Mary L

IngramSpark Publishing & Book Production Specialist

IngramSpark • Freelance

Jul 2024 - Present • 2 yrs 3 mos

Over time, I’ve worked with authors, independent publishers, and businesses who had completed manuscripts but needed help turning them into professionally prepared books for IngramSpark distribution. In many cases, the writing was already done;the challenge was getting the interior, print files, and publishing details right. I handle the production side of the process, from interior formatting and print layout to preparing print-ready PDFs and checking files before submission. I pay close attention to the details that can easily be overlooked, including trim size, margins, bleed, page numbering, chapter openings, typography, front matter, back matter, and overall consistency. I’ve worked on both fiction and nonfiction projects, and I’ve seen how different each manuscript can be. A novel may require a different layout approach from a business book, workbook, journal, or hardcover edition. Rather than using the same template for everything, I adjust the formatting to suit the type of book and the author's vision. I also help authors navigate the IngramSpark setup process, including preparing compliant files, organizing publishing information and metadata, and checking for issues that could cause unnecessary delays during submission. One part of my work I particularly value is the final quality check. I don't just look at whether a PDF technically opens; I review the book as a reader would. I check for awkward page breaks, inconsistent spacing, misplaced headings, formatting errors, and other details that can make a professionally written book look unfinished. My approach is simple: get the technical details right without losing the character of the book. I preserve the author's voice and creative direction while making sure the finished files are clean, consistent, and ready for professional distribution. Whether I'm working on a first-time author's debut or another title in an established catalog, I treat every manuscript with the same attention to detail and care.

Amazon KDP Publishing & Book Production Specialist

amazon kdp • Freelance

Mar 2022 - Present • 4 yrs 7 mos

Over the years, I’ve worked with authors at different stages of the publishing process; from writers with a completed manuscript who weren’t sure what to do next, to authors who had already uploaded their books but were struggling with formatting, layout, or KDP requirements. My role has often been to take a manuscript that is almost ready and turn it into a polished, publication-ready book. This includes editing and proofreading, professional formatting, Kindle eBook conversion, print layout, front and back matter, and preparing and uploading the final files to Amazon KDP. I’ve worked with fiction and nonfiction authors, coaches, entrepreneurs, independent publishers, and first-time writers. One thing I’ve noticed is that many authors don't realize how small formatting mistakes can affect the final reading experience. Incorrect page breaks, inconsistent headings, poor spacing, missing elements, or a badly structured Kindle file can make an otherwise great book feel unprofessional. That’s why I pay close attention to the details readers may never consciously notice;font choices, margins, paragraph spacing, chapter openings, page numbers, headers and footers, table of contents, hyperlinks, and overall consistency. My goal is not to change an author's voice, but to make sure the presentation supports the quality of the writing. I also understand that publishing on Amazon can feel confusing, especially for first-time authors. I help simplify the process, from preparing the files to making sure the book is properly set up for KDP. For me, every manuscript is different. Some need careful editing, some need a complete formatting cleanup, and others simply need the right finishing touches before publication. Whatever the situation, I approach each project with attention to detail, clear communication, and respect for the author's vision. The goal is simple: help authors move from “I have a manuscript” to “My book is professionally published and ready for readers.”