<?php
$pageTitle = 'How It Works | Miller Freeman';
$currentPage = 'how-it-works';
$bodyClass = 'inner-page';
$freeQuoteFormId = 'how-it-works-quote';
$freeQuoteDefaultService = 'book-publishing';

include __DIR__ . '/includes/header.php';
?>

<section class="page-banner">
  <div class="container">
    <div class="page-banner-content text-center">
      <nav class="service-breadcrumb justify-content-center" aria-label="Breadcrumb">
        <a href="index.php">Home</a>
        <span aria-hidden="true">/</span>
        <span aria-current="page">How It Works</span>
      </nav>

      <h1 class="page-banner-title">How It <em>Works</em></h1>
      <p class="page-banner-desc">From first conversation to published book — our streamlined process keeps every step organized, transparent, and on schedule.</p>
    </div>
  </div>
</section>

<section class="page-section page-steps">
  <div class="container">
    <div class="page-section-header text-center">
      <span class="page-section-kicker">The Process</span>
      <h2 class="page-section-title">Five Steps to Publication</h2>
      <p class="page-section-desc">Every project follows a clear roadmap so you always know what happens next and when to expect deliverables.</p>
    </div>

    <div class="row g-4">
      <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4">
        <article class="page-step-card">
          <img src="assets/images/num-1.svg" alt="" class="page-step-num" aria-hidden="true">
          <h3 class="page-step-title">Free Consultation</h3>
          <p class="page-step-desc">Share your goals, manuscript status, and timeline. We recommend the right services and provide a detailed quote with no obligation.</p>
        </article>
      </div>
      <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4">
        <article class="page-step-card">
          <img src="assets/images/num-2.svg" alt="" class="page-step-num" aria-hidden="true">
          <h3 class="page-step-title">Project Kickoff</h3>
          <p class="page-step-desc">Your dedicated project manager outlines milestones, collects files, and introduces you to the editors, designers, or specialists on your team.</p>
        </article>
      </div>
      <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4">
        <article class="page-step-card">
          <img src="assets/images/num-3.svg" alt="" class="page-step-num" aria-hidden="true">
          <h3 class="page-step-title">Production &amp; Review</h3>
          <p class="page-step-desc">Editing, cover design, interior layout, and file preparation happen in sequence — with your approval at every major stage.</p>
        </article>
      </div>
      <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4">
        <article class="page-step-card">
          <img src="assets/images/num-4.svg" alt="" class="page-step-num" aria-hidden="true">
          <h3 class="page-step-title">Publish &amp; Distribute</h3>
          <p class="page-step-desc">We set up your title on Amazon, IngramSpark, and other channels — handling ISBN, metadata, and platform configuration.</p>
        </article>
      </div>
      <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4">
        <article class="page-step-card">
          <img src="assets/images/num-5.svg" alt="" class="page-step-num" aria-hidden="true">
          <h3 class="page-step-title">Launch &amp; Support</h3>
          <p class="page-step-desc">Optional marketing, PR, and promotional support help your book reach readers. We stay available for updates and future projects.</p>
        </article>
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</section>

<section class="page-section page-process">
  <div class="container">
    <div class="row align-items-center g-4 g-lg-5">
      <div class="col-lg-6">
        <span class="page-about-label">What to Expect</span>
        <h2 class="page-about-title">A Guided Publishing Experience</h2>
        <p class="page-about-desc">You never have to guess what comes next. Our team handles the technical details — file formats, retailer requirements, print specifications — while keeping you in control of creative decisions.</p>
        <ul class="page-process-list">
          <li>Dedicated project manager from day one</li>
          <li>Clear timelines with milestone check-ins</li>
          <li>Revision rounds built into every service</li>
          <li>Print and digital files delivered ready to upload</li>
          <li>Post-launch support for updates and new formats</li>
        </ul>
      </div>
      <div class="col-lg-6">
        <div class="page-about-card">
          <span class="page-about-label">Getting Started</span>
          <h2 class="page-about-title">Ready When You Are</h2>
          <p class="page-about-desc">Whether your manuscript is finished or still in progress, we can help you plan the right path forward. Most projects begin with a 30-minute consultation to understand your goals and recommend next steps.</p>
          <a href="pricing.php" class="btn btn-primary btn-hero">View Pricing</a>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</section>

<section class="page-section page-section--tight-top">
  <div class="container">
    <div class="page-section-header text-center">
      <span class="page-section-kicker">FAQ</span>
      <h2 class="page-section-title">Common Questions</h2>
    </div>

    <div class="row justify-content-center">
      <div class="col-lg-8">
        <div class="page-faq-item">
          <button class="page-faq-question collapsed" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#faq-1" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-1">
            How long does the publishing process take?
            <i class="fa-solid fa-chevron-down" aria-hidden="true"></i>
          </button>
          <div id="faq-1" class="collapse">
            <p class="page-faq-answer">Timelines vary by scope. A basic formatting and digital setup project may take 2–4 weeks, while a full-service package with editing, design, and distribution typically runs 8–16 weeks. Your project manager will provide a schedule at kickoff.</p>
          </div>
        </div>
        <div class="page-faq-item">
          <button class="page-faq-question collapsed" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#faq-2" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-2">
            Do I keep the rights to my book?
            <i class="fa-solid fa-chevron-down" aria-hidden="true"></i>
          </button>
          <div id="faq-2" class="collapse">
            <p class="page-faq-answer">Yes. You retain full ownership of your work. Miller Freeman provides publishing services and support — your intellectual property remains yours throughout and after the project.</p>
          </div>
        </div>
        <div class="page-faq-item">
          <button class="page-faq-question collapsed" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#faq-3" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-3">
            Can I choose only the services I need?
            <i class="fa-solid fa-chevron-down" aria-hidden="true"></i>
          </button>
          <div id="faq-3" class="collapse">
            <p class="page-faq-answer">Absolutely. We offer individual services as well as bundled packages. During your consultation, we'll recommend what your project needs — you decide what to include.</p>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</section>

<section class="cta-banner">
  <div class="container">
    <div class="cta-banner-inner">
      <h2 class="cta-banner-title">
        Start Your<br>
        <em>Publishing Journey</em>
      </h2>
      <p class="cta-banner-desc">Book a free consultation and get a personalized roadmap for your book or brand project.</p>
      <div class="cta-banner-buttons">
        <a href="#how-it-works-quote" class="btn btn-primary btn-hero">Get a Free Quote</a>
        <a href="contact.php" class="btn btn-cta-outline btn-hero">Contact Us</a>
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</section>

<?php include __DIR__ . '/includes/sections/free-quote.php'; ?>

<?php include __DIR__ . '/includes/footer.php'; ?>
