Before you compare publishing prices, compare what you're actually paying for.
Before You Compare Publishing Prices, Compare What You're Actually Paying For.
A lower upfront package is not automatically the better value. Some publishing models bundle services you may not need, while some may also participate in future book royalties. Making Sense Press is designed differently. Choose the level of publishing support you need, use your own legitimate production resources where appropriate, and keep your author royalties.
Author retains full copyright and 100% of royalties.
Three Publishing Options
Choose the Publishing Path That Fits Your Needs
Every publishing option includes publication of a title under the Making Sense Press imprint and assignment of a Making Sense Press ISBN. The difference between the options is the amount of publishing support you receive along the way — not a different standard for the finished book.
Essential Imprint
$795
Best for
Independent authors who already have their book-production team or process in place.
For authors who want to publish under the Making Sense Press imprint while managing their own editing, design, formatting, production, and publishing process.
Support level
Imprint access and publishing authorization with minimal guidance.
Spotlights available as optional add-ons.
Guided Publishing
$1,795
Best for
Authors who want to stay in control but want experienced publishing guidance along the way.
Includes the core benefits of Essential Imprint plus structured publishing guidance, consultations, resources, and support during a three-month support period.
Support level
Guided, consultative publishing support.
Includes a 7-Day Author + Book Spotlight Bundle — $149 standalone value.
Publishing Partner
$3,995
Best for
Authors who want the highest level of personal guidance and publishing support.
Includes the core benefits of the lower tiers plus expanded personalized support, closer involvement throughout the publishing process, and premium launch and visibility benefits.
Support level
High-touch publishing partnership.
Includes a 30-Day Premier Author + Book Spotlight Bundle — $399 standalone value.
You don't pay more for a lower standard. You pay more for more support reaching the standard.
Publishing guidance
Publishing Guidance with Lisa Tarves
Lisa Tarves brings firsthand experience as a publishing company owner, publisher, editor, book formatter, and author. Having worked across the publishing process and published her own books through different approaches, she helps authors understand their options, make informed decisions, and move forward with a practical plan.
Guided Publishing — direct access to Lisa
Three private consultations with Lisa, up to 45 minutes each, used within 90 days. Includes a personalized publishing roadmap, guidance on platforms, metadata, categories, keywords, pricing, and choosing service providers.
Publishing Partner — direct access to Lisa
Twelve private consultations with Lisa during the first 12 weeks, plus six months of publishing guidance, a personalized launch plan, and a full manuscript read and written Publisher Review.
Essential Imprint does not include consultations or ongoing guidance from Lisa. It is designed for authors who are publication-ready and will manage their own publishing process.
Share the story behind your book in a conversation with Lisa Tarves. Podcast participation is free and optional, subject to scheduling availability and suitability for the show. Purchasing a package does not guarantee an interview or a specific air date.
Publishing Option
Essential Imprint — $795
Best for
Authors who already have their editing, design, and production handled — and want their finished book published under the Making Sense Press imprint.
Essential Imprint gives you access to the Making Sense Press imprint and an assigned ISBN, with the independence to manage your own publishing process. You bring a professionally prepared book. We provide the imprint, the ISBN, and the catalog listing.
What's Included
- —Making Sense Press ISBN assignment for the purchased title
- —Permission to use the Making Sense Press imprint and logo for that title
- —Logo files and written imprint and ISBN setup instructions
- —Author retains full copyright and 100% of royalties
- —No consultations or ongoing publishing guidance included
- —Author and Book Spotlights available as optional add-ons.
Ready to get started? Purchase directly and your package is confirmed automatically upon verified payment.
Choose Your PackagePublishing Option
Guided Publishing — $1,795
Best for
Authors who want to remain in control of their book-production and publishing process while having experienced publishing guidance available along the way.
Guided Publishing gives authors the independence to manage their own book while having experienced publishing guidance available to help them navigate decisions, requirements, and next steps. It provides more guidance and support than Essential Imprint without becoming a done-for-you publishing service.
What's Included
- —Everything included with Essential Imprint
- —Three private consultations with Lisa Tarves, up to 45 minutes each, used within 90 days
- —Personalized publishing roadmap and resource kit
- —Guidance on publishing platforms, metadata, categories, keywords, pricing, choosing service providers, and launch preparation
- —Email support for publishing questions — one consolidated set of questions per week during the 90-day period
- —7-Day Author + Book Spotlight Bundle included.
Ready to get started? Purchase directly and your package is confirmed automatically upon verified payment.
Choose Your PackagePublishing Option
Publishing Partner — $3,995
Best for
Authors who want the highest level of personal guidance, closer involvement, and publishing support throughout the process.
Publishing Partner is our highest-support option for authors who want a more personalized publishing experience. It includes everything in Guided Publishing, with expanded one-on-one guidance, closer support throughout the publishing process, and additional launch and visibility benefits.
What's Included
- —Everything in Essential Imprint and the Guided publishing resources
- —Six months of publishing guidance
- —Twelve private consultations, up to 45 minutes each, during the first 12 weeks (replaces Guided's three consultations)
- —Personalized publishing and launch plan
- —Guidance on selecting providers, evaluating options, and making publishing decisions
- —One full-manuscript read and written Publisher Review by Lisa (manuscripts up to 80,000 words; longer manuscripts require a separate quote)
- —Priority email support — one consolidated set of questions per week during the six-month period
- —30-Day Author + Book Spotlight Bundle (replaces Guided's 7-Day Bundle)
- —One personal book spotlight video recorded by Lisa for the Making Sense Press YouTube channel
Ready to get started? Purchase directly and your package is confirmed automatically upon verified payment.
Choose Your PackageBefore You Choose a Package
Guidance and manuscript feedback included in any package do not include editing, proofreading, formatting, cover design, uploading files, managing vendors, or paid advertising. Authors arrange and pay for production services separately.
Publish professionally without paying for services you don't need.
Pay for the help you need. Keep control of the rest. Authors may handle any part of the publishing process themselves, use AI tools, hire independent professionals, or work with qualified friends or colleagues — as long as the finished work meets Making Sense Press publishing standards and the author has the legal right to use all material. Making Sense Press does not require authors to purchase editing, proofreading, cover design, formatting, or any other production services through us. Making Sense Press does not promise or guarantee book sales, reviews, or bookstore placement.
Making Sense Press does not promise or guarantee book sales, reviews, or bookstore placement.
Ready to Begin?
Choose your package and complete payment — your purchase is confirmed automatically upon verified payment.