Self-publishing made easy

As the CEO of As You Wish Publishing, Kyra Schaefer has worked with hundreds of authors to help them share their message with the world and lift voices from all walks of life. Kyra's passion is to debunk the myth that publishing is only accessible to a lucky few. That's why the mission at As You Wish is to make publishing easy and accessible for purpose-driven authors and to help them create high-quality books that enhance their credibility and brand.

We interviewed Kyra about publishing, and how new authors can get started with their first book.

What is As You Wish Publishing all about?

We’re a Self-Publishing Services Company dedicated to helping authors share their message with the world. We handle all the technical aspects of book production—from interior formatting and cover design to ISBN assignment and Library of Congress registration. Our authors retain 100% of their royalties and get the lowest possible print costs, keeping the focus on their work and impact.

What kinds of books do you publish at As You Wish?

We work with a wide range of genres, including fiction (mystery, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, thrillers) and non-fiction (biography, self-help, business, history, memoir). We also publish books for early readers, middle grade, young adults, children, and even poetry. Our collaborative books, where multiple authors contribute to a shared theme, are also popular. Ultimately, we’re passionate about providing a platform for diverse voices and stories that make an impact.

What advice do you have for new authors who want to write and publish their first book?

Your first book is for you; your second book is for everyone else. Treat your first book as an educational experience in writing and publishing. This process shouldn’t be a costly lesson, so I always advise reading the fine print in any publishing contract, whether self-publishing or traditional, and asking more questions than you think necessary.

Two key pieces of advice: First, ensure you’re receiving 60% of online book sales directly through a reliable company like Kindle Direct Publishing. Second, watch your print costs—a 200-page black-and-white book should cost no more than $4 to print. Sadly, many authors are left with just $1 per book after “publishing companies” take their cut, but authors should expect to earn $6 to $10 profit per book.

What's the process like for a new author who wants to publish a book with As You Wish?

Our process is simple and supportive. It starts with a “Get Started” form and an initial consultation to make sure we’re the right fit. From there, authors can purchase our Flex package, which includes Author Coaching to guide them through writing. Authors have up to two years to complete and submit their manuscript, and once we have it, we move through copyediting, cover design, and formatting for both print and eBook.

What are your plans for growth at As You Wish?

We’re expanding to work with more entrepreneurs from a variety of fields. Our initial focus was on spiritual and self-help authors, but we’re now seeing more business-oriented authors who want to use their books to build credibility and expand their brand. We’re excited to support this side of the company as we grow.

Do you recommend authors start with a blank document, or should they begin with an outline and a plan?

I strongly recommend starting with an outline and a clear plan. A well-organized outline serves as a roadmap, keeping each chapter aligned with the bigger picture. One of the best things an author can do is identify their ideal reader and clarify the message they want to convey before writing—that preparation sets a strong foundation and can prevent many common challenges down the road.

What is your editing process like? Do authors submit their book in parts or wait until it’s complete?

Authors submit their completed manuscript in full before we begin copyediting. Once copyedited, they have a chance to make final adjustments before we move forward with formatting, cover design, and other finishing touches for print or digital release. For authors who want specific feedback on their work, we offer a Manuscript Validation Score Certificate, which provides free, detailed feedback on areas like clarity, engagement, and readability.

Do you provide a document template for the author to use, or do you take care of document formatting on the back end?

We handle all formatting on the back end after the manuscript has been finalized. Our team manages formatting and layout to meet publishing standards, so the author can focus entirely on their content without worrying about technical details.

And a fun question: What's your favorite font for print? And for eBooks or web?

For print, I love Garamond—it’s timeless and highly readable. For eBooks and web, I prefer Open Sans for its clean, modern look, which makes for a comfortable reading experience on screens.

Thanks to Kyra for sharing her experience in the publishing industry. As You Wish Publishing offers free 15-minute discovery sessions where authors can discuss their projects and learn about our services. Learn more at As You Wish Publishing.