Publishing with heart, for dreamers of every age.
Ford Mountain Publishing provides book production and supported self-publishing services for independent authors. We take manuscripts from draft to publication-ready files—handling editing, formatting, and publishing logistics—while you retain full ownership, rights, and creative control.
We do not function as a traditional or hybrid publisher. Instead, we operate as an author services provider, equipping you with the professional tools and guidance needed to publish under your own imprint through platforms such as KDP, IngramSpark, or your preferred distributor.
Whether you are drafting your first manuscript or preparing for release, our services are structured to meet you at your current stage and move your work toward a professional, market-ready product.
A free initial consultation is included, along with a sample edit of up to 5,000 words, allowing you to evaluate our editorial approach before committing.
What We Do (and What We Don’t)
- We provide: Editing, formatting, metadata preparation, and publishing support
- We do not provide: Printing, distribution ownership, or rights management
- You retain: 100% of royalties, rights, and publishing control
This model is often referred to as supported self-publishing—a collaborative approach where the author hires professionals to prepare their work for publication without surrendering ownership.
Pricing Structure & Payments
Charges are assessed based on the scope and needs of each project and may be structured in the following ways:
- Per-Project Rates: For specialized projects requiring higher complexity or extended time investment.
- Hourly Rates: For services with flexible or evolving scopes, including coaching and editorial work.
- Per-Word Rates: For projects with clearly defined word counts and minimal research requirements.
- Package Rates: For bundled services offered at a set price.
Fair Billing Note: If a project is estimated for a certain number of hours but completed in less time, clients are charged only for the actual hours worked. We do not round up time.
Payments are accepted via Venmo, PayPal, or direct bank transfer. Estimates are provided prior to project start.
How the Process Works
-
Inquiry & Scope Discussion
Tell us about your project, goals, timeline, and where you are in the writing process. -
Quote & Timeline
You will receive a written proposal outlining services, estimated costs, and turnaround time. -
Agreement & Deposit
Once terms are agreed upon, your project is scheduled and work begins.
(Payment plans are available upon request.) -
Delivery & Feedback
You receive your edits or report along with clear guidance. Each service includes one revision cycle for clarification or follow-up questions. -
Finalization & Follow-Up
We confirm satisfaction, discuss next steps if needed, and ensure you feel confident moving forward.
Editorial Services
Developmental Editing
Developmental editing is the most in-depth stage of the editing process, focusing on the foundation of your manuscript. This includes plot structure, character development, pacing, worldbuilding, and thematic cohesion.
You will receive a comprehensive editorial report along with in-line comments throughout your manuscript, providing clear, actionable guidance for revision.
Who this is for: Authors with a complete draft who want strategic, big-picture feedback before polishing prose.
Price estimate: $75/hour
Copy & Line Editing
Copy and line editing refines your manuscript at the sentence level, improving clarity, flow, consistency, and readability while preserving your unique voice.
This service addresses grammar, syntax, word choice, stylistic consistency, and narrative smoothness. You will receive tracked in-line edits, editorial comments, and a customized style guide.
Who this is for: Authors with a revised draft seeking polished, professional prose.
Price estimate: $55/hour
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final quality-control step before publication. We review spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting, and layout consistency.
You will receive in-line tracked changes for final review.
Who this is for: Authors preparing to publish who need a final, careful review.
Price estimate: $45/hour
Manuscript Assessment
A manuscript assessment provides high-level editorial feedback without in-line edits. We deliver a concise but detailed report outlining strengths, areas for improvement, and recommended next steps.
Who this is for: Authors seeking professional insight before committing to a full developmental edit.
Price estimate: $150 per project
Alpha Reading
Alpha reading occurs at the earliest stage of a manuscript, often the first draft. This service identifies foundational issues and provides early guidance on structure and direction. Alpha reading focuses on foundational structure and direction rather than reader-experience polish.
You will receive a short report with broad-scale feedback.
Who this is for: Writers in early drafting stages who want expert direction before revising.
Price estimate: $75 per project
Beta Reading
Beta Reading takes place after initial revisions and focuses on the reader experience. This service evaluates pacing, clarity, engagement, emotional impact, and overall effectiveness from a critical reader’s perspective.
You will receive a short report highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and reader-facing concerns without in-line edits.
Who this is for: Authors with a revised draft who want feedback on how the manuscript reads before final polishing or submission.
Price estimate: $75 per project
Author Coaching
Author coaching offers personalized, flexible support throughout the writing process, including brainstorming, accountability, revision strategy, and publishing preparation, as well as support on the everyday life hassles of being a creative thinker and author. Specialty lies in boundary setting, stress reduction, goal setting, accountability, cognitive behavioral techniques, and positive reframing.
Who this is for: Authors who feel stuck or overwhelmed and want one-on-one professional support.
Price estimate: $75/hour
Formatting Services
Book Formatting (Atticus)
Ford Mountain Publishing prepares retailer-compliant, production-ready files using Atticus, including EPUB for ebook distribution and print-ready PDFs for paperback and hardcover formats. Manuscripts that include graphics, illustrations, images, charts, or complex layout elements require additional customization and may impact final pricing.
Who this is for: Authors preparing for publication who want clean, professional interior files.
Price estimates:
- Ebook formatting: $1 per 250 words
- Print (hard/soft copy) formatting: $1 per 150 words
Publishing Support Services
ISBN Acquisition & Registration
We assist authors with ISBN acquisition and registration to ensure professional distribution and full ownership of their work. Each format of a book requires its own ISBN.
We provide Bowker ISBNs and ensure accurate metadata registration so you are listed as the publisher of record. If the author so chooses, ISBNs will be listed in the author’s name with the imprint of Ford Mountain Publishing. Alternatively, should an author prefer, we guide you through purchasing and registering ISBNs through Bowker so that you are listed as the publisher of record. ISBNs would then be registered in your name and imprint.
Who this is for: Independent authors who either do not want to worry about the “paperwork” of ISBNs or who want full control over their publishing imprint.
Price estimate: $75 per ISBN
Library of Congress Registration Assistance
We assist authors with applying for a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) through the PCN Program to improve library cataloging and discoverability.
Support includes application completion and post-publication submission requirements.
Who this is for: Authors planning wide distribution and library access.
Price estimate: $75 per project
Copyright Registration Guidance
Copyright registration guidance helps authors understand and navigate the U.S. Copyright Office process. While not required for ownership, registration strengthens legal protection.
Who this is for: Authors seeking added clarity and legal protection for their work.
Price estimate: $75 per project
Not sure which service is right for you? Contact Ford Mountain Publishing, and we’ll help you determine the best next step for your manuscript.
Pricing at a Glance
Service |
Rate |
Estimated Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
Developmental Editing |
$75/hr |
10–15 days |
Copy & Line Editing |
$55/hr |
Work size dependent |
Proofreading |
$45/hr |
Work size dependent |
Manuscript Assessment |
$150/project |
7–10 days |
Alpha/Beta Reading |
$75/project |
7–10 days |
Author Coaching |
$75/hr |
Scheduled as arranged |
Ebook Formatting |
$1 / 250 words |
Work size dependent |
Print Formatting |
$1 / 150 words |
Work size dependent |
ISBN / Copyright / LCCN |
$75/project |
7–10 days |
Services Agreement & Terms
Invoices & Payment: Invoices are issued by milestone and payment is requested within 30 days of invoice delivery. Payment plans may be arranged upon request. No deposits are required.
No Guarantee of Results: Editorial services do not guarantee that a manuscript will be error-free or that it will be accepted by agents, publishers, or platforms.
Copyright & Ownership: The author retains full ownership and rights to their work. Ford Mountain Publishing is not responsible for plagiarism, copyright infringement, or legal disputes arising from the manuscript’s content.
Confidentiality: All client materials are treated as confidential and will not be shared or reused without written permission.
Limitations of Liability: Ford Mountain Publishing is not liable for files lost, damaged, or corrupted during transmission or editing.
Ghostwriting: If ghostwriting is requested or expected, this must be explicitly stated in advance. Scope and fees will be negotiated separately.
Cancellation Policy: Clients are asked to provide 2–4 weeks’ notice for cancellation or rescheduling. If a project is canceled mid-way, payment is required for all work completed to date.
Material Breach: Either party may terminate the agreement immediately in the event of material breach, including failure to pay or failure to meet agreed deadlines.
One-Pass Rule: Each service includes one editorial pass. Additional reviews or revisions are treated as new, paid assignments.
Indemnification: The client agrees to hold Ford Mountain Publishing harmless from any claims related to the manuscript’s content.
Independent Contractor: Ford Mountain Publishing operates as an independent contractor and is responsible for its own taxes and insurance.
CONTACT US TODAY!
| Our Mission | Our Values |
|---|---|
| To empower independent authors through ethical, accessible, and personalized editorial and publishing support. | Integrity • Collaboration • Accessibility • Craft • Care • Inclusion |