Your book deserves a strategy, not just a manuscript.
The publishing industry is opaque by design. First Spine Consulting helps authors and organisations make smart, informed publishing decisions — from choosing the right path to executing a launch that serves your goals.
“We don’t edit your book. We don’t design your cover. We make sure every decision you make about your book is the right one.”— The First Spine Promise
Most first-time authors make expensive mistakes.
Signing bad contracts. Choosing the wrong publishing model. Overspending on production. Underinvesting in marketing. Not knowing what they don’t know.
A trusted advisor who has been inside the publishing machine saves you tens of thousands of dollars and months of wasted effort.
Traditional publishers, hybrid presses, self-publishing platforms, distributors, metadata, subsidiary rights — navigating this landscape alone costs time, money, and opportunities.
We’ve been on the other side of the desk. We know exactly what works.
Strategic guidance at every stage.
From a single strategy session to full manuscript-to-market advisory, we tailor our support to where you are in your publishing journey.
Publishing Strategy Session
A focused deep-dive on your publishing options with a working publisher. Pre-call manuscript review, recorded session, written summary with recommendations, and 2 weeks email follow-up.
- ·Pre-call manuscript review
- ·90-minute strategic deep-dive
- ·Recorded session
- ·Written summary & recommendations
- ·2 weeks email follow-up
Manuscript-to-Market Advisory
Full publishing path assessment, manuscript readiness evaluation, query letter and proposal development, production vendor selection and management, marketing and launch strategy.
- ·Publishing path assessment
- ·Query letter & proposal development
- ·Production vendor selection
- ·Marketing & launch strategy
- ·Bi-weekly calls + unlimited email
Executive Book Program
For C-suite executives, founders, and thought leaders publishing for impact.
- ·Everything in Advisory, plus:
- ·Brand/business positioning strategy
- ·Ghostwriter selection & management
- ·Media & speaking strategy
- ·Advisory through publication
Launch Strategy Sprint
For authors with completed books who need a go-to-market plan.
- ·Pre-order strategy
- ·Metadata optimisation
- ·Review copy distribution plan
- ·Social + email launch framework
- ·First 90 days roadmap
For authors who take their book seriously.
We work with people who see their book as a professional asset, not just a passion project.
Business Leaders
Consultants, entrepreneurs, and executives writing to establish expertise and grow their business. You see the book as a strategic asset. You have the resources to invest in doing it right.
Academic Authors
Professors and researchers crossing from scholarly publishing to reaching a general audience. Trade publishing is a different world. We bridge that gap.
Memoir Writers
Second-career professionals, retirees, and public figures with a compelling story to share. Your story matters. Publishing it well requires decisions you shouldn’t make without guidance.
Organisations
Companies, foundations, and nonprofits using books as thought leadership vehicles. A book published under your organisation’s name carries institutional weight.
Three steps to clarity.
Book a Strategy Session
90 minutes with a publishing strategist who will assess your manuscript, your goals, and your options. You leave with a clear understanding of your best path forward and a written summary of recommendations.
Choose Your Engagement
Based on where you are in your journey, we recommend the right level of support. Some authors need a single session. Others need months of strategic advisory. We never upsell — we recommend what you actually need.
Execute With Confidence
With a clear strategy, vetted partners, and expert guidance, you make every publishing decision from a position of knowledge, not guesswork. We stay with you through execution.
Start with a conversation.
90 minutes with a publishing strategist who will tell you exactly what you need to hear — and what to do next.
Book Your Strategy Session →