The publishing process involves three main stages:
Manuscript Approval
The publisher responsible for your project will conduct research to identify market needs, come up with a concept and discuss sales potential and marketing needs with the sales and marketing departments.
As the author or series editor you may be involved in discussion with the publisher at this stage. You may also be asked to write sample material. The publisher presents the project to the New Publications Committee (NCP) for financial approval. The publisher will then confirm the concept, features and dimensions of the project.
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Manuscript Development
Following the concept agreed at the NCP, you will work with the publisher and development editor to plan the shape and coverage of the book. The manuscript will need to be written to as complete and high a standard as is possible.
Draft material is sent to teachers and advisors for comments. The development editor will provide the author with feedback. As a result of feedback received, it will often be necessary for you to re-write material fairly substantially.
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Production
The manuscript is copy edited for style and consistency. The artwork brief is prepared by the editor, checked by the author and passed to design.
You will need to check that the material fits and works well on each page. Solutions to any overmatter problems will need to be discussed with the editor and designer.
You will need to proofread at this stage, give final approval of the material and approve any changes to layouts. You will also have a chance to comment on artwork. Remember that it is progressively more expensive to make corrections.
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