The Publishing Process

Pre-Production

Publishing is an ever changing and sometimes complicated process. The means and technology have changed drastically since the advent of the printing press in the 1400’s, but the overall process has remained largely the same. While the details of publishing could encompass a lifetime of learning, we thought it prudent to give an overview of the process.

Whether you are an author, a reader, or simply curious, we hope there is always something to learn. Please note this information is provided for informational purposes only and we can give no guarantee of its accuracy.

Publishing is an ever changing and sometimes complicated process. The means and technology have changed drastically since the advent of the printing press in the 1400’s, but the overall process has remained largely the same. While the details of publishing could encompass a lifetime of learning, we thought it prudent to give an overview of the process. Whether you are an author, a reader, or simply curious, we hope there is always something to learn. Please note this information is provided for informational purposes only and we can give no guarantee of its accuracy.
In most cases, there is an agreed upon delivery date of a manuscript. The publisher will need to know of any delays encountered, as soon as possible, so that they can work with an author to both agree to a new date and to possibly help overcome barriers. Books for publication are often planned up to a year in advance, or more, and accurate schedules are vital to best organize the production and promotion of a book.
In most cases, there is an agreed upon delivery date of a manuscript. The publisher will need to know of any delays encountered, as soon as possible, so that they can work with an author to both agree to a new date and to possibly help overcome barriers. Books for publication are often planned up to a year in advance, or more, and accurate schedules are vital to best organize the production and promotion of a book.
Contracts may state a minimum or maximum length for a manuscript and it is important for the writer to do all they can to adhere to it. If it is clear that the agreed length cannot be achieved, the writer should let their Commissioning Editor know, as soon as possible. Publishers can usually accommodate minor changes in length but significant changes will require serious consideration, as that may have an impact on the list price and sales potential of the book.
Contracts may state a minimum or maximum length for a manuscript and it is important for the writer to do all they can to adhere to it. If it is clear that the agreed length cannot be achieved, the writer should let their Commissioning Editor know, as soon as possible. Publishers can usually accommodate minor changes in length but significant changes will require serious consideration, as that may have an impact on the list price and sales potential of the book.
Once a manuscript is received, the Publisher, usually through an assigned editor, will review the manuscript, checking for things like word count, any illustrations, and other items as stated in a contract agreement. If applicable, the manuscript may be sent to a contracted alpha or beta reader for notes and review, as well. The publisher, through its editor, will generally inform you of the next stages. Any books appearing in a series will usually be sent to the series editor(s) for review.
Reader reports, editor notes, and any queries or suggestions from the publisher will usually be sent to the author, who will be given an opportunity to respond. Revisions are usually discussed with the publisher’s editor and a final submission date agreed upon.

Production

Sales for a book can begin before an author has completed their manuscript, and so a cover design may need to be agreed upon in advance. The publisher, or its agents, will start working on the cover design early in the process and will usually invite the author’s input.

A book title is settled with the publisher as early as possible. Once a book has been advertised in a catalog, it will have been entered into bibliographic services, with advance sales being generated. At this point, it is inadvisable and sometimes impossible to change a title. Following formal approval of the final manuscript, the assigned editor will arrange for the editing process to begin.

The pre–publication steps, what has to occur prior to printing, generally are: (1) initial copy–editing, (2) typesetting, (3) proof–reading, (4) revision, and (5) file creation. The file creation is usually, at minimum, a press–ready file and an electronic publication file. Most publishers will take the author through this process by an individually, usually referred to as a project managers, though the title may vary. This project manager will usually be in consistent contact, sending the author information on the process, what is required, and a detailed schedule.
An experienced, professional copy-editor will be assigned to the book, either in house or contracted by the publisher.
The level of editing varies, but at minimum a copy-editor will:
1. Correct grammar, spelling and syntax, and edit to house style;
2. Check references and bibliographies for omissions and inconsistencies of style;
3. Report suspected errors, omissions, or duplication to the author’s attention
4. Copy–editors will not make style based changes, other than implementing a house style, undertake any rewriting or restructuring, or check for factual errors.
Any notes or questions will usually be sent to the author, along with the full copy–edited manuscript, either by the project manager or by the copy–editor themselves. The author is generally expected to supply answers by a requested deadline. All changes are incorporated into digital text, before being typeset.
As soon as the copy–editor has finished implementing corrections, the copy–edited files are consolidated and the book is typeset into a publishing software, such as Adobe InDesign. The author will be sent a proof of the entire book electronically, in a PDF format. These will also be reviewed by a professional proof–reader at the same time, who will check for consistency, clarity, and style in the text, as well as for any typesetting errors.
Once revised proofs have been approved, the Publisher will supply digital and print–ready files to the assigned printer, usually an on–demand digital based printer if an independent publisher, around six weeks prior to the stock/publishing date. Final artwork for the cover is also usually submitted at this time from the cover designer, either in house or a contractor.
Advance copies of the book are dispatched by the printer to the publisher and is checked by assigned experts, such as a production editor. On approval, stock is delivered, any free agreed to in the contract are sent to the author, and arrangements are made to distributors around the world. As a general idea, the publication date is about two months after receipt of copies by the publisher, although this may vary, according to several factors.

Post Production

Once a book is made, now the job is to get the book into the hands of others.

Through regional and local offices, as well as agents and representatives around the world, along with global retail and digital markets, a publisher will ensure that your book is available in the most suitable markets around the world. The publisher’s catalogs, featuring its latest titles, are generally shared online, through data feeds, and in print with retailers, lecturers, libraries, and wholesalers.
A publisher do all that it can to ensure a book reaches its target readership. It will promote your book to the appropriate market and book trade, including it in relevant catalogs, listing it on their website, and exhibiting it at relevant conferences and conventions. It will include the book in email newsletters, targeted campaigns, and promote across numerous social media channels.
Upon submission of a manuscript, an author may be asked to complete a marketing questionnaire, which may help the marketing plan for the book, and assist the publisher with drawing up a review list. Generally, the publisher will work with the author if they plan to attend an event at which they may be able to promote their book, as they may be able to supply promotional materials.
Authors are usually encouraged by their publisher to attend academic conferences, pop culture conventions, exhibitions, and symposiums each year, as it applies to target reader markets. The publisher will usually provide information on these events to its authors. These sites are excellent opportunities for sales, promotion, and networking.
Publishers remain active on social media across its various subject areas, and emphatically promote its authors, books, and events, and also share news, promotions, and giveaways. The publisher will work closely with its authors to help create social media ad campaigns and cross promotion. This is an increasingly popular and cost effective sales technique.
If an author is attending an event and would like to share information about their book, the publisher will usually work with them to provide sales materials and, sometimes, advance copies. Authors are encouraged to work with their publishers for resources to help sell and market materials.
If possible, a publisher may have a rights department, usually found in larger traditional publishers, who may try to negotiate rights deals for an author’s book, wherever possible. They will generally attend the major book fairs, including those in Frankfurt, Germany and London, England. These are the major marketplaces for rights sales.