After zero success in breaking through "traditional" publishing (ie. agents, publishing houses, etc.) [0] I've decided to go down the self-publishing route for a science-fiction novella that I've written. A year ago, when I finished the first draft, I perhaps would have seen this outcome as some sort of letdown but I find myself quite excited right now... making the book itself is just a continuation of the creative process, and I really want to do it the right way.
I have some savings that I had set aside for this sort of project and have decided it would be best to get professional help for each step, rather than just DIYing (I had DIYd a "test" project a couple years ago, so am familiar with KDP, etc.) So am looking for recommendations for: a) editors (both dev/line and copy/proof) b) designers c) publicists that the HN community may have had good experience with.
Many professionals choose not to work with self-published authors, so finding them not always straightforward. On the other side, there are MANY shady organizations that will gladly separate a self-published author from his/her money. So figured reaching out to this group (esp for an SF novel) may get me some luck and direct references.
Thanks to all in advance!
[0] Comment thread on HN I found quite useful on the road to traditional publishing: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31443890