Whether it is free, or paid, you will need to decide if the person you are hiring is qualified to help you out with your specific job.

The internet is littered with "so-called" experts. But when you dig a little deeper they do not have the experience or qualifications to provide you with the required professional advice when it comes to self-publishing and producing a quality eBook.

Types of Author Services Provided:

1. Help with eBook writing

2. Editing

3. Proof reading

4. Formatting

5. eBook conversion services

6. eBook distribution services

7. eBook cover design

8. POD

9. eBook marketing and promotion

How Will I Know if I Need to Hire the Services of a Professional?

1. If you are time poor and it would be more worthwhile you paying for help. This is often the case with the majority of authors who also work full-time jobs.

2. You do not have the industry specific knowledge to do it yourself.

3. If you have the budget to pay for the service.

4. You believe that a collaborative effort in producing your eBook will result in a higher quality eBook.

5. You have a deadline to meet and do not wish to waste time trying to go it alone.

When Researching for a Service Provider We Recommend You Take on Board the Following Tips:

1. Conduct an online search for your desired service provider (e.g. eBook editor)

2. Select the most reputable provider

3. Consider costs of the service

4. Review their portfolio of past clients

5. What is the quality of their website?

6. Are they easy to contact?

7. Where are they located?

8. Is English their first language?

9. How do they take payments?

10. Can you find any complaints directed towards this business in forums or online?

11. Do they provide a guarantee for their service?

12. Do they require payment up front or in stages?

Once You Have Selected Your Top Three Providers Ask the Following Questions:

1. Are you qualified to work specifically with eBook authors?

2. How will your advice and knowledge be able to help my eBook?

3. Are you able to provide expert advice for my type / genre of eBook?

4. Do you operate on commission for each eBook sold or do you charge a one-time fee?

5. Are you able to meet publication deadlines?

6. Have you worked with other eBook authors?

7. Do you have some referrals for past clients you can give me?

8. How will you provide me with progress reports?

9. Do you have examples of eBooks you have worked on that have become top selling eBooks?

10. As we are in different countries, how will we best communicate?

11. Is it a one-person business or do you have a team of experts?

Conclusion:

A little research and effort up front into your service provider could save you a lot of time, money and hassle down the road. As with any contract, when the terms are clearly stated upfront, then both parties know what they are getting into. This includes what they will be expected to provide with regards to services, payments and obligations.

One of the most important qualities I look for when dealing with online business is their response time. For example; one of the major reasons I give my business to GoDaddy is because they have a fantastic support team.

If you have to wait several days for a response then this could be a sign of what you may have to deal with when working with this provider.