Self-Publishing Your Book. A Concise Training Course. Part 8 of 9, How Your Book is Made

How Your Book is Made

Here is a general overview:

• Once your manuscript has been sent to a printer, the cover of your book is printed on card, which may then given a laminated finish.
• The inside pages of your book are printed on the appropriate quality book paper you chose.
• High quality printed text is almost certainly achieved using the latest Print On Demand (POD) digital technology. Your books are then bound ready for dispatch.
• The finished books are usually dispatched to a single agreed address using reliable courier services.

The Printing Cycle

Below outlines a typical sequence of how your book may be completed, with particular emphasis on timings. Remember, our example timings are based on "working days", so do not include weekends, public holidays or other times when the printing company may be closed. Also remember, a desktop published document has a different sequence. Check with your printer for details:

• After you have liaised with your printer and prepared your manuscript to match their requirements, you complete your order form and send both along with your deposit to your printer.
• Your printer may then typeset and format your book according to agreed requirements, then send you a typeset copy to evaluate. Allow 14 days for this stage.
• When you receive your typeset copy, you'll need to check it and clearly mark any corrections needed, before returning the corrected copy to your printer. If you have an ISBN, ideally forward the number to your printer at this stage, or as soon as possible. Allow a further 14 days for this stage.
• Your printer then make the required corrections and send you a proof copy. Also at this stage, your printer may send you a proof copy of your book cover. Allow another 14 days for this stage.
• Once you receive the corrected proofs, including the book cover, you'll need to mark any final corrections and return to your printer. You'll also probably need to enclose the balance of remaining payment at this stage too. Identifying any remaining errors is vital at this stage, to avoid further costs, so double-check everything before you return your copy to your printer. Allow a further 14 days.
• After all the text has been approved, any illustrations required are usually added. Your printer may send to you a further proof including the illustrations and showing how they will appear in your final book. Likewise, as in Step 5, you'll need to mark any errors. You may be required to approve this final draft before printing begins. Allow a further 14 days.
• Your printer will make any final amendments before printing, binding and dispatching the copies of your book. You may need to allow 21 days before your books are ready during this stage.
• After you receive your books, you can start your marketing and promotion campaign.