WHISTLESLICK DESIGN
Where Words, Artistry, and Imagination Meet—Because Every Story Deserves a Beautiful Form
Writing your own book is an exhilarating adventure, and self-publishing adds a special kind of magic to the journey. We’re here to walk beside you as your story unfolds, guiding you into the next chapter of your life as an author with care, creativity, and intention.
Are you dreaming of a stunning children’s picture book or a thoughtfully crafted chapter book for adult readers? Perhaps a memoir, a family legacy book, a playful coloring book, or a beautifully designed coffee table book. Maybe even a cookbook meant to be loved and shared in the heart of the kitchen.
Whistleslick Press creates the book design, working hand-in-hand with a creative dream team of talented illustrators, professional editors, state-of-the-art printers, a wonderful marketing consultant—and you. Together, we shape your words into a beautiful book that feels true to your vision and ready to be shared.
Let’s begin with a complimentary consultation. We’ll wander through your ideas, listen closely to your hopes, and match your story with the Book Package that brings it most fully to life.
Step Inside...
01. The Team
Whistleslick Design is more than just your designer—we are your project manager from start to finish. We work closely with you to bring your beautiful story to life, guiding you through every step of the process. You’ll have the option to collaborate with our editor and our team of professional illustrators, ensuring your book is thoughtfully refined and visually engaging. If your story has already been professionally edited or illustrated, we’re happy to seamlessly work with your existing materials as well. Whistleslick Press carefully designs your book using your fully edited manuscript and illustrations, crafting a stunning picture book and preparing polished, print-ready files. We then work directly with our trusted printer to produce a high-quality softcover or hardcover book—delivered straight to your door.
02. Our Design Process
We begin with a complimentary phone call to kickstart your project. This is our chance to hear your story, understand your vision, and start bringing it to life. Believe it or not, this is where the magic begins—imagining the excitement of holding your very own book in your hands in just a few short months. From there, we collaborate closely with you and our creative team to craft a beautiful book. If needed, our experienced editor can help refine and tighten your manuscript. Once your manuscript is fully edited and finalized, we move into production. We work alongside professional illustrators who storyboard your project and begin sketching your story. As illustrations are developed, we incorporate your feedback and approval at every stage. Whistleslick then seamlessly integrates the illustrations into your book, refining every design element along the way. We specialize in thoughtful layout and design, including typography, manuscript flow, gutters, bleeds, and the creation of a polished, print-ready PDF for professional printers. By the end of the project, you will have a fully designed cover created by Whistleslick Design, along with a beautifully crafted interior that perfectly complements your manuscript. We’ll also introduce you to our trusted professional printer and guide you through receiving your bound proof and final print run—so you can confidently bring your book into the world.
03. Our Coffee Table Book or Cookbook Process
We begin with a complimentary phone call to kickstart your project. This is our opportunity to hear your story, understand your vision, and begin bringing it to life. It’s the first step in turning your dream into a finished book. From there, we collaborate closely with you to craft something truly special. If needed, our experienced editor can help refine and strengthen your manuscript. Once your content is fully edited and finalized, we move seamlessly into production. Whistleslick Design creates a beautifully crafted book using your written content and professional imagery. You’ll provide the photography that enhances your story, and we bring all the elements together—developing a visual storyboard through thoughtful interior layouts that guide the reader from beginning to end. A cookbook is more than a collection of recipes. We help you tell your story through food—inviting readers into your kitchen, sharing your journey, and teaching them how to create your delicious dishes. A coffee table book, whether focused on photography, a passion, or a lifestyle, is designed to captivate an audience and draw readers into your world. These books are meant to be revisited, shared, and treasured for generations—and we’re here to make that happen. We specialize in intentional layout and design, including typography, manuscript flow, gutters, bleeds, and the creation of a polished, print-ready PDF for professional printers. By the end of the project, you’ll have a fully designed cover created by Whistleslick Design, along with a beautifully crafted interior that perfectly complements your manuscript. In the end, you won’t just have a book—you’ll have a tangible reflection of your story, crafted with intention and care. From the first page to the final print, we’re there to ensure your vision is honored and your book is ready to be shared for years to come.
04. It's YOU Self-Publishing
You are the one self-publishing your book. Whistleslick Design is here to bring your vision to life with a team of experienced professionals, but the story, the brand, and the ownership remain entirely yours. By the end of the process, you won’t just have a finished book—you’ll be building your own author brand. Our designers can assist you in creating a custom publishing imprint, which will appear on the back cover of your book. This marks the beginning of your very own publishing company. Once your book is in hand, we encourage you to expand your presence with supporting materials such as rack cards, business cards, bookmarks, websites, and more. If needed, our team is available to help design these pieces as well. You are in full creative control throughout the entire process. There’s no middleman and no company dictating what you can or cannot do—you are in charge. Enjoy the self-publishing journey, watching your book come to life and seeing the smiles it brings to your readers. Let it inspire you to continue your author journey and create many more books to come.
BOOK PACKAGES
Picture Book
A children’s picture book is more than words on a page—it’s an experience shaped by both story and art. Alongside a thoughtfully written manuscript, illustrations create the picture walk that draws children deeper into the narrative. We partner with professional illustrators to turn your manuscript into a stunning picture book, crafting visuals that engage and delight young readers from beginning to end.
Cookbook & Coffee Table Book
Cookbooks are more than collections of recipes—they are stories shared through food. Our designed cookbooks weave each client’s personal stories alongside their delicious recipes, creating a book meant to be savored page by page. We also design beautiful, large-format hardcover coffee table books that showcase hobbies, photography, and meaningful passions.
Chapter Book
We create chapter books that complement our clients’ manuscripts, designing books for readers of all ages. Our clean, thoughtful designs are crafted to engage and capture readers at every stage—from children’s chapter books to young adult and adult titles. We offer both hardcover and softcover formats, whether the book features a manuscript alone, a manuscript paired with select illustrations, or even photography woven throughout.
Coloring Book
Creating coloring books for all ages is truly an artful craft. We collaborate with illustrators to design beautifully detailed coloring books that celebrate local towns, family adventures, and stories worth coloring..
MARKETING ASSISTANCE
Once you have your book in hand and are ready to share it with the world, we’re here to help you take the next step. Our marketing consultant can work with you to develop a cohesive publishing brand that complements your book, including a professional logo and visual identity. We also offer guidance with author websites or e-commerce sites, helping elevate both your branding and book sales. From rack cards and business cards to bookmarks and promotional materials, our consultant supports you in bringing your publishing brand together—thoughtfully completing the final stage of your self-publishing journey. Contact us today to learn more.