When to Say ‘No’ to DIY: How We Got Professional Help

As we shared in our previous post, writing Mindset Wizardry was a learning process filled with trial and error. Both Javier and I had plenty of experience writing reports, proposals, training, and presentations throughout our careers, but writing a book? That was an entirely different challenge.

We took a deep dive into various online resources—books, podcasts, webinars, and more—to get a handle on the full scope of publishing. One of the most valuable lessons we learned along the way was Lesson #6: When to Say ‘No’ to DIY: How We Got Professional Help

What to Outsource—and Why

There are so many steps involved in publishing a book, especially when you’re doing it independently. Unlike with traditional publishers, self-publishing requires you to manage every piece of the puzzle, from writing and editing to design and formatting. After some research, we realized that while we could do many of these tasks ourselves, it didn’t mean we should.

Here’s what we outsourced—and why it was worth every penny:

1. Editing
   Yes, there are grammar-checking tools and beta readers who can help catch basic mistakes, but there’s no substitute for a professional editor. A good editor will refine your manuscript, enhance the clarity of your message, and ensure your content flows well from chapter to chapter. Hiring a professional gave us confidence that our book was polished and ready for readers. In the end, our editor didn’t just correct mistakes—she made our writing stronger.

2. Cover Design
   They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but let’s face it, everyone does. A professionally designed cover is essential if you want your book to stand out in a crowded market. We considered DIY options, like Canva, but quickly realized we didn’t have the expertise to create something truly eye-catching. By hiring a professional cover designer, we ended up with a cover that not only looked great but also aligned with our brand and message.

3. Interior Format & Design
   Formatting a manuscript for print and digital distribution can be tricky. There are plenty of tools that can help you do it yourself, but we found that hiring a professional formatter was a smart move. A well-formatted book is easier to read and creates a better overall experience for the reader. Our formatter ensured that everything—from fonts to spacing to chapter breaks—was clean, professional, and aligned with publishing standards.

Where to Find Help

If you’re going the self-publishing route, you might be wondering how to find reliable professionals to help with these tasks. We found some great resources along the way:

⭐Book Launchers: For those looking for end-to-end author support, Book Launchers is a service that guides you through every step of the publishing process.

⭐Reedsy: For a more flexible, à la carte approach, we used Reedsy—a marketplace where you can find professional editors, designers, and formatters. We hired our editor, cover designer, and formatter through Reedsy and had a fantastic experience.

Was It Worth the Investment?

Absolutely. We firmly believe that outsourcing these tasks to experienced professionals was one of the best decisions we made. Sure, you can save money by doing it all yourself, but investing in experts will elevate your book to a professional level that readers—and reviewers—will notice. In our case, working with skilled professionals made all the difference in the final product.

Key Takeaways

⭐Editing is crucial: Don’t skimp on a professional editor. They’ll take your manuscript from good to great.

⭐Design matters: A professionally designed cover is worth the investment—it’s the first thing readers will see.

⭐Formatting counts: Proper formatting ensures a smoother reading experience and adds to your book’s professionalism.

⭐Find the right professionals: Services like Reedsy and Book Launchers can connect you with experts who will help you achieve a polished final product.

Coming Soon

In our next post, we’ll cover Lesson #7: Two Heads are Better than One: Why Partnership Matters —how to identify the right person to collaborate with throughout the writing and publishing process. We’ll explore what makes a partnership successful, how to balance responsibilities, and why having the right partner can make all the difference in bringing your book to life.