Stillwater Studio

Professional Publishing Support for the Independent Author

Not every writer needs a publisher. Sometimes you need expert help, honest guidance, and a clear path forward.

​This route is for authors who are managing their own publication but want professional assistance with specific tasks. You retain 100% of your rights and royalties, and you choose only the support you need. Stillwater Studio is the author services division of Stillwater Story House, created for independent writers who want professional support while retaining full control of their publishing journey.

Whether you need feedback on your manuscript, help preparing your book for release, or guidance on how to build momentum after publication, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.

You keep your rights, your imprint, and your decisions. We bring experience, strategy, and professional execution.

Who This Is For

Stillwater Studio may be the right fit if you:

  • Plan to self-publish or submit to a literary agent
  • Want expert help with specific parts of the process
  • Need honest feedback before investing further
  • Feel overwhelmed by the business side of publishing
  • Want a more professional release
  • Need a clear plan after finishing your manuscript
  • Prefer to stay in control of your book and brand

Our Services

Production & Creative Services

Manuscript Assessment

$350 – $750

A professional “fresh eyes” review focusing on marketability and structural readiness.

Includes written recommendations to help you decide your next best step.

Developmental & Line Editing

$0.02 – $0.04 per word

Comprehensive editorial support designed to strengthen story architecture while refining clarity, flow, and sentence-level impact.

Ideal for authors ready to elevate a promising manuscript.

Interior Layout & Design

$250 – $750

Professional formatting for print and ebook editions, optimized for readability and retailer requirements.

Includes files prepared for paperback, hardcover, and/or EPUB distribution depending on project scope.

Technical & Promotional Logistics

Listings & Logistics Suite

$500 – $800

Assistance with the technical upload and metadata optimization for online retail platforms, including:

  • ISBN & LCCN guidance
  • Amazon KDP setup
  • IngramSpark setup
  • Metadata optimization
  • Category and keyword recommendations
  • Release readiness review

Launch Momentum Package

$300 – $500

Strategic preparation to help your release start strong. May include:

  • ARC planning
  • Reviewer outreach systems
  • Launch checklist
  • Early buzz strategy
  • Basic promotional guidance

​The Author’s Edge Package

$150 – $300

Logistical support to help you procure professional reviews and build momentum before your launch date. May include:

  • Sell sheet
  • Book summary copy
  • Outreach recommendations
  • Regional placement strategy

Coaching & Strategy

Author Coaching

$150 / hour

“I’ve written a book, now what?” A session to clear the fog and map out your publishing timeline, budget, and distribution plan. Popular topics include:

  • Choosing a publishing path
  • Building a sustainable author workflow
  • Career planning
  • Platform strategy
  • Next-book planning
  • Avoiding costly mistakes

Marketing Consultation

$150 / hour

Practical strategy sessions focused on visibility, launch planning, and audience growth. Topics may include:

  • Book launch planning
  • Event strategy
  • Bookstore signings
  • Regional media outreach
  • Newsletter growth
  • Long-term marketing ideas


Choose only the support your book needs. Our à la carte services let you select individual publishing, production, or strategy services rather than a bundled package—giving you professional help where it matters most. Ask us about pricing for individual services.

Why Work With Stillwater Studio?

We understand both the creative side of writing and the practical realities of getting books into readers’ hands. Our approach is:

  • Honest, never hype-driven
  • Professional and reader-focused
  • Clear and practical
  • Personalized to your goals
  • Respectful of your ownership and vision

We don’t offer empty promises. We offer experienced support.

Important Notes

  • Use of Stillwater Studio services does not include publication under the Stillwater Story House name.
  • We accept a limited number of projects based on schedule and fit.
  • Pricing may vary depending on manuscript length, complexity, and scope.
  • You maintain your book’s rights and royalties.
  • Choose individual services or use special package pricing.
  • We happily work with first-time authors at any stage of the process.
  • Stillwater Studio works with authors beyond Minnesota.
  • Custom proposals are available for larger or multi-stage projects.

Ready to Move Forward?

Whether you need one smart next step or full professional support, we’d love to help.

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Ask away!