Frequently asked questions

“The right questions cut the truest trails.”

Code of the West

Who is Cowgirl Publishing?

CP is comprised of a whole herd of literary professionals — highly vetted and talented consultants, editors and designers— who are passionate about helping you bring your book to life. The founder and lead certified publishing consultant is Jayme H. Mansfield. She is also a multi-published and award-winning author who brings years of writing, publishing, and marketing experience. Having been published in the traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing spaces, she knows how to get ’er done! Jayme deeply understands an author’s hard work, perseverance, and desire to not only conceptualize a book, but the time and energy dedicated to write a book well, and take it all the way to publication. Oh, then the marketing begins! Though she lives on a ranch and is a cowgirl, she loves to work with authors in all genres—from “fresh in the saddle to seasoned riders”.

What Makes Cowgirl Publishing Different?

There are three distinct differences that make CP unique within publishing models:

1. We have no ownership rights. We help you complete your book through production, publication, and distribution. YOU own your own publishing company, (which we’ll help set-up), and is the only way for you to maintain 100% of all your rights and receive all book proceeds. Your publishing company logo is on the back of your book and the copyright page, not ours.

2. We don’t do packages. Every project is custom designed for that author. After all, books vary in length, editing and design needs, and especially, the author’s intended audience and marketing goals.

3. We don’t do contracts. We do each sign an Agreement so we both understand exactly what we agreed upon, but either party can break the agreement at any time for any reason.

What kinds of books do you publish?

We do all genres! Memoirs, fiction, self-help, business, and children’s books are our top genres. We also do cookbooks, textbooks, workbooks, journals, and plenty of general non-fiction.

What kind of authors choose to publish with CP?

We work with all sorts of authors — many are first-time writers with a passion and purpose to publish their book. Others have published traditionally, hybrid, or self-published and are seeking another means to get their next book out in the world. Whether new to the publishing world or well-seasoned, our authors enjoy the collaborative, professional, positive, and fun experience with CP.

At what point in the writing process can CP help me get my book published?

Authors come to us at many points — beginning, middle, and near the end of the writing and publishing process.

1. You have an idea for a book but have no idea where to start? We pair you with a solid writing coach to help you through the outline and writing, or point you in the direction of writing sources.

2. Have a first draft manuscript and ready to go into editing? Our first step is sending your manuscript to a few editors to see what kind of shape it’s in and what work it will need. You ultimately make the final choice of your editor and the stages of editing you desire to meet your goals and budget.

3. Even if you’re well on your way and need help with cover design, interior design, e-book and audio production, distribution, marketing . . . let us help you ride off into the sunset with a stellar book!

What are the different stages of editing?

Generally there are three rounds of editing. To determine the necessary rounds, CP has editors review your manuscript and make a professional recommendation to make your book the best possible.

1st Round — Developmental Edit: Editor is looking at the overall manuscript: storyline, plot and character development, no redundancies and confusions, lags, or holes in the storyline or concept.

2nd Round — Copy Line Edit: Generally completed with the same editor as the development round, the editor is looking at paragraph structure, sentence structure, and word choice.

3rd Round — Proof Edit: Typically with a different editor, this is for grammar and punctuation only with a fresh pair of eyes and one that specializes in working with Chicago Manual of Style.

How long will it take to publish my book?

The length of time it takes to get your book through production and publication depends on several things: What kind of shape is your manuscript in when you come to us? What are your goals? Are you timely in making suggested edits and committed to teaming with CP to get ‘er done? However, to give you an idea, if you begin with a manuscript in its first draft, completion is typically within 4–8 months. A manuscript that has already been through a development edit may take 3-4 months. Book length, design and editing needs, simply life . . . all that to say, there is no firm answer. One thing is sure, your book will come to life much faster than with the traditional route of publishing.

What is the cost to publish my book?

Great question! And, because each book project is custom designed, this is why CP highly encourages you to sign up for the complimentary Zoom consultation to discuss your goals and where you are in your book project. Truly, this is not an evasive answer. CP will provide a good faith estimate of the costs in a clear and concise manner — from CP’s consulting fee, editor and designer services, and printing costs. With that information, you can make the best choice for you and the future of your book. Keep in mind, self-publishing a book professionally and including all the crucial steps (much more than writing it and including a pretty cover), can cost in the arena of 6K - 10K+. We will break down the detailed aspects of self-publishing a book well in the free initial consultation.

Do you publish children’s books?

Absolutely! ! We have a special team that produces our children’s books that starts with Amanda Miller. Amanda is the Account Manager and is your publishing coach through the entire process from finding the right illustrator and negotiating their contract, to helping you choose the right trim size, printer, distribution, and all the minute details in between.

Shelly Wilhelm is our Creative Director for children’s books. She helps you with the conceptual development of your story, works with the illustrator through storyboarding and layout. Shelly worked for 25 years as a children’s bookstore acquisitions manager so understands the market and what parents and teachers want in a book.

To talk about help with your children’s book, please chat with Jayme where she will make the introduction to Amanda. She’ll tell you all about the process, the costs to expect, and the timelines to expect.

Can you help me market my book?

Yes! This is a BIG part of your book’s success if it is your goal to launch it into the wide open prairie and lasso readers. We have various marketing services and it starts with the free, 30-minute consultation with Jayme — let’s chat about your goals and needs.

What if I only want some advice or only some of your services?

Hourly Consultations: We provide as much information as possible in a free, 1/2 hour consultation. After that, if more time would benefit you, you jump in the saddle and ride! $150.00/hr.

Advice: If this is your first book, we highly recommend partnering with us for the full professional publishing services as the trail to complete a book is filled with snags, big boulders, and cliffs.

Our goal is to make your self-publishing a smooth and enjoyable ride!