Who's Who in the Publishing World: A Guide to Service Providers for Self-Published Authors
One of the biggest myths about self-publishing is that you have to do everything yourself. From editing and formatting to marketing and launching, it’s easy to feel like you need to master a dozen skills just to publish one book. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it alone.
There’s an entire ecosystem of professionals who support authors just like you. And while it may feel overwhelming at first to know who to hire (and when), this guide is here to walk you through each type of service provider you might encounter during your publishing journey.
Plus, if you’re part of the Story Flow Collective, you’ll gain access to a vetted vendor list so you can find trustworthy, affordable support—without wasting time or risking scams.
Let’s break down the key players in your publishing support squad.
1. Writing Coach
A writing coach can be especially helpful at the beginning stages of your book. They guide you through outlining, character development, pacing, and even mindset hurdles that often hold writers back. This is a great option if you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to finish your draft.
When to hire: Early in the writing process
What they help with: Clarity, accountability, productivity, and story structure
2. Developmental Editor
Once your draft is done, a developmental editor will take a big-picture look at your manuscript. They focus on plot structure, character arcs, pacing, and overall story cohesion. This isn’t about grammar—it’s about making sure your story works.
When to hire: After finishing your first full draft
What they help with: Story structure, pacing, plot holes, and character development
3. Line Editor or Copyeditor
A line editor or copyeditor focuses on grammar, sentence structure, consistency, and readability. They're the ones who polish your manuscript so it flows beautifully and reads professionally.
When to hire: After developmental edits are complete
What they help with: Sentence-level clarity, grammar, syntax, and tone
4. Proofreader
A proofreader is your final set of eyes before publishing. They catch lingering typos, formatting inconsistencies, or errors that might have slipped through previous rounds of editing.
When to hire: Just before formatting or final upload
What they help with: Typos, punctuation, formatting, and surface-level errors
5. Book Cover Designer
Your cover is your book’s first impression, and readers do judge a book by it. A professional designer understands genre expectations, typography, and how to make your book stand out.
When to hire: After final edits and before formatting
What they help with: Book cover visuals for print and digital, branding alignment, and genre-specific designs
6. Interior Formatter / Book Designer
Formatting is what makes your book readable across devices and in print. A good formatter will ensure consistent spacing, chapter headings, page numbers, and alignment across formats.
When to hire: After proofreading and before uploading to distributors
What they help with: ePub/mobi/PDF formatting, typesetting for print books, and formatting for self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark
7. Audiobook Narrator / Producer
If you plan to release an audiobook, you’ll need a narrator (or a studio to work with). They handle the recording, editing, and mastering to prepare your audiobook for platforms like Audible.
When to hire: After your final manuscript is complete and edited
What they help with: Professional narration, audio editing, ACX compliance, and file delivery
8. Virtual Assistant (VA) or Personal Assistant (PA)
A VA can be your right-hand person. From email management to scheduling ARC teams, social media graphics, or even uploading your book to different platforms, VAs help lighten your load.
When to hire: Anytime you need administrative or marketing support
What they help with: Task management, platform setup, content repurposing, launch logistics
9. Book Marketing Specialist
A marketing specialist helps you reach readers. Whether it’s setting up ads, crafting email funnels, or creating social media campaigns, these experts make sure your book doesn’t get lost in the noise.
When to hire: Before your book launches (or even after)
What they help with: Amazon ads, email sequences, newsletter growth, social strategy, author branding
10. Author Coach or Business Consultant
That’s where I come in. I help you pull all of this together into a streamlined plan that fits your goals, timeline, and budget. From mapping your publishing timeline to connecting you with trusted service providers, I help make the process clear, strategic, and doable.
I also help you avoid costly mistakes, know what to prioritize, and ensure you’re building a business that’s sustainable long term—not just focused on a single book.
How to Avoid Scams and Overpriced Services
Sadly, there are plenty of predatory companies in the publishing world. If someone promises massive results for very little work or money, that’s a red flag.
Here are a few ways to stay safe:
Always ask for references or testimonials
Look for samples or portfolios
Never pay in full before seeing a contract
Trust your gut if something feels off
That’s one reason I created a vetted vendor list inside the Story Flow Collective. These are professionals I trust and have seen in action—people who care about authors, communicate well, and deliver on their promises.
Making the Hiring Process Easier
The truth is, most authors don’t know what they need until they’re already in the thick of it. That’s why I work closely with my clients to help them:
Identify the best service providers for their specific goals
Create timelines that work with those providers’ schedules
Balance their budgets without sacrificing quality
Publishing a book is a big investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right plan and team, you can make smart, intentional decisions that lead to long-term success.
You don’t have to do it all alone—there’s a service provider for nearly every part of your author journey, and I can help you find the right ones.
You might wear a lot of hats as a self-published author, but that doesn’t mean you need to wear all of them all the time.
Building a trustworthy team makes publishing feel less like a solo journey and more like a well-supported path to success. And when you work with someone like me, you don’t just get guidance—you get a connection to people who can truly help bring your story to life.
If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of publishing and build a team that has your back, consider joining the Story Flow Collective. The vetted vendor list is just one of the many tools you’ll find inside to help you publish with clarity and confidence.
P.S. Letters From Story Flow is your bi-weekly resource for authors who are ready to grow their careers with clarity and ease—without relying on hustle-heavy strategies that don’t feel like you.
If you're ready to build a sustainable author business, connect with readers, and get expert guidance that actually meets you where you are, click here to join me!