| Your writing is
transformed over months or years into a
manuscript. Then... |
The writing is the hard, creative part:
Inspiration is transformed into a manuscript.
But what follows is just as difficult. WritersPrintshop eases your
way by letting you publish your own work.
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Submission to publishers
Manuscripts wait their turn in the 'slush pile' and it
can take a long time to get a response. If it's good, and you are lucky, it is taken on.
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The determined writer must keep sending the
manuscript out, hoping to find a publisher. Help
avoid rejection. There's also our submission
guidelines
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Submission to
literary agents
The writer decides that an agent is more likely to help them find a
publisher. The writer finds
an agent and, in due course, the agent finds a
publisher.
The Writer's Handbook agents'
lists |
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The Contract
A contract is raised to be signed by the author. Read
it through carefully or get
it professionally checked! |
You might even receive
an
advance against future royalties.
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| Editing & Scheduling
The publication date is fixed. The editor
does
any structural editing and the manuscript is then copy
edited. The author checks the
proofs, which are also read by a proof-reader. Preparing
for publication gives more detail.
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Sales & Marketing
The marketing department prepares plans for
books which are getting promotional support (usually only a small
proportion).
Jacket or Cover Design
An illustration or design is usually commissioned.
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| The Print Run
This planning figure may change as a result of feedback from the sales
reps. and the big chains' orders.
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Printing
Once the proofs have been corrected
the printer is given the print order by the publisher's production
department. The delivery date will be around 5 weeks before the publication date.
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Selling In
The publisher's sales force 'sell in' books to the trade.
There are visits to head offices and bookshops.
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Distribution
From the printer, the books are
delivered to publishers' and distributors' warehouses. From
there they are sent to individual bookshops. It's different with Print
on Demand.
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| Publication
The great day arrives and the book appears on the
shelves of the bookshops and other outlets.
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Publicity
The publisher organizes any publicity planned for
publication. Hopefully also the book will be reviewed in the press
and other media.
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| Readers
Increasingly relying on the book chains and the
Internet, as independent booksellers struggle to survive.
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Fame, fortune or just creative satisfaction? The
author will wait with keen interest to see how the book has sold.
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Royalties
These are calculated, usually every 6 months, and paid
to the author or agent 3 months later. They are, of course, offset against any advance.
But, if you choose WritersPrintShop
the rules are different
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