Self-Publishing Specialist – Political Nonfiction Book (KDP + IngramSpark, Chicago Footnotes)

About the Project I am an attorney, podcast host, and political commentator with an established audience on YouTube and social media. I have written a full-length political nonfiction book — The Gilded State: How California Went from Personifying the American Dream to an American Nightmare — targeting a Summer 2026 release timed to California's gubernatorial election. The manuscript is complete and currently in final editorial review. I am looking for an experienced self-publishing specialist to take the book from finished manuscript to launch-ready files on both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. This is a paid, project-based engagement with a firm deadline. Serious applicants only. Scope of Work The ideal candidate will handle some or all of the following — please specify in your proposal which services you offer: Interior Formatting Format manuscript for both print (6x9 trade paperback) and ebook (Kindle) output Chicago Notes and Bibliography style footnotes — this is non-negotiable, and you must have prior experience formatting academic or heavily footnoted nonfiction (not just narrative books with endnotes) Chapter headers, section breaks, front matter (title page, copyright page, dedication, table of contents), and back matter Print-ready PDF for IngramSpark; ebook EPUB/MOBI for KDP Compliance with both KDP and IngramSpark technical specifications Cover Design Front cover, back cover, and spine for trade paperback (print-ready with correct bleed, spine width calculated from final page count) Kindle ebook cover The book is political nonfiction with a serious, marketable tone — comparable titles include San Fransicko by Michael Shellenberger and The Dying Citizen by Victor Davis Hanson. I want a cover that belongs on the same shelf, not a generic template. Please include 2–3 cover concept options Platform Setup (Optional — specify if you offer this) KDP account setup and file upload IngramSpark account setup, ISBN registration guidance, and file submission Metadata optimization (title, subtitle, keywords, BISAC categories) What I'm Looking For Demonstrated experience formatting and launching nonfiction books, specifically books with extensive footnotes or endnotes (please include examples) Prior work on political, history, or current affairs titles is a strong plus Familiarity with both KDP and IngramSpark — not one or the other The ability to communicate clearly and meet hard deadlines — this book has a specific launch window tied to a political calendar A portfolio of finished book covers and interiors you can share I'm also looking for what your favorite restaurant is and why to be included in your response What This Is Not I am not looking for a vanity press or a package-deal publishing service that charges for services I don't need I am not looking for someone who formats only fiction or children's books I am not looking for AI-generated cover designs without a professional designer behind them Timeline The manuscript will be delivered from the editor in late June/early July 2026. Target launch is August 2026. I need someone who can commit to that window and turn around files promptly once the manuscript is in hand. To Apply Please submit: Your proposed scope of services and fixed-price quote (or itemized quote if applying for individual services) 2–3 samples of nonfiction books you have formatted, including at least one with Chicago-style or heavy footnote formatting 2–3 cover design samples for nonfiction titles A brief note on your experience with KDP and IngramSpark specifically Your availability for a July–August 2026 turnaround Budget is negotiable based on scope. I am looking for quality, not the lowest bid.