Frequently Asked Questions

Joanne Simon Tailele established Simon Publishing LLC in 2020 after having edited and formatted dozens of books for friends over the years. She mentored Melissa Waters in all aspects of the publishing business. Melissa edits manuscripts, formats books, uploads formatted books to our print-on-demand publishing platforms, designs marketing materials and provides authors with ongoing support. Robin Johnson, our freelance cover designer comes with 25+ years of experience. Suanne Schafer, our proofreader and copy editor, brings 12+ years experience to the business. Together, these women strive to deliver the best product at the most affordable price. For those interested, we also offer the services of talented illustrator Joe Eckstein, as well as accomplished audio book narrator P.J. Morgan.

Simon Publishing LLC is an independent press for authors who prefer to skip the hassle and frustration of querying agents and waiting two to three years for a traditional book deal to move from contract to publication, if even selected by a publisher. Simon Publishing LLC will put your book into your hands and out to the public in six months or less, depending on any additional work it may need. We are also an alternative for those who would like to self-publish but lack the technological skills required or the desire to learn them.    

Melissa Waters was mentored by Joanne Simon Tailele, proprietor of Simon Publishing LLC, a talented author who edited, formatted and published over two dozen books for herself and clients.  Melissa continues to learn new techniques and improve her craft.

Suanne Schafer has served as editor for a mainstream/romance publishing house and as fiction editor for an online literary magazine. In the latter capacities, she has edited over 1000 short stories, 200 novels, and two anthologies. She has also taken classes through the University of California San Diego’s Copyediting Program. A writer herself, she understands the need to maintain an author’s voice while smoothing out the writing.

Robin Johnson will work with you to design your perfect cover. The first step you'll take is to fill out a form that describes the book and your wishes. Next, you'll choose some photos or stock images to start the process. The final decision is entirely up to you, the author. 

Simon Publishing LLC offers publication services through two print-on-demand printing companies, KDP Amazon and IngramSpark, as well as multitudes of ebook distributors such as Draft2Digital, Amazon, KOBO, Apple iBooks, Scribed and more.  We would be glad to discuss the options with you.  

100%. Prior to final edit or publication, the author will have multiple chances to review and add input or ideas into the text, formatting, and/or design of your book. 

Essentially we offer three main services: editing, ghostwriting and publication. We also offer an Ultimate VIP Package that covers BOTH developmental editing and publication. You will receive a written quote and a contract to be signed prior to any work being done. Editing services are charged by the hour or by total word count of the manuscript initially submitted. Publication is charged per "package" of the services you need. We are always here to discuss your needs. If you want your edited or ghostwritten manuscript published, you will also need a contract for that. 

P.J. Morgan works for Simon Publishing LLC as an independent contractor. She will quote her services to you on a finished per-hour basis. This is an additional service coordinated through Simon Publishing, but it is not part of the standard contract. If you need a male narrator, P.J. can recommend several for you.