Purposely Created Publishing Group in Baltimore: Self-Publishing Services for Authors

Purposely Created Publishing Group is a self-publishing house based in Baltimore that handles manuscript editing, design, printing, and distribution for independent authors. The company operates at the middle tier of the self-publishing market, positioning itself between DIY platforms and traditional press services, and fills a practical need for authors in the Mid-Atlantic who want professional output without the rejection cycle of legacy publishing.

What Purposely Created Publishing Group actually does

The firm offers full-service and à la carte publishing support. Authors can hire the company to manage the entire pipeline from manuscript assessment through final book distribution, or they can buy individual services: developmental editing, copyediting, cover design, interior layout, ISBN assignment, and retail placement on Amazon and other online retailers. The company also handles print-on-demand production, meaning books are printed in response to orders rather than requiring an author to carry inventory. This model appeals to authors who want a finished product without printing 500 copies upfront.

Services and pricing

Purposely Created Publishing Group's full-service packages start around $3,000 and can reach $6,000 or more depending on manuscript length, the depth of editing chosen, and whether the author wants hardcover as well as paperback formats. À la carte services typically range from $500 for copyediting a shorter manuscript to $2,000+ for comprehensive cover design or manuscript development. The company quotes custom estimates after reviewing a manuscript's word count and the author's specific needs; confirming current pricing and package details directly with the firm is necessary, as service tiers and add-ons shift.

Print-on-demand removes the financial risk of overstock: there is no upfront printing cost beyond the package fee. Retail pricing is set by the author, but the firm typically advises on competitive positioning for genre and length.

How it compares to other Baltimore-area options

Baltimore authors also work with national platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing and IngramSpark, which are entirely self-service and charge no consulting or design fees. KDP and IngramSpark suit authors comfortable with DIY layout and cover work, or those willing to hire freelance designers and editors independently. They offer faster turnaround and lower overhead cost but provide no guidance on manuscript quality, market positioning, or distribution strategy.

At the other end, authors seeking traditional publishing representation typically use agents or submit directly to houses; this path offers no upfront cost but involves years of rejection risk and no guarantee of acceptance.

Purposely Created Publishing Group occupies the middle ground: it charges more than KDP but far less than hiring a freelance editorial team separately, and it consolidates decision-making into one relationship. The trade-off is less customization and creative control than working with independent editors and designers, but greater professional oversight than a platform alone.

Who it suits and who it does not

The service works well for first-time authors who want professional packaging and distribution support but lack the networks to hire editors and designers individually. It also suits genre authors (mystery, romance, self-help, business) working on tight timelines, since the company manages production scheduling. Authors with very short manuscripts (under 50 pages) or those planning to sell only a handful of copies locally may find the minimum package cost prohibitive.

Authors seeking heavy creative direction, co-writing, or significant developmental rewriting should clarify scope before engagement; the company's strength is in production and distribution, not extensive manuscript reshaping. Authors aiming for traditional publishing should pursue agents first, not self-publishing support.

What the first visit involves

The process begins with a consultation, typically by phone or email, where an author submits the manuscript or a sample chapter and describes their goals. Purposely Created Publishing Group assesses the manuscript's current state, recommends a service package, and provides a flat or itemized quote. Once agreed, the author signs a contract, pays an initial deposit (usually 50 percent of the project fee), and enters the production timeline. Editing and design happen in rounds, with author approval at each stage. Final payment is due before the book goes live on retail platforms.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Purposely Created Publishing Group operates primarily by appointment and email communication; there is no walk-in retail location or public storefront. Most work is conducted remotely via file exchange and video calls. The company's office is located in Baltimore, but authors do not need to visit in person. Confirm contact details and current appointment availability by reaching out directly, as business hours and scheduling flexibility may change seasonally.

Purposely Created Publishing Group fills a gap for Baltimore authors seeking a guided path from manuscript to retail book without the cost of hiring a full freelance team separately or the uncertainty of self-service platforms alone.