Summer Works - My First Typesetting and Graphic Jobs

During the summer vacations of high school and college, I worked many times at various companies, including day shifts in a commercial graphic arts company, night shifts in a newspaper printing company, and I took countless freelance jobs to create the typesetting of corporation newsletters and leaflets. During these times I also worked in a McDonald's making sandwiches and cleaning windows, I was a heavy loader in a furniture store, and a ticket taker at a movie theater. These jobs taught me how to work hard. So I thought I would mention them here as I also loved these jobs, I had a great time, and they shaped me in one way or another. Everyone started somewhere, right?

Generali Insurance Solutions - Insurance Agent

I started to learn the art of negotiation as an insurance agent for Generali Insurance Solutions, I was trained and specialized in foreign customers, diplomats and ambassadors, and dealing with their needs.

Digital Reality - Scriptwriter and Book Formatter

This is where and when my true writer and book typesetter career began. I became the writer and co-writer of two computer games, War on Terror and Warfront: Turning Point, and typesetter of their manuals. I also had a few additional credits in these projects, such as game designer and game tester, and on many occasions, I wrote the marketing materials.

Tourist Street Vendor

Taking a year-long break from the corporate atmosphere and 36-hour long crunch times, I become a tourist street vendor in Budapest's most prominent Castle Hill District, where beyond meeting interesting people from all around the world and polishing my negotiating skills, I also had time for practicing foreign languages, to write stories and draw arts.

Freelance Screenwriter, Director, Typesetter and Graphic Artist

I turned freelance and participated in various domestic and international projects, including my short movie project, 15 Minutes of Fame which achieved 3rd place at the UPC-AXN Film Festival 2007. All of the projects helped me to gather more experience and polish my skills and get to know many great people in the industry. During these years I also self-published a few stories.

CECOP Group - Graphic Artist and Marketing Material Writer

While I was freelance, I was hired by the CECOP Group based in Madrid, Spain to be their graphic artist and write their marketing materials. During my stay in Madrid, I was personally mentored by the CEO and founder Jorge Rubio.

Police Academy

I took a detour in my career when I applied to the Hungarian Police Department to be a police officer.

Fiverr - Book Formatter, Graphic Artist and Consultant

At the end of 2013, I joined Fiverr's marketplace to offer my services to international clients and help both beginner and pro authors to publish their books.

Sapphire Guardian - Founder

Parallel to working on Fiverr, I founded Sapphire Guardian, which is the homepage for all of my services.

Police Department - Hungarian/English Interpreter

I became the interpreter for one of the homicide detectives of the Hungarian Police Department. During this time I also cooperated with various domestic agencies. The experiences from these years, especially with one of the kidnapping cases, sharpened my negotiating and observational skills. In 2017 the National Bureau of Investigation where my partner was promoted, offered me the position of recovery special agent, but I declined the offer indefinitely.

White Knight's Guide on Writing Books - Author

To summarize the decade-long experience I have gathered as a typesetter and graphic artist, I wrote this guidebook to help beginner and pro authors alike with some insider tips.

AdobeStock, Shutterstock, DepositPhotos - Stock Photographer

During the Covid lockdown, I tried to find another passion and photography became my new hobby. Most of my early stock photos were taken during outdoor trips that I made with my wife during the lockdowns.

"No question - it was a huge work in a record time. You did so beautiful! I would have never managed. I am very grateful to you. And I am so happy that it is done. It was unresolvable challenge for me, and you really made a miracle and brought it to life! Thank you for that!"
— Mme. Evelina Rioukhina, United Nations, Switzerland

"Because Istvan is good at his job, he is always my end of the road and my last bus stop. Thank you."
— Chigbo Ugwuoke, Institute for Career & Character Development, Nigeria

"Always does excellent work. His work keeps me coming back to get more jobs done. I highly recommend him."
— Will Cravens, Endurance Leadership, United States of America

"Istvan has now formatted six books for me, several with many internal illustrations. He does quality work, is very fast, and he is responsive to any changes requested."
— Ellis Potter, Destinée Media, Switzerland

"Near perfection. Istvan is always at the top of his game. Always delivers quality work fast. He possesses a superior intellect and, therefore, communicates beautifully. Istvan is a problem solver who I highly recommend!"
— John Stephen Mauldin, Hardcastle Publishing, United States of America

"I trust Istvan one hundred percent. He has formatted many of my books and I can't say enough good things about him. The best of the best."
— George Thomas, Fortress of the Mind Publications, United States of America

"First rate advice on best management practices for Amazon publishing and accurate, attractive, and prompt page layout service. Will hire again."
— Michael E. Fraidenburg, The Cooperation Company, United States of America

"Istvan did the interior layout of our book. He delivered the quality one would expect from a major publishing house in New York or London."
— Wayne & Tamara Mitchell, Third Ghost Press, United States of America

"A true pro. Have worked with him for years."
— Andrea Olson, The Tiny World Company, United States of America

"Awesome working with Istvan. He came through and helped us meet a tough deadline while continuing to deliver an outstanding design. Top notch!"
— Kathy Meis, Bublish Inc., United States of America

"Look no further for book formatting help! He's the best."
— Iver Marjerison, FoodFlow Publications, United States of America

"It is always a pleasure to work with Istvan. This piece is part of a much larger project that I am confident will be completed to my satisfaction."
— Laurie Weiss, Ph.D, Empowerment Systems Books, United States of America

"Fast perfection. Istvan can always get whatever I need done."
— River Frost, Ballads and Bards Bookhouse, Australia

"He really cares to get it right. I have worked with him three times now and will continue. He is easy and helpful. I am particular and appreciate the support in a difficult process."
— Marilyn Shannon, ReEnchant Planet Earth Publishing, United States of America