Once your book is live
and we complete your project,
you'll walk away with the following...
Your Formatted Manuscript
We professionally format your approved interior manuscript file, prepare it into a fully uploadable KDP-ready PDF, upload it into KDP, and provide you with the Master file.
Your Full Book Cover
We design a professional book cover based on your ideas and your story, provide samples for you to choose from, prepare the uploadable KDP-ready cover, upload it to KDP, and provide you with the Master file.
Your e-Book File
If you choose Tier 2 or Tier 3, we will prepare and upload your Kindle e-Book files and provide the Master files to you upon completion.
Your Metadata
We also research, write, and code all metadata related to your story and provide it to you upon completion.
Your Republishing Ability
Since all professionally formatted and prepared files are provided to you upon completion of service, you have the power and flexibility to republish your work with any printer or publisher at any time.
Your Control
You will have all of your files upon completion of service, so you remain in control. We do not hold your files hostage. No dependency. No coming back to ask for what you've already paid for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I keep my rights?
Yes. You keep 100% of your rights and receive your completed files. Your book is published under your own Amazon KDP account, and Amazon pays your royalties directly to you. We do not take a share of your royalties.
What publishing packages do you offer?
Tier 1 — $497: Paperback publishing.
Tier 2 — $797: Paperback and Kindle eBook publishing.
Tier 3 — $1,097: Paperback, Kindle eBook, and hardback publishing.
Tier 4 — $1,497: Paperback, Kindle eBook, hardback, and your own author website, including a domain name and 12 months of hosting.
Each higher tier includes the services in the preceding tiers.
Are your prices competitive?
Yes. Our packages combine editing, formatting, cover design, and publishing setup into one complete done-for-you service, starting at $497. Each package clearly lists its price and included services.
Can I purchase just one service?
Yes. Paperback publishing, Kindle eBook publishing, hardback publishing, author website creation, and audiobook publishing are each available separately for $497. If you need several services, our publishing bundles offer savings.
How long does it take?
Tier 1: 7 days.
Tier 2: 10 days.
Tier 3: 10–14 days.
Tier 4: 14–21 days, depending on how quickly you provide information and approvals during website development.
Turnaround begins once we receive your manuscript and completed intake form.
Do you offer payment plans?
No. We do not offer payment plans.
Do you edit my manuscript?
Yes. Tier 1 includes a single-pass copy edit. Tier 2 includes a double-pass collegiate-level copy edit. Tiers 3 and 4 include a triple-pass professional-level copy edit.
These reviews address grammar, punctuation, spelling consistency, and clarity. Line editing, developmental editing, and ghostwriting are not included.
How long can my manuscript be?
Tier 1: Up to 60,000 words.
Tier 2: Up to 90,000 words.
Tiers 3 and 4: Up to 120,000 words.
What if I don’t like the cover designs?
Tier 1 includes two cover design samples, Tier 2 includes five, and Tiers 3 and 4 include eight. Designs are based on your ideas and your book’s content.
If none feel right, we’ll discuss your ideas further and create additional concepts at no extra cost. Your approval matters.
Do I need my own Amazon KDP account?
Yes. Your book is published under your own KDP account so royalties go directly to you. We provide setup guidance and assistance if needed.
What if I already have a KDP account?
We use your existing account.
What about ISBNs?
We use Amazon KDP’s free ISBN for your paperback and hardback editions unless you prefer to provide your own. Kindle eBooks do not require an ISBN.
Do I have to buy inventory or printed copies?
No. Amazon uses print-on-demand technology. Books are printed when ordered, and Amazon ships them directly to customers.
Will my book be available worldwide?
Your book will be available through Amazon’s international marketplace network, subject to the distribution options available for your book and format.
Do you only work with Christian authors?
No. While Christian publishing is our specialty, we also work with memoirs, fiction, children’s books, nonfiction, and other genres.
Do you help promote my book?
Tiers 3 and 4 include announcements and promotion of your book on our two Facebook pages: Muscle and a Shovel, with approximately 24,000 followers, and our personal page, with approximately 5,400 followers.
This can help introduce your new book to a larger audience. No specific number of promotional posts or book sales is guaranteed.
Is an author website included?
Yes, in Tier 4. We build your author website, include your domain name, and pay for the first 12 months of hosting. Your website gives readers a place to learn about you and see your books, with links to purchase them on Amazon.
The author website service is also available separately for $497.
What about audiobooks?
Audiobook publishing is available as a separate service for $497. It is not included in any of our four publishing packages.
What’s not included?
Line editing, developmental editing, ghostwriting, full marketing campaigns, and human-narrated audiobook production are not included in the publishing packages. Audiobook publishing is offered separately.
Will I receive my finished files?
Yes. You receive the completed master files for the book formats included in your service, along with your prepared metadata. You remain in control of your files and can use them for future publishing.
What happens if I cancel after work begins?
Once work begins, refunds are limited to 50% of the total project price.
How can I pay?
We accept Venmo or check by mail. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for publishing services because of their processing fees.
Venmo: @michaeljshank
Check by mail:
Michael Shank Ministries
PO Box 64
Vienna, IL 62995