Lauren’s Happy Place
author services
Helping authors stand out and shine!
From your first draft to your physical book, I can help you achieve your writing goals and design vision.
Author Services
- developmental editing
- cover art and design + original graphics
- personal branding and logo design
meet Lauren
Hi! Welcome to my author services website, where my happy place is combining my love of books and art! I have always loved reading, and got back into it seriously in 2021 and in 2023 finally joined bookstagram. I was so in awe of the community online and the amazing people I was able to connect with, including some amazing indie author friends! It was through these connections that I started doing alpha and beta reading, and eventually was asked to do my first book cover which pulled on my art education and experience in graphic design and illustration as a business owner with Elemental Opal Design Studio. Combining my love of books and art is something that doesn’t even feel like work and I can’t wait to see how I can help you bring your book into the world!!!
Developmental editing
what is it?
Think of me like the ultimate feedback partner/alpha reader. I can work with you after you have a completed first (or subsequent) draft of your manuscript. The goal of working with me is to make sure that your story is sound and well-rounded before it is ready to go to beta readers and your editor for line and copy edits (that’s who will work on grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure).
I delve deep into the why of your story, help you flesh out the characters, the plot, the motivations, the story arc, catch any plot holes, and make sure the story stays consistent.
How much does it cost?
First read through (actually includes my two initial pass reads):
$0.006 per word
Any additional read throughs you may want after notes have been implemented:
- $0.001 per word
What do you get?
I strive for a 10 day turnaround which allows me to read through your manuscript twice. The first pass I read for surface level things, and on the second pass I reread for more in-depth factors.
With the first read through, I provide in-margin notes with live reactions and thoughts as I read.
With the second read through, I dive deep into the structure of the story. I then provide you with a very detailed and in-depth document of my notes encompassing what I loved and why, what needs improvement and why, and I touch on characters, plot, setting, writing style, and flow/pacing of the story.
After you have a chance to read the document outlining all my notes, we will have a video conference call (minimum 60 minutes, but no time limit) to go over all my feedback, answer any questions you may have, and discuss the story.
While I do point out things that need work, I always do so with respect, and approach it as a way to make your story the best it can be! I want to make sure your book is solid and ready for your readers
Lastly, what you get is a permanent hype girl for your book! I can’t wait to cheer on all of the authors I work with!!!
Who Do i work with?
I primarily work with romance and fantasy authors who are trying to self-publish or query their books.
The genres I am interested in working with:
- contemporary romance
- paranormal romance
- magical realism
- fantasy romance
- women’s fiction
- YA romance/fantasy
- NA romance/fantasy
All spice levels are welcome, from clean to explicit content. I do not read dark romance or thriller/gore.
Curious if it’s right for you? Schedule a free consultation call!
Cover art and design
working with me
I love creating the perfect images for your book and bringing it to life! A book cover is integral to your success. We all know that the saying goes “don’t judge a book by its cover” but the reality is that’s exactly what happens! Your book cover is the first thing that readers see, and the fact is that the cover gives them so much information about the story, and their snap judgement will usually indicate if they will even pick it up (or download it).
It is my job to make sure you have a captivating image and layout for your book cover, and that it captures the essence of your story! The image should be relevant for your genre and be on the same caliber as your competitors but unique so that you stand out.
All art is done with original hand-drawn digital illustrations. I can create the front, back, and spine of the book. If the book is going to be a series, then I work with you to make sure the whole series is coordinated and planned from the very beginning.
The process starts with me actually reading your finished manuscript (or current draft)! I want to get personal with your book and include details from the story to make it stand out!
What is the process?
How much does it cost?
Front cover, spine, back cover - art and design - $425
I also offer design services for original graphics to be used for things like chapter icons, promotional items (such as stickers, bookmarks, postcards), social media graphics, etc.
Each graphic is unique and hand drawn. They are $30 each (and can go up in price depending on how detailed they are).
- *I can only take so many clients a month and can book out in advance. If you want to work with me, all I ask is for a signed contract to hold your spot!
You will get a complimentary one-on-one consultation with me to go over what you want and that your vision is something I feel I can capture.
When the project starts, I begin by reading your manuscript. I do this to ensure that I understand the emotions, the nuances, and the easter egg details of the story so that I can help capture it in visuals and appeal to your reader audience!
After I have read the book, I have a consultation with you where I go over my initial concept ideas, and we ultimately decide an art direction.
I then get to work on the first art proof! If needed, I provide up to 3 rounds of revisions to ensure that my art matches your vision and you are happy with the finished product. Typography selections will also be provided.
Once we have finalized the design, you will get the original files in a png, jpg, svg, and pdf formats.
The process usually takes about 4 weeks depending on revisions if needed, and how detailed the design is.
want a gorgeous illustrated book cover?! Let’s see if we are a good fit!
Portfolio
Hand drawn graphics
Full cover illustrations
testimonials
“Working with Lauren was a dream I never knew I had. Her ability to listen to my visions, fill in gaps, and create designs out of thin air is unreal. I felt immensely supported throughout the whole process of building my brand and book cover. Lauren’s attention to detail, patience, and ability to take feedback was refreshing and reassured me that we were a great fit!”
-Katie Van Brunt
“Working with Lauren is always a pleasure! She’s creative, witty, and knows how to bring a flare of personality to everything she touches. I love her dedication to truly understanding a story and it’s characters so that she can produce the best end result for any project. I feel lucky to have her in my corner for my creative needs and look forward to working with her in the future!”
-Michaela Jean Taylor
elementalopal@gmail.com
@laurens.happy.place
For a free consultation, contact Lauren!
Have questions still? I am happy to answer them!
2024
Lauren Gnapi
Elemental Opal LLC
