that one singular artist that really hits the spot, and vibes with your written words. I'm here to make that connection happen. I enjoy really great relationships with literary and artist agencies, as well as gems of "free agent" artists. Think of me as your art matchmaker.
I'm also no stranger to big, scary contracts. I'll walk you through the details and work with agents and partners to make sure we're all on the same page! (Get it? Same page? Can you believe I just did that?)
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Pacing is everything in a highly visual book. With the images telling the story too, the correct pace, rhythm and length of the book is very important. This is the first step of a picture book layout. TPC is able to help you "see" the book before we actually see it!
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Photos and other images bring your pages to life! Sadly, the perfect images generally aren't in the public domain or just free for the taking. Solution? TPC will research images for your book, edit them and negotiate licensing for use of the image(s).
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TPC partners with some incredible editors, proofreaders, indexers, and co-authors. These folks can be crucial to the success of your book, shaping the narrative and seeing any opportunities for even more greatness...with the freshest of eyes.
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"I got this book I just approved, now what?!" One of the biggest and most ominous obstacles for a new self-publisher is the process of getting your book printed and distributed. Partnering with a few favorite printers, TPC can make this so much easier!
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Let's get this book in people's hands. Whether it's taking the wheel and getting you started with social media visibility for your book or just a few notes of advice. Let's start putting people on notice!
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Not everyone has deep pockets for printing, warehousing, and distribution channels. On-demand books sales are an efficient and turnkey way to get out there! I can help with this.
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3D renderings, video book teasers, print materials and full-length animated book trailers. Stand out!
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You're on the world wide web, baby! Hooray! Getting an online visual presence of your publication is paramount. People are scouring the internet for their next read, addition to their child's library or a truly unique gift book. Your site can be anything you want it to be to bring the pages to life, but also be an invaluable sales portal to your audience!
Recently produced book Projects
Just Like Caitlin
Story by Ally Obermeier
Art by Makenzie McCarthy
This past year I worked with the wonderful people at the Iowa Youth Athletic Foundation to produce, design and art direct Just Like Caitlin, the first children's picture book to hit the market celebrating the IYAF's friend Caitlin Clark and her journey! It was an immensely cool and rewarding project to bring this book together with an all-star team.
The Kitty of Knoxville
Story by Wesley Bennett
Art by Finn Dean
I’m very proud of this new book that I produced, art directed and designed with the charming and smarty-pants self-published author Wes Bennett and illustrated by the irritatingly efficient and brilliant Finn Dean. In rhyming couplets, The Kitty of Knoxville celebrates Knoxville for all of its glory and coolness.
As of April 2025, The Kitty of Knoxville is in its second printing!
The Whale’s Tale
Story by Costas Avrakatos
Art by Borja Ramón López Cotelo
Ever grateful to produce this incredibly special book that was 25 years in the making. The client’s story is a family tale written by Costas for his children when they were little. After all these years, it was time to self publish. The journey from “art shopping” right up to printing was a pure delight. What started as a typewritten page is now a beautifully illustrated and produced future family heirloom.
Travels with Walters
Client: Wendy D.
What an honor it was to design and produce the first in a series of travel journals and memoirs for the Davies family. From the initial glimpse of a manuscript filled with vivid memories from around the world to the refinement of a luxe, beautifully bound hardcover edition, this project was an absolute joy to bring to life.
other publishing design work
Explore Tim Palin Creative’s Collective publishing design portfolios.
Check out the publishing design work by Tim Palin Creative. Most of this selected work was created as an independent designer, collaborator or publisher staff member.
Kids Book Design Portfolio
Big Books Design Portfolio
