How to request a quotation for a book project:

"Pat Bickner is an essential part of our publication team. Her ability to bring ideas to life, excellent communication skills and exceptional knowledge of the industry make her an essential part of each project we develop. We highly recommend Pat Bickner and A New Leaf Creative Services for all of your book design and publication services."

George Barnett (Whitetail Images, Super Bucks Calendar and Whitetail Monarchs)

Request for Quotation

Each book has its own set of requirements. For some books, the simplest layout is best, while others may be very complex if the narrative is supported with graphic information, photographs or sidebars. Thoughtful interior design makes the information easy to access and navigate--the best book design becomes a portal that doesn't distract the reader. All books require an effective cover that will get the attention of the desired audience, and design choices that fit the subject and audience.

Whether it's a novel or a nonfiction book with tables and sidebars, the book's design will influence readers' perceptions before they read even one word of the text. To get them that far, the design must convey that the book is credible, current and worthy of the publisher's care and the reader's attention.

To request a quotation, include as much basic information as you can and send an email to us or phone 715-356-9130 between 8 and 5 pm CST.

  • Subject or genre
  • Desired format (hard or softcover, approximate page count, dimensions,* black ink only or four-color printing throughout)
  • Word count
  • Number of chapters
  • Number of illustrations, maps, charts or tables, and in what format these are provided
  • Number of sidebars
  • Is there an index and how will it be generated?
  • Are there appendices?
  • Is there a dust jacket?

Additional information that may be helpful:

  • What books in the same genre do you like and what do you like about them?
  • Who is your audience? What do you think they respond to?
  • Do you have your own sources for images or graphics? Be aware that you must have appropriate permission to use any image you have not created yourself. Pictures taken from the web are probably not adequate quality for print, and are probably copyright protected.

Additional services available:

  • Custom illustration including map creation, charts and graphs
  • Print specifications and requests for quotation on your behalf (not as brokers) and production oversight, including for overseas printing
  • Content editing or copy editing
  • Proofreading
  • Design of collateral materials such as postcards, brochures, posters

*5-1/2 x 8-1/2, 6 x 9, 7 x 10, 8-1/2 x 11 are standard book sizes and will fit most print-on-demand services. Check with your printer before you commit to any format. Your page count may limit what a service such as Lightning Source can offer for dimensions.