About us
Book Blueprint Focus started in Waterford because we noticed something: too many good manuscripts were sitting in desk drawers. Writers finished their drafts but hit a wall when it came to editing, layout, cover design, or distribution. We decided to fix that.
Our team includes two developmental editors, a graphic designer who specialises in book covers, and a production coordinator who has managed print runs for over 40 Irish titles since 2019. We work from our office on Barronstrand Street, though most of our client communication happens over email and video calls.
We are not a vanity press. We charge transparent fees for defined services, and we never take rights to your work. You keep full ownership of your ISBN, your files, and your royalties.
What we offer
Manuscript editing
We offer three tiers: developmental editing (structure, pacing, character arcs), line editing (sentence-level clarity), and proofreading (grammar, typos, consistency). A 70,000-word novel typically takes four to six weeks for a full developmental pass. We return tracked changes plus a detailed editorial letter.
Cover design
Your cover is the first thing a reader sees on Amazon, in a bookshop, or on social media. We create front, spine, and back cover designs for both print (paperback and hardback) and ebook. Each project includes two initial concepts, two rounds of revision, and final print-ready files in PDF/X-1a format.
Interior layout and typesetting
A well-typeset book feels good to read. We handle chapter headings, drop caps, running headers, margins, font selection, and image placement. We deliver files ready for IngramSpark, KDP, or direct-to-printer upload. Standard turnaround is two weeks for a text-only book, three to four weeks if the book includes illustrations or tables.
ISBN registration and metadata
We register your ISBN through the Irish agency, set up your metadata (title, subtitle, keywords, BISAC categories, description), and make sure your book appears correctly in trade databases. This step is often overlooked by self-publishers, but it determines whether bookshops and libraries can find and order your title.
Print and distribution setup
We configure your book on print-on-demand platforms so you never carry unsold inventory. Orders from Amazon, Book Depository, and wholesale catalogues are printed and shipped automatically. We also coordinate short offset runs of 200 to 500 copies for authors who want stock for local events or direct sales.
Ebook conversion
We convert your manuscript into reflowable EPUB3 and fixed-layout formats. Every file is validated against the EPUB check tool before delivery. We test on Kindle Previewer, Apple Books, and Kobo to confirm that chapter navigation, images, and formatting display correctly across devices.
How a project works
- Discovery call (free, 30 minutes). You tell us about your book, your goals, and your timeline. We ask about word count, genre, target readers, and whether you plan to self-publish or query agents.
- Quote and scope. Within two business days, we email a detailed quote with line-item pricing. No hidden fees. If the scope changes later, we discuss it before any extra charges apply.
- Editing phase. Your editor works through the manuscript and returns it with comments. You review, ask questions, and revise. Most authors go through one or two revision rounds.
- Design and production. Cover design and interior layout happen in parallel once editing is complete. You approve proofs digitally before we send anything to print.
- Launch support. We upload your files, verify the listing, and order a proof copy for your final sign-off. After that, your book is live and available worldwide.
From first call to published book, the average timeline is ten to fourteen weeks. Shorter timelines are possible for manuscripts that have already been through beta readers or a previous editing round.
What our authors say
"I came to them with a 90,000-word fantasy novel and zero idea how to publish it. Twelve weeks later, I held a printed copy in my hands. The cover got compliments from strangers at a craft fair in Dungarvan."
- Róisín M., Dungarvan"The developmental edit was honest and specific. My editor pointed out that my second act dragged because I had two subplots doing the same job. Cutting one made the whole book tighter. Worth every cent."
- Patrick D., Tramore"I only needed typesetting and an ebook conversion. They turned it around in nine days and the EPUB worked perfectly on my ancient Kindle Paperwhite. Quick, clear communication throughout."
- Siobhán K., WaterfordFrequently asked questions
How much does editing cost?
Proofreading starts at €6 per 1,000 words. Line editing is €10 per 1,000 words. Developmental editing is €14 per 1,000 words. A 70,000-word novel, for example, costs €980 for a full developmental edit. We quote exact figures after reviewing a sample chapter.
Do I need an ISBN?
If you publish only on Amazon KDP, you can use their free ASIN. But if you want your book in bookshops, libraries, or on multiple platforms, you need your own ISBN. We register it under your name or your imprint name so you retain control.
Can I see a sample edit before committing?
Yes. Send us the first 2,000 words of your manuscript and we will return a sample edit at no charge. This lets you see our editing style and decide whether we are a good fit.
What genres do you work with?
Fiction: literary, crime, fantasy, science fiction, romance, historical. Non-fiction: memoir, self-help, business, local history, cookbooks. We do not currently handle academic textbooks or highly technical scientific papers.
Will you help me market my book?
Our core services focus on production, not marketing. However, we can advise on Amazon keyword strategy, category selection, and blurb writing, since these directly affect discoverability. For advertising campaigns or social media management, we refer authors to marketing partners we trust.
What file format should I send my manuscript in?
Microsoft Word (.docx) is ideal. We also accept Google Docs links, Scrivener exports, and plain text files. If your manuscript is handwritten or in PDF only, contact us to discuss digitisation options.
Get in touch
Contact details
14 Barronstrand Street, Waterford, X91 PV08, Munster, Ireland
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:30. We aim to respond to emails within one business day.
If you prefer to meet in person, we are a two-minute walk from Waterford's Clock Tower on the Quay.