1. StyleMost book publishers rely on the Chicago Manual of Style
(14th edition) as the arbiter of style (the link connects you to the Chicago Manual of Style
web site). You'll find the answers to many of the mechanical problems that arise during the writing stage in this book. The manual also provides examples of citations and bibliographic forms, as well as proofreader's marks and glossary of technical terms. The
Chicago Manual of Style should sit next to your
Webster's Tenth Collegiate Dictionary.
2. Grammar and UsageThere are a
number of grammar and usage manuals available as well as a plethora of web sites. Find two or three that you like and use them. But use more than one. Opinion varies on many usage rules. 3. Publishing Terminology To assist you in your discussion with staff members you need to understand the publishing process and jargon. Words into Type
provides detailed information on the production process. To help you with the terms use the Chicago Manual of Style.4. Publishing Standards Most publishing houses respect their readers and do not condone the inclusion in their publications of derogatory references to race, sex, national
origin, or religion. Material that is deemed offensive or insulting by the staff will be brought to the author's attention and, in cooperation with the author, be revised or deleted.
5. Publishing Process Before turning over the manuscript to your editor, be sure that you have all the parts in tact and it is as complete as possible (see author check list below). From the receipt of
the manuscript to bound book it takes an average of _____ months for a book to be completed (usually 8-12 months). 6. Submitting the Completed Manuscript The manuscript should include: Front Matter
- Title page.
- Dedication.
- Table of contents, include chapter title, and two heading levels, if applicable. (Note: Do not include page numbers.)
- Preface.
- Acknowledgments.
- Introduction, if applicable.
- Foreword, if applicable or available. (Note: the foreword usually is written after the manuscript has been submitted.)
Text
- Include appropriate citations within the text.
- If the manuscript has parts, include part openers with a part opener title.
- Make sure the pages are numbered consecutively.
- There is no need for any header or footer. This will vary greatly.
Art Package (Figures and Tables) Most often the publisher do not want art embedded in the text. Create a separate file and hard copy for the art package. Check with the publisher for
compatible software to use for generating figures and tables. Standards will vary greatly.
- Figures
- Illustrations
- Photos (Note: Ask the publishing house what format to use, e.g., 3 x 5, black and white.)
- Cartoons
- Tables
- Forms
- Maps
- Charts
Back Matter Bibliographic references should be formatted carefully and listed completely. Go to
citation guidelines for more details.
- Endnotes, if applicable.
- Bibliography.
- About the Author.
- Appendix, if applicable.
- Glossary, if applicable.
Permissions Obtaining permissions for copyrighted material is often the author's responsibility and is considered part of the submitted manuscript. Usually your
publisher will work with you obtain these permissions and will provide you with a
permission letter you can use to speed up the process.
(For copyrighted material see iCopyright.com.) The author is also responsible for paying any necessary fees to obtain these permissions. If the fees become onerous, your
publisher will often pay the fees and then deduct them from future book royalties. If a publisher does not have the necessary permissions they will either eliminate the text and/or art from your
manuscript, or halt the book production process until the permissions are obtained. See the Chicago Manual of Style
under "Rights and Permissions" for more information on fair use and permissions. |
