Inside Publishing Tips

Want to know the difference between a short run strategy and print on demand? How does a manuscript become a for-real book? What's a good timeline for a marketing plan?

Let's face it, every author wonders about these things when they're not hot and heavy into the storyland in their head. But who to ask? Well...have I found the book for you!

The Insider's Guide to Book Publishing Success is a compact read chock full of great information. Need an example? Here's what happens to a manuscript once it's been accepted by a publisher...

• Final manuscript is complete.
• Decide on specs (hardcover/paperback, trim size, and ideal length).
• Send manuscript to Library of Congress for CIP data.
• Enter all information onto sell sheet or send to distributor using their preferred method at least six months prior to pub date.
• Send to copyeditor and to interior designer for a sample design. Allow two or three weeks.
• Receive the copyedited manuscript and design. Allow time for the author to go through the suggested changes and any comments or questions from the editor. Also review sample design and relay feedback to the designer. Allow two weeks.
• Send the edited manuscript to the typesetter. Allow two weeks.
• Send typeset manuscript (also known as galleys, or first pass pages) to a proofreader and read through it yourself for any remaining errors. Allow two weeks.
• Send corrections to typesetter. Allow one week.
• Send second proof to indexer and to a proofreader for a slug (or do this yourself). Allow at least two to three weeks for index.
• Send index and any additional changes to the typesetter. This is also when any endorsements, dedication, acknowledgment, and other materials should be included as well as all final copyright information and CIP data for the copyright page. Allow one week.
• Finalize the jacket with any endorsements.
• Send final files to the printer. Approve final proofs form printer. Allow four to six weeks for the books to be printed and bound.
• Books ship from the printer. Allow approximately 1 week for them to arrive at the warehouse, and 4-6 weeks until publication date.

Sheesh! No wonder it takes so long. I had no idea. And that's just 1 little nugget of info that can be found in this book. Stay tuned to Writer Off the Leash all this week for more peeks into the inside world of book publication.