Frequently Asked Questions

Working Together

What exactly does Luna Publishing Consulting do?

Luna Publishing is a publishing launch and brand consultancy for authors. We specialize in everything that happens after your manuscript is written and edited — interior formatting, cover design, author branding, publishing setup, and launch strategy.

We are not a publisher in the traditional sense. You retain full rights to your book. We are the expert partner who makes sure your book looks professional, reaches the right readers, and launches with intention.

Who is a good fit for working with Luna Publishing?

Our clients are authors who have a finished, edited manuscript and want to self-publish with the quality and confidence of a traditionally published book. They value their work, want it to look and feel professional, and don't want to piece together the process alone.

Whether you're a first-time author or someone who has published before and wants a better experience this time — if you're serious about your book, we're a good fit.

Do you work with all genres?

Yes, Luna Publishing welcomes authors from various genres. Our goal is to support a diverse range of voices and storytelling.

How do I get started?

Book a free 15-minute consultation call. We'll talk through your manuscript, your goals, and which package makes the most sense for you. From there, you'll receive a formal proposal, and we get started once you've signed and submitted your deposit.

Do I retain the rights to my book?

Yes, completely. Copyright belongs to the author the moment the work is written — it is automatic and requires no registration or formality to be valid. No matter who handles publishing setup, you own your creative work fully.

ISBNs and imprints are separate from copyright. An ISBN is a retail identifier, not a rights document. When we register your ISBN, we enter your name (or your own imprint, if you have one) as the publisher of record in the Bowker database — so the book is publicly associated with you, not with Luna Publishing. Luna Publishing's imprint, when used, is a production credit indicating we stood behind the quality of the work. It is not an ownership claim of any kind.

All final files — formatted interior, cover, and any other deliverables — are yours upon delivery. Your book is uploaded to your own KDP and Lulu accounts, not ours. If Luna Publishing ceased to exist tomorrow, your book, your files, and your publishing accounts would be completely unaffected.

Packages

What is the difference between the three packages?

The Crescent is production-focused. Interior formatting, ISBN setup, distribution partner upload, and metadata optimization. Best for authors who want their book set up correctly and professionally without additional brand work.

The Quarter adds author branding to the production foundation — custom cover design, a brand clarity session, back cover copy direction, bio refinement, and a basic launch strategy outline.

The Full is our most comprehensive engagement. It includes everything in The Quarter plus full author brand direction, platform strategy, a complete launch plan, content strategy, three strategy calls, and 30 days of post-launch support.

How do I know which package is right for me?

A simple way to think about it: if your goal is to get your book published correctly, start with The Crescent. If your goal is to build an author identity around your book, The Quarter is your fit. If your goal is a strategic launch with a real plan and a partner beside you through the whole thing, that's The Full Moon.

Not sure? Book a free 15-minute call and we'll figure it out together.

Can I upgrade my package after we've started?

In some cases, yes. Upgrading from Crescent to Quarter is generally straightforward if we haven't completed production yet. Upgrading to The Full Moon Package mid-project depends on where we are in the timeline. Reach out and we'll assess what's possible — we'd rather find a way to give you what you need than leave you under-served.

Do you offer custom packages?

Yes. If your project has unique needs — a children's picture book, a niche format, a manuscript that falls outside a standard package — we can build something tailored to your specific scope. Custom packages are quoted individually after a discovery call.

Publishing

Which publishing platforms do you work with?

We work with two platforms depending on your distribution goals:

  • Amazon KDP Direct — print and ebook published directly on Amazon. Fast setup, live within 24–72 hours of upload. Best for authors focused primarily on Amazon sales.
  • Lulu (print) + KDP (ebook) — print distributed through Lulu to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, bookstores, and libraries under one ISBN. Ebook published separately through KDP for fast Kindle availability. This is the broader distribution option.

We'll confirm which platform is right for you during your onboarding call.

Can I publish on both Amazon and Lulu at the same time for print?

Not with the same format under the same ISBN. Each print ISBN can only be managed by one platform, and since Lulu's distribution already includes Amazon, uploading the same print ISBN to KDP Direct would create a duplicate listing, which Amazon will reject or merge unpredictably.

However, different formats can live on different platforms. If you wanted to publish a paperback through Lulu for broad distribution and a hardcover edition through KDP Direct for fast Amazon availability, those would be separate ISBNs for separate formats — and that is a legitimate setup. It adds complexity and cost, but it is doable.

Your platform strategy will be confirmed during your onboarding call so we can map out what makes the most sense for your goals.

Will my book be available in bookstores and libraries?

If you choose the Lulu distribution path, yes. Lulu's extended distribution network includes Barnes & Noble, independent bookstores, and library systems. Keep in mind that being available through distribution and being stocked on shelves are two different things — bookstores typically order on a consignment or demand basis. Distribution makes your book orderable; visibility and marketing drive the actual orders.

Who owns the ISBN?

When we register your ISBN, we enter your name (or your own imprint, if you have one) as the publisher of record in the Bowker database — so the book is publicly associated with you, not with Luna Publishing. Luna Publishing's imprint, when used, is a production credit indicating we stood behind the quality of the work. It is not an ownership claim of any kind.

Timeline

How long does the process take?

It depends on the package and publishing platform you choose:

  • The Crescent (KDP Direct) — approximately 5 weeks from start to live on Amazon.
  • The Quarter (KDP Direct) — approximately 6 weeks.
  • The Full (KDP Direct) — approximately 7 weeks to go live, with 30 days of post-launch support following.
  • Any package with Lulu distribution — add 9–12 weeks from upload for full distribution to propagate (proof copy must be ordered, reviewed, and approved before distribution begins, then allow 6–8 weeks from proof approval).

All timelines assume timely client feedback. Delays in approvals or revision rounds will extend the schedule.

How long does Lulu distribution actually take?

Longer than most people expect. The process goes: upload files, order a proof copy, receive and review the proof (1–2 weeks for shipping), approve the proof, then wait 6–8 weeks for distribution to fully propagate across all channels. Total time from upload to fully live everywhere is approximately 9–12 weeks.

This is why we don't schedule your launch week until distribution is confirmed live — launching before your book is available everywhere undermines the effort.

What happens if I'm slow to respond or need more time?

Life happens. If client feedback is delayed by more than 5 business days on a required approval, the project timeline will shift accordingly. We'll always communicate clearly about where things stand and what the updated schedule looks like. We ask for the same in return — open communication keeps everything moving smoothly.

Pricing & Payment

How does payment work?

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot and begin work. The remaining 50% is due upon delivery of final files — before the KDP upload is completed for Crescent and Quarter clients, and by the end of Week 4 for Full Moon clients.

Payment plans are available for The Full Moon package. Ask about splitting your remaining balance into two installments.

What if I need revisions?

Each deliverable includes one round of client revisions. Cover design includes two concept directions and up to two revision rounds. Additional revision rounds beyond what's included are billed at $50/hour.

Are there any costs outside the package price?

For standard packages, no hidden costs. What you see in your proposal is what you pay to Luna Publishing.

A few things that fall outside package pricing:

  • Illustrator fees for custom picture book or illustrated projects (paid directly to the illustrator)
  • Manuscript editing — if your manuscript isn't yet edited, we can connect you with a trusted editor before we begin production
  • Additional revision rounds beyond what's included in your package

How long is my proposal valid?

All proposals are valid for 14 days from the date issued. If you need more time to decide, just reach out — we're happy to discuss extending it depending on availability.

Editing & Illustration

Do you offer manuscript editing?

Manuscript editing is outside the scope of our standard packages. Luna Publishing specializes in what comes after editing — production, branding, and launch. We work with manuscripts that are finished and ready for the next stage.

If your manuscript isn't yet edited, we can connect you with a trusted editor before we begin. We'd rather set your project up for success from the start than rush production on a manuscript that isn't ready.

My manuscript isn't edited yet. Can I still reach out?

Absolutely. There's still meaningful work we can do together before your manuscript is ready — author platform building, audience clarity, brand positioning, and pre-launch groundwork. Getting a head start on these things means you'll be ready to move quickly once editing is complete. Book a call and we'll talk through what makes sense for where you are right now.

Do you work with illustrated books or children's picture books?

Yes, with a custom package. Children's picture books involve more moving parts than a standard manuscript — illustration sourcing and coordination, page layout built around artwork, and print formatting that works with full-bleed spreads. We handle all of it, including finding and coordinating a professional illustrator on your behalf.

Illustrator fees are separate from our service fee and are paid directly to the illustrator. We'll present vetted options with quotes before any commitments are made.

Still have questions? Let's talk.

A free 15-minute call answers more than any FAQ page can.

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