|
Interior page design: A step-by-step guide
What your interior page design includes. Each stage of interior page design explained.
This step-by-step guide explains what your interior page design includes, how we'll be working together and what you can expect in each stage of your interior page design and production.
WHAT YOUR INTERIOR PAGE DESIGN INCLUDES
Your interior page design includes prompt personal attention, together with the following:
- all interior pages for whatever size book you choose, created to your complete satisfaction
- front matter (including title page, copyright page, table of contents, acknowledgements, dedication, preface, foreword, introduction, or any combination thereof)
- back matter (including About the Author with photo, references, bibliography, index, order form, glossary, or any combination thereof)
- a trimmed, bound mockup of your interior pages for final approval (or, if combined with cover design, a mockup of your book with color cover)
- all files in high-resolution digital format
- DVD shipped to your printer, with a hard copy and instructions (and any follow-up required to ensure your printing is completely trouble-free for you)
- DVD shipped to you for your records and safekeeping
- a page on my website for your book in my Published Books> Newly Published section while your book is being printed, so readers can find your book on the Internet while you're still waiting for it to arrive from your printer.
Interior page design
What can you expect? Is your interior page design on track?
The steps outlined below explain every stage of your interior page design in the order you can expect them to occur. Authors often ask me, "How long will it take?" The quick answer is six to eight weeks.
Your interior page design and layout will receive as much careful attention as it needs to become the best it can be. I'll make sure you're completely happy with your interior page layout before it goes to press. That's a promise.
Step 1: Free initial consultation
Call or email me to discuss your interior design ideas and to get to know each other a bit before deciding whether to work together. There is no obligation.
Step 2: I'll give you a firm quote
We'll discuss all the elements your book contains and how best to present them to your readers. Then I'll provide you with a firm quote.
Step 3: Getting started
When you're ready, just fax me your signed quote. You can mail a check for your 50% deposit or, if you prefer, pay by any major credit/debit card via PayPal on the Internet. We'll also sign a simple contract stating that I agree to do the work, you agree to pay for the work, and we both agree that you'll own the copyright to your interior page design.
Step 4: Has your manuscript been edited and proofread?
It's important that your manuscript be as clean as possible before going into your interior page design. Having your manuscript edited and proofread beforehand is cost-effective in the long run. An experienced editor will make sure your text flows smoothly for your reader. A proofreader will search carefully for any errors or spelling mistakes. Feel free to look for editing and proofreading professionals in my Resources section.
Step 5: Choosing an interior page design
We'll discuss your manuscript in detail, and I'll learn about your target audience and what elements are in your book. Then I'll prepare two or three designs for your interior pages based on our discussion. Each design will consist of the first page of a chapter, followed by a two-page spread (see Interior Page Samples for examples). You'll have choices of typefaces and layout, and I'll create your final design template according to your preferences.
Step 6: Sending your final manuscript
When your manuscript is ready, you can send your word-processing document to me by email, or by regular mail on a disk.
Step 7: Communicating with your printer
I'll contact your printer for technical specifications. Your interior pages will be designed in InDesign, and you can leave all the details to me.
Step 8: Preparing the layout of your book
When I receive your manuscript, I'll flow your text into the final design template. Each page will be typeset, including the front and back matter. I'll create your title page, copyright page, table of contents, dedication, acknowledgements, preface, foreword, introduction, order form, and anything else you'd like to include in your book. Then I'll send you a PDF file of your completed interior pages for review.
Step 9: Reviewing and proofreading your interior page layout
Print your PDF file and see your manuscript in book form. It'll look very different from the way you're used to seeing it. Review each page carefully for any errors. Your editor or proofreader will also want to review it for you. In fact, the more eyes the better! Now is the time to make any last-minute corrections.
Step 10: Making final corrections
Send me your final corrections by email, or by mailing or faxing me the pages with changes written on them. I'll make those final corrections and send you a new PDF file for review.
Step 11: Receiving a mockup of your book
I'll send you a mockup of your book, printed double-sided, trimmed and bound. Your mockup enables you to see your finished book just as your readers will see it. This helps catch details that might have been missed when looking at the manuscript, such as awkward page turns or pages of different lengths.
Step 12: Pre-press approval
When you're satisfied that your interior pages are perfect, you'll sign and fax to me a Proof Approval Checklist, confirming that we're ready to go to press.
Step 13: Going to press
I'll package your digital files, ship them to your printer with instructions and a laser copy of your interior pages, and make sure your printing is trouble-free. I'll also send you a DVD containing your digital files for safekeeping.
Step 10: Marketing your book
While your book is being printed, you'll be marketing it. I'll create a page for your book on my website in my Published Books> Newly Published section, so readers will find your book on the Internet.
Step 11: You're a published author
Congratulations, you're a published author. You'll soon receive the first copies of your published book. When you do, please send me a copy for my records—preferably a signed copy!
|
tel 604-731-1502