Getting Started as a Professional
Complete onboarding guide for professionals on BookAuth — editors, cover designers, formatters, and other publishing service providers.
BookAuth's Professional Marketplace connects authors with the service providers they need: editors, cover designers, formatters, beta readers, and more. This guide walks you through setting up your professional profile and getting your first clients.
What You'll Learn
- How the professional marketplace works
- Setting up your professional profile
- Creating service listings
- The client workflow
How the Marketplace Works
- Authors browse the marketplace to find professionals
- Professionals create service listings with pricing and portfolio
- Authors request quotes for specific projects
- Professionals respond with custom quotes and timelines
- Work is completed outside BookAuth (BookAuth facilitates the connection)
- Reviews are exchanged after project completion
Setting Up Your Professional Profile
- Navigate to Settings > Professional Profile (or enable the Professional role)
- Complete your profile:
| Field | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization | Your primary service (Editing, Cover Design, etc.) | Choose your strongest skill |
| Bio | Your professional background | Include experience, credentials, notable clients |
| Portfolio | Work samples | Upload 3-5 best examples |
| Services | Specific offerings | List each service type separately |
| Pricing | Rate structure | Per-word, per-project, hourly |
| Turnaround Time | Typical delivery timeline | Be realistic to avoid conflicts |
| Availability | Current capacity | Update regularly |
- Submit for approval — BookAuth reviews professional applications to maintain quality
Creating Service Listings
Each service you offer gets its own listing:
- Navigate to Services > My Listings
- Click "+ New Listing"
- Fill in:
- Service Title — e.g., "Developmental Editing for Fantasy Novels"
- Description — what's included, your approach, methodology
- Category — Editing, Cover Design, Formatting, etc.
- Price Range — starting price or per-word/per-project rate
- Turnaround Time — typical delivery timeline
- Genre Expertise — which genres you specialize in
- Portfolio Examples — samples relevant to this specific service
- Click "Publish"
Service Categories
| Category | Services |
|---|---|
| Editing | Developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, line editing |
| Cover Design | eBook covers, paperback covers, series branding |
| Formatting | ePub formatting, PDF layout, print-ready formatting |
| Marketing | Book blurbs, metadata optimization, ad management |
| Translation | Book translation services |
| Narration | Audiobook narration and production |
The Client Workflow
When an Author Contacts You
- Quote Request — you receive a notification with project details
- Review the Request — read the author's requirements
- Send a Quote — respond with pricing, timeline, and any questions
- Author Accepts — the project begins
- Complete the Work — deliver via your preferred method
- Receive Review — the author rates your service
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does BookAuth take a commission on professional services?
A: BookAuth facilitates the connection but does not currently take a commission on professional service payments. Payment is handled directly between you and the author.
Q: How do I get approved as a professional?
A: Submit your professional profile with portfolio samples. BookAuth reviews applications within 3-5 business days.
Q: Can I be both an author and a professional?
A: Yes! Many BookAuth users wear multiple hats. You can have Author and Professional roles simultaneously.
Related Articles
- Creating Professional Service Listings
- Managing Client Requests & Quotes
- Professional Portfolio Best Practices