[HIRING] Shopify Developer for an Indie Manga & Light Novel Publisher (Ongoing Work)
Compensation: $400 (Initial Phase) Source: reddit-r-forhire
About the Role
Kessaku Spotlight is an indie publisher focused on English-original light novels and manga. We are currently in the early stages; while our writers and editors are working on titles for 2027, we do not have products live yet.
The goal of the website is to introduce the company, showcase our upcoming work, and build an audience. I am looking for a Shopify developer/designer to customize the Broadcast theme into a bespoke experience that reflects our brand identity rather than a standard template.
Project Scope: Phase 1
Home Page
The homepage is the primary focus of this build. The structure is mapped as follows:
- Hero: Featuring the Kessaku Spotlight branding and mission statement.
- Video Section: A placeholder video introducing our writers and upcoming slate.
- A Sneak Peek at 2027: A showcase of four upcoming projects (cover art, title, description, and release date). Note: This is not a product section; nothing is for sale yet.
- A Promise to Our Readers: A four-point section highlighting our values. I am open to creative visual presentations (cards, scrolling sections, or animations).
- The Story Begins In: A countdown timer overlayed on a video.
- Join Our Newsletter: A signup section with a brief description of our newsletter content.
- Footer: Newsletter signup and contact information.
Let’s Make a Book Page
This page is designed for creators interested in pitching projects.
- Video Section: A "Dare to Dream" video featuring our mascot.
- Our Pitch: An introduction to Kessaku Spotlight and what we look for in submissions.
- Our Publishing Process: A step-by-step guide (timeline or numbered steps) explaining the pitch and publishing journey.
- Submit Your Project: A submission form for creators to pitch their work.
Other Pages
- About Page: A well-designed, scrollable narrative page.
- Blog: Clean, readable, and visually consistent.
- Contact Page: FAQ and contact form.
- Cleanup: Remove or hide unused Broadcast theme sections and features.
Expectations
- Design Eye: I need someone who can make design suggestions regarding spacing, typography, and motion rather than just following instructions.
- Mobile Optimization: The site must feel as polished on mobile as it does on desktop.
- Cohesion: Sections should flow naturally into one another to create a continuous experience.
- Placeholder Usage: Since final assets (mascot art, videos, etc.) are in production, you will use placeholders to build the layout so final assets can be swapped in later.
Future Growth
This is not a one-and-done project. As we approach our 2027 releases, we will need to build out the storefront, product pages, preorder pages, and promotional campaigns. I am looking for a long-term partner who enjoys working with startups.
Requirements
- Experience with Shopify theme customization beyond basic settings.
- Strong sense of typography, layout, motion, and mobile design.
- Ability to provide design input and creative solutions.
- Interest in an ongoing client relationship.
- Bonus: Interest in manga, light novels, anime, or the publishing industry.