Typesetting your finished book
If you’ve successfully (or nearly) finished writing your book, then of course the next step is to get it off your hard drive and turn it into a proper paperback book.
If you’ve typed up a draft of your book (in Microsoft Word or some other type of Word processor document), then here are the 5 steps necessary to turn your file into a proper book:
Step 1: Proofreading and copy editing.
There’s no point going to all the expense of getting your book professionally printed if it’s full of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
So, once you’ve written the draft, your book will need to be proofread and copy edited before it goes to be typeset, (explained in a moment.)
The important thing to realise is that you know your subject matter better than anyone, but your readers don’t. That’s why they bought your book of course — to learn more about the subject.
So, whilst the book you’ve written makes perfect sense to you, the author, it may be very difficult for your readers to comprehend. You may have inadvertently used phrases, words and jargon that only long-standing industry insiders like yourself would be familiar with.
A professional copy editor should be able to clarify your document, and rewrite chunks, so your target audience doesn’t get lost in a sea of jargon!
At The Book Refinery we have professional proof readers and copy editors available to look at your document – just click onto our ‘ proof reading and copy editing page’ to find out more.
Step 2: Typesetting.
Trying to format a Microsoft Word document, so it looks like a proper book is possible, contrary to what some people will tell you.
However, it can be quite restrictive in terms of design capability, and also very frustrating. You won’t have the flexibility or control that a professional desktop pubishing programme like Quark or InDesign would give you.
Of course you could try and teach yourself how to design a book in one of these latter software packages, but that can be a very time-consuming process, and definitely a “low value” use of your time as a progressive business owner. Not to mention the cost of the software – which is usually in the many hundreds of pounds!
If you’re serious about becoming an expert author, the only sensible option is to outsource the typesetting to a professional.
Things to consider when choosing a typesetter include;
- Are they specialists is business book design?
- Do they have a hands on or cookie cutter approach to your book?
- Are you able to access them whenever you need, or is it a get in line – they will answer your emails when it suits them?
When you have a quote – make sure you are very clear with what that includes. How many rounds of amends do you have? Do you get the original files when the design is finished? Do they require their details to be in the book? Is the quote an estimate – or a finished quote?
Step 3: Apply for an ISBN number.
While your book is at the typesetters you’ll need to apply for an ISBN number.
You can do this several ways;
1. Buy ISBN numbers direct from Nielsens.
You will need to give the dimensions of your book, including the total page count and you will have to supply the ‘Title Verso’ page – ask your typesetter for this.
NOTE: You have to buy a minimum of 10, so if you are not planning on writing another book, I suggest you go to one of the suggestions below.
2. Buy from a broker. For example The Book Refinery are ISBN brokers – we provide our clients with ISBN numbers as required, just click here.
or…
3. Your book cover designer might provide an ISBN number for you. (Ask if this is included when you’re sourcing a book cover designer – see below for more details.)
One thing to remember – once you have purchased your ISBN number (if not supplied by your cover designer) you will have to download or convert your ISBN number into a graphic. Search the term ‘ISBN converter’ in Google to do this.
Step 4: Design the cover.
The company you choose to typeset your book may also offer to design the cover. If not then you will need to source a professional cover designer, and provide them with the copy (text) for the front and back of the cover, including the price and ISBN number.
If you’re using images on the cover, then you will need to make sure that the cover designer you choose includes the image within their quote.
Step 5: Getting it all together.
So once you have all of the above sorted – and if you are managing the project yourself, you will need to collate the finished files from your typesetter and cover designer, and then upload them all to the printers.
You’ll also need to make sure that you have access to your typesetter and cover designer, just in case there are any issues when you upload your files. (If they are not available, this could seriously delay your project being finished.)
If all of this is starting to sound very complicated, like a lot of effort and with a great deal of risk that something could go wrong… you’re absolutely right!
Finding decent suppliers can be a nightmare.
Let my team and I at The Book Refinery manage all of the above for you.
It won’t cost as much as you may think, (in fact we’ll probably save you a fortune) and best of all, you won’t need to worry about any of these details.
We take care of it all on your behalf, saving you tonnes of time and completely shielding you from any risk.
Pricing
We get lots of enquiries asking how much their book will cost, and as each book can be completely different, in terms of page numbers and size, it’s usually very difficult to price due to the bespoke style of service we offer.
However, we have come up with a 3 tier pricing structure, that will give you a guide to the costs involved in professional typesetting:
(Note: All these prices are based on the copy being fully copyedited and proof read. Also, that the size of the book is 138mm by 216mm or A5 size. If your book is any bigger – then these prices are not applicable – and you will need to have a consultation with Alexa for a specific pricing of your book.)
Tier 1 – Standard layout
Black and white text, no images (or less than 5 in total), Cover design (text only, images to be supplied) £10 per page
Tier 2 – Premium layout
Black and white text, images (max 1 per page), Cover design (text only, images to be supplied) £12 per page
Tier 3 – Ultimate layout
Black and white text, unlimited images (black and white and/or colour), Cover design, images included £15 per page
These tiers also include additional features, such as ISBN number and registration on Nielsens PubWeb – please fill out the contact form below for the full breakdown of what each tier includes, and let us know which Tier you are interested in discussing.
Fill in the form below, and let’s have a chat about how we can do all this for you with no hassle!
I look forward to speaking shortly.
Warm regards,
Alexa Whitten, Your book coach’ at The Book Refinery
