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Editorial & Design Process


Does TGBC typically edit chapter-by-chapter?

Your editor will discuss the editorial process with you at the start of your project. Our guiding principle is to work with authors in a way that suits them but our editors also have a wealth of expertise and experience, which may mean they suggest an alternative editorial approach to the one you had in mind.

Will I choose my illustrator and work with them directly?

You won’t need to worry about finding or managing illustrations—our experienced team will source the perfect illustrator to pair with your project, and handle all the art direction through the process. We will work closely with the illustrator throughout the creation of the book, keeping you updated with roughs, finals and any edits. You will have a chance to see the illustrator choice before work begins, and to review and input into the progress and any character and style development at key points during the book’s development.

Will my illustrator be a Christian?

Whenever Biblical theology is going to be incorporated into artwork, such as in a picture book retelling a Bible story, we work with professing Christians. For other types of artwork, we do sometimes select non-Christians. We pray for them as they work, that they will encounter Christ!

Will I be involved in selecting the cover and title?

You’re welcome to collect your ideas on your author whiteboard. We’ll check the notes you’ve left there when our team starts working on your title and cover. Your editor will take your input and their own ideas, alongside the vision initially expressed by the Publishing Board when the book was commissioned, and create a design brief which our Design Team will work from. We always want our authors to love their covers but also trust the expertise of our award-winning Design Team. At the end of the process you’ll have a chance to approve the final cover. Please note, if your book is part of a series with a unified format, such as a Good Book Guide, we’ll follow the usual template.

Formats, Distribution & Translation


Will my release date be decided?

Your editor will discuss the editorial process with you at the start of your project. Our guiding principle is to work with authors in a way that suits them but our editors also have a wealth of expertise and experience, which may mean they suggest an alternative editorial approach to the one you had in mind.

Will I choose my illustrator and work with them directly?

You won’t need to worry about finding or managing illustrations—our experienced team will source the perfect illustrator to pair with your project, and handle all the art direction through the process. We will work closely with the illustrator throughout the creation of the book, keeping you updated with roughs, finals and any edits. You will have a chance to see the illustrator choice before work begins, and to review and input into the progress and any character and style development at key points during the book’s development.

Will my illustrator be a Christian?

Whenever Biblical theology is going to be incorporated into artwork, such as in a picture book retelling a Bible story, we work with professing Christians. For other types of artwork, we do sometimes select non-Christians. We pray for them as they work, that they will encounter Christ!

Will I be involved in selecting the cover and title?

You’re welcome to collect your ideas on your author whiteboard. We’ll check the notes you’ve left there when our team starts working on your title and cover. Your editor will take your input and their own ideas, alongside the vision initially expressed by the Publishing Board when the book was commissioned, and create a design brief which our Design Team will work from. We always want our authors to love their covers but also trust the expertise of our award-winning Design Team. At the end of the process you’ll have a chance to approve the final cover. Please note, if your book is part of a series with a unified format, such as a Good Book Guide, we’ll follow the usual template.

Editorial & Design Process

  • Does TGBC typically edit chapter-by-chapter?
  • Will I choose my illustrator and work with them directly?
  • Will my illustrator be a Christian?
  • Will I be involved in selecting the cover and title?
  • Do I need to write web and back cover copy?
  • Who will coordinate my cover, title, and endorsements?
  • Does TGBC do everything in-house?

Formats, Distribution & Translation

  • Will my release date be decided? (Note: Fits timing/schedule, but sits well beside formats)
  • Will my book be accessible to readers outside my country?
  • Will my book be translated into other languages?
  • What should I do if someone asks me for permission to translate my book?
  • Will my book have an audio version?
  • Will my book be available as an ebook?

Marketing, Social Media & Events

  • Why do you encourage authors to point to the TGBC website?
  • Are marketing plans customized?
  • Will TGBC cover costs if I’m invited to speak at an event?
  • How do I sell my books at events I organize?
  • Will TGBC organize speaking events for me?
  • When can I mention online that I'm writing a book?
  • Can I publish an excerpt of my book on my blog or another blog?
  • Will TGBC help me with social media and promotion?
  • Am I allowed to send review PDFs out to potential reviewers?

Author Copies, Sales & Royalties

  • When will I know how well my book is selling?
  • When do I receive royalty reports and payments?
  • How can I update my contact or payment information?
  • When will I receive my author copies?
  • Who else receives free copies of my book?
  • How do I order more copies?
  • What is my author discount?

Support & General Policies

  • Who Should I Reach Out to With Questions After My Book Has Launched?
  • What is TGBC’s stance on AI?