Your story matters.
Let's get it ready to publish.
Professional editing, guidance, and support for authors.
Whether it's your first book or your 50th...
If you’re feeling lost with your book, you’re not alone.
You’ve written your story. That’s the fun part. But is it ready for publication? Do you know what to do next?
Hen House Publishing will help you through the publishing process, whether you intend to self-publish or pursue traditional publishing.
How I help authors succeed
Editing
Editing
Page Design
Page Design
Manuscript Critique
Manuscript Critique
Want to work with me?
Get expert help without sacrificing ownership of your story or risking your intellectual property. Every word counts.
Lost in the publishing maze? I will guide you every step of the way.
Successful publishing follows a process of best results.
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01 Write your story
Write the story you want to read. It’s that simple and that difficult. And if you need help writing it, ask me about ghostwriting.
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02 Edit your story
Editing is more than correcting typos and grammar errors. Good editing refines your voice and makes your story better.
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03 Write your back cover copy
The back cover copy doesn’t summarize your story - it sells your story. This is copywriting, not storytelling. Make sure it's professionally edited.
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04 Design your book
Book design involves more than filling the pages with words. It directly affects the reader’s experience.
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05 Design your cover
Your book’s cover is its most important marketing piece. Let’s get it right.
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06 Proofread your book
Proofreading is the final polish before publication. Correct any lingering errors before it’s too late.
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07 Publish your book
Now your book is ready for the world to read! Do you need help uploading the proper files?
Testimonials
J. Brad Peebles, Author
Good review. You caught many things that my alpha readers missed and I could not see.
Carmen Ayala Brown, Founder/Author Sir Blake Here, LLC
Hen House Publishing provided an outstanding book typesetting and design service per my specifications. Karen’s work met industry standards. She provided the final draft on time and went above and beyond to meet my requirements. There was always open communication and responsiveness during our collaboration. Her willingness to make changes repeatedly was exemplary. I highly recommend Hen House Publishing for
Morgan Scafe
If I could drive to where you are, hug you, and drive back, I would. The paperback loaded like butter!!! HUGS!!!!
Ellen Corcella, JD, MTS, MDiv
I was delighted with the copyediting and proofreading services of Hen House Publishing. Karen M. Smith is professional and meticulous and improved my manuscript through her edits and suggestions. I highly recommend Hen House Publishing for your editing needs.
Frederick G. Yeager, Author
I would not have been able to self-publish my book without the support and assistance of Hen House Publishing. The owner, Karen, was very knowledgeable and expertly assisted me in moving through the process for Kindle Direct Publishing. Karen was very professional and responded quickly to my questions and issues. Without hesitation, I recommend Hen House Publishing if you are considering self-publishing.
Who am I ?
My name is Karen, and I am the hen of the house.
When I first started publishing my own books, I called my work “chick lit,” and weird logic followed. Women are often called chicks, and female chicks grow up to be hens. I am the only woman in my household: the hen of the house.
In November 2015 after 25 years of corporate employment in marketing and administration, I lost my job. I dreaded the idea of returning to the corporate world. So, in January 2016, I decided to build a new career as a freelance professional, using my hard-earned skills to help other authors achieve their publishing dreams.
Since generative AI launched in 2023, I have added a “No AI” guarantee. I will not use generative AI to edit your manuscript or to write your story. This guarantee protects your intellectual property because every word counts.
That's me!
Eggs
Hard boiled, over easy, or scrambled. Nourish yourself with these nuggets of information.
Let’s work together.
If you need help with writing your story, editing your manuscript, designing your book, or publishing, I can help. Let’s talk.
Karen Smith
Editor, Writer, Page Designer