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| The Publishing Process |
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Here's what happens to a "typical" book
Most likely you've already written your story... maybe even had it edited - but just in case, here is the
"typical" process a book goes through to become a printed book (now, just like all of us, each book is
different and will go through the process in its own way - remember what we said about "typical up
above - but this will give you some idea of what goes on).
Step One - Authoring - sometimes it takes days, sometimes it takes months, or even YEARS.
This is the most personal part of the entire process. If we write a book for you (using your outline,
life story, or other ideas for our ghost writer) it will probably take "weeks". It is easiest if you have
your manuscript digitally (for example in Microsoft Word, Lotus WordPerfect, or some other word
processor). However, if you are one of the talented individuals that can type on a "real" typewriter -
we can get your manuscript turned into electronic format. We do need digital files to produce your book.
Step Two - Editing - most books get edited in some way. You can do this by reading and re-reading
your manuscript, you can coerce a friend or family member, you can let your word processor do the job,
you can hire a freelance editor (we can give you some names), or you can hire us as part of your
publishing package. It's up to you. We can make some recommendations - but we'll save that for after
we get to know you better.
Step Three - Art and Illustration - if you have photographs, we'll get those in your book quite nicely by
either scanning them here or via the digital file you provide. If you'd like pictures / art / illustrations in
your book it's much like editing. Create them yourself in some sort of art program that will create a
digital file we can use (JPG, TIFF, or EPS file - more about this here), hire a freelancer (we
have names of some great folks who do this), or hire us as an add-on to your publishing package.
Step Four - Book and Cover Design - we provide a great amount of flexibility in creating a design for your
book and cover. We'll provide a questionnaire that asks a number of questions, we'll talk to you on the
phone, and we'll send you samples of a few pages of your book set up in the design we've discussed.
Same with the cover - you'll provide us with copy for the front and back cover, along with any images you
might want, and together we'll create something wonderful.
Step Five - Production - what we also call "composition". This is where we take all the good stuff you
have given us and weave it into your BOOK! A Book Designer will take the design we created with you and
"flow" the text of your manuscript into it, creating real book pages. We'll place your art where you've told
us, and VOILA! a book is born. But, it isn't printed yet... (and a note at this stage - you want to make
sure your manuscript is as clean as possible BEFORE we compose your book - after we produce proofs, alterations
begin to cost you money as "alterations charges."
Step Six - Proofs & Proofreading - all of our packages include a PDF proof of your book (or printed laser proofs) for you to review. This is where you go through your creation with a fine tooth comb and
make sure that everything you've dreamt should be there IS there. We have an entire list of things to look for - because we want your book to be as correct as possible!
Step Seven - Print 'Em! - a certain number of books come with each package, but you are completely free
to order more. And - the beautiful thing about On Demand Publishing is that you can order them now ...
or later! We'll keep your digital files on record until you tell us to take them away. Oh - and when you order
more, you only pay for the printing of the books. All the "hard" work is already done!
Step Eight - SELL 'EM! You can sell them door to door, on your own web site, on our web site,
or anywhere else you desire. EVERY package will be registered at all the "big guys" online so that ANY
bookstore ANYWHERE can order your book (unless you tell us not to). It will be available on Amazon,
Barnes & Noble.COM, Borders.COM and here at Dog Ear. Distribution will be available through
Ingram and Baker and Taylor.
Step Nine - Market your book - Some level of marketing is accomplished by being on
our web site and at AMAZON. But, maybe you want more - well, we can accomplish that for you. See our Promotion and Marketing section of our site for complete information.
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