About

My name is Elena, and I founded Ampers & Pilcrow with a simple vision: to bring warmth and humanity to the design process in publishing. Born from countless conversations with authors, artists, and people in the publishing industry, Ampers & Pilcrow exists to create meaningful partnerships in the world of book creation.

The publishing landscape has transformed, and self-publishers now stand alongside traditional publishing houses as vital voices in our literary ecosystem. Yet much of the design and production process remains shrouded in mystery.

At Ampers & Pilcrow, I believe transparency is essential. I work closely with self-publishers to demystify the design process—from initial concepts to final layouts. Together, we explore what it truly means to bring a book to life, ensuring you understand each step, why certain steps are important, and feel confident in the decisions along the way.

The industry often prioritizes efficiency and end results, racing through the creative journey to reach the finished product. While the final book is certainly important, I believe the path to get there should be just as rewarding. Each collaboration becomes an opportunity for mutual growth, where both author and designer contribute to and benefit from the creative process.

While I work with international clients, I always encourage local printing whenever possible. Though Ampers & Pilcrow specializes in design and typesetting, I'm happy to help source local printers and facilitate communication to support your local community. When this isn't feasible, we'll find the best alternative for your project. Ampers & Pilcrow can also connect you with trusted editors and proofreaders to help bring your book to its fullest potential.

I understand the pressures within the publishing industry: tight deadlines, sales targets, and the constant pursuit of the next success. These pressures can create harsh environments that ultimately serve no one well.

At Ampers & Pilcrow, I maintain high standards for communication and collaboration. There is no space for unfriendly behaviour in my work. Small publishers can trust that our partnership will be built on mutual respect, clear communication, and shared commitment to excellence—even when facing challenging deadlines.

Ampers & Pilcrow specializes in the creative and technical aspects of book production: typesetting, layout design, book design, and illustration.