SELF-PUBLISHING ASSISTANCE SERVICE BUSINESS PLAN

I. Executive Summary

Company Description

Lone Star Author Services (name reflects Austin roots and Texas independence) is a 2026 Austin, Texas–based firm in the professional publishing services sector. We sell hourly-priced, a la carte services—manuscript editing, book design, and strategic publishing consultation—so authors keep 100% ownership and royalties. We launch with a transparent, hourly revenue model and clear service rates to replace opaque package pricing. One line: we help independent authors produce industry-grade books without giving up rights.

We deliver work through a lean core management team and a scalable network of vetted freelance specialists, using standard operating procedures, milestone-based approvals, and quality checks. What sets us apart: hourly transparency, author-ownership commitment, and a curated freelancer roster with publisher-grade experience. Target customers are US-based independent authors and small presses seeking professional quality and control. Short-term goals: launch operations by Q2 2026, onboard the core team, and serve 100 paying authors in year one. Long-term goals: reach national distribution partnerships and scale to 1,000 annual projects while maintaining hourly pricing and 95% client satisfaction. One line: we scale publishing expertise to indie authors while preserving their rights and revenue.

Problem

Independent authors often produce strong manuscripts but lack the technical skills and specialist resources needed to meet publishing-house standards for editing, design, formatting, and distribution, which lowers discoverability and sales. Consequences include rejected retailer listings, wasted rework, lost revenue, and longer time-to-market.

Existing options—DIY tools, single-service freelancers, or full-service vanity publishers—fail to provide an end-to-end, industry-standard solution that preserves author ownership. Based in Austin, Texas and launching in 2026, our firm offers a transparent, hourly-based, a la carte service model that fills this gap while letting authors retain 100% royalties, using a lean core team plus vetted freelance specialists.

Solution

Many U.S. independent authors lack the editing, cover design, and technical formatting skills needed for commercial-quality books and face fragmented, predatory options. We offer an a la carte suite of professional publishing services that lets authors retain creative control and 100% of their royalties, covering developmental editing, custom cover design, print and e-book formatting, distribution guidance, and project partnership.

We deliver professional standards, clear pricing, and hands-on launch support so authors keep ownership, improve discoverability, and avoid low-quality providers.

Mission Statement

We empower independent authors with expert editing, design, and distribution services that publish professional books while ensuring authors retain full creative and financial control. We commit to transparency, consistent quality, and measurable author success in every engagement. Our goal is to be the most trusted partner in self-publishing by putting authors’ goals first and delivering clear, accountable results.

Key Success Factors

Success rests on high service standards, a vetted freelance network, and strong unit economics.

• Deliver Year 1 EBITDA $285,000.
• Reduce CAC to $350 by 2030.
• Reach breakeven in 5 months, IRR 17.98%.
• Offer a la carte pricing for wide market capture.
• Maintain 100% author ownership with high retention/referrals.

Financial Summary

This summary presents the key financial outcomes and liquidity posture for the Self-Publishing Assistance Service.

Financial requirements include a minimum cash reserve of $826,000; breakeven is forecast for May‑26 with a 10‑month payback and an overall IRR of 17.98%.

The business shows strong growth and operational leverage, moving from $880k revenue in 2026 to $3.121M in 2028 with expanding EBITDA margins.

Funding Requirements

We require USD 962,500 to launch the self-publishing assistance service and scale to the Feb‑2026 reserve target while reaching breakeven in May 2026.

First‑year revenue is projected at USD 880,000, growing to USD 7,691,000 by Year 5; EBITDA rises from USD 285,000 in Year 1 to USD 4,785,000 in Year 5, with payback in 10 months, a minimum cash reserve of USD 826,000, COGS improving from 18.0% to 16.0%, and a Return on Equity of 10.96%.