Yarra Plenty Regional LibraryYarra Plenty Regional Library

Thursday 13Thursday 13thth November 2008November 2008

““Producing a book: from start to finishProducing a book: from start to finish””

©© Karen AndrewsKaren Andrews

3 Major Talk Areas:

� 1) Preproduction.

�Making the tough decisions

� 2) While the book is printing

�Making the most of the time it’s out of your hands

� 3) Postproduction

�Crack the champagne – but there’s still work to do. You have to sell it.

How Did I Start?

� With three things:

� A decision

� A commitment

� A name

1) Preproduction

� Things I had to consider:

� Finding an illustrator

� Constructing a realistic budget

� Getting a final edit

� Finalising the book’s RRP, dimensions, size, length and submitting these bibliographic details to the relevant place(s)

� Adding commercial necessities such as an ISBN and barcode

� Setting deadlines

When it comes to printing

� How you choose your printer depends a lot on what kind of book you’re producing and how many.

� For example, when it comes to picture books they are now predominately printed in Asia. For ‘straight’ adult fiction-style books there are several well-known and respected Australian printers such as Griffin Press and McPherson’s Printing.

� Digital printing options are increasing.

Readying your files

� My advice would be to hire someone with design experience. Especially if you are working with pictures that may require resizing or retouching.

� Check in what format the printers want to receive the files.

� I would also recommend the designer to then save for you cover titles, logos etc, in the precise way it is often requested for if published in magazines or advertorials (300 dpi minimum).

�Then before you submit�

� READ OVER, READ OVER and

READ OVER AGAIN!

2. While the book is printing2. While the book is printing

1. Pre-prepare any and alldocumentation so it is ready to be posted immediately upon release.

� This includes:� Press Releases

� Compiling names, addresses and letters for review publications, radio stations, local newspapers.

� Creating a ‘media kit’

� Determining your book launch date and time and create flyers

2. Establish a system of accounting and filing that works for you.

• Create a business tax invoice template

• Determine your ‘Terms of Trade’ for when (not ‘if’) you are approached by buyers.

• Remember this is your business as well as your passion: Speak up, don’t be shy. You are a salesperson now!

{My admitted weakest areas}

3. Search for a distributor if that’s the road you want to take.

The Australian Publishers Association website has a comprehensive list of Australian distributors.

4. Get involved in writing events and, more importantly, keep writing if possible.

5. Sign off on the proofs…and breathe a sigh of relief.

3. Postproduction3. Postproduction

How to promote and sell your book

1. Consider what kind of advertising you can afford to pay

2. Create a website

3. Throw a book launch

4. Offer to appear/speak at events relevant to the topic(s) of your book

5. Try to land some media appearances

One last thing!

� Remember:

� If you are quoting something, whether it be a lyric, a piece of written material, and it is still under copyright you are required to ask the copyright holder’s permission to use it. This is the author’s responsibility, not the publishers.