Our Process
Once we sign an author and begin working on the manuscript, we follow an in-house process that seems to minimize issues and maximize production on the part of the author and the editor. We think it makes uncommon sense (because there is no such thing as common sense).
Our Process:
Line Edit, Typically 2 weeks. Once we accept a manuscript, we do a line edit looking for mechanical errors (spelling, capitalization, punctuation), syntax, and usage errors. Questionable edits like usage and syntax may be sent to the author for comment as they may be intentional.
Story Edit (Substantive) Typically 3 – 6 months. In the story edit, we read through the entire manuscript marking areas that cause confusion or that we feel need clarification, places were we have to stop and ask a question, sections we feel we are missing vital information, and parts where we simply get lost. We check the flow looking at transitions, paragraph and sentence variation, and finally, simply that the story’s readability. We try to do this without looking forward or using knowledge from the previous read (during consideration), so we can give as close to a first-time read as possible, sometimes handing it off to another editor for a fresh look. The manuscript is sent back to the author asking them to consider the suggestions and possibly rewrite or even add new sections, usually in manageable chunks. The story edit may be repeated several times to address any areas that need additional work. This is generally the longest part of the editing process.
Final Read (Substantive), Typically 1 month. We read the novel closely one more time and make notes where we believe there might be opportunities, communicate these with the author, and then when we are satisfied (Iconic and the author), we move onto the formatting phase. This step can be repeated.
Formatting, Typically 1 month. Formatting can be a tedious process, laying out the look of the novel, addressing widows, orphans, and danglers. We do a kerning process so the lines fall uniformly and the novel has the best look possible. Once we complete the formatting, the novel is sent to the printer for a proof galley.
The Long Wait, Typically 5 – 8 months. During this time, all of the behind the scene action occurs. This is the business side of publishing, when the author has very little to do except wait and tell friends and family the book is coming.
- Prices are set and ISBNs and barcodes are ordered and assigned.
- We proof the Galley and commission a cover. If there are issues in the galley, this may take additional time to correct, reprint and reproof.
- The novel is sent out for reviews, which generally requires 3 – 4 months minimum.
- When we potentially have reviews, the cover is finalized and the novel is sent to the printer.
- Launches are considered at this time and require another 2 – 3 months of planning because no launch date can be established until the novel is in the system and can be ordered by retailers, and we can have physical copies for signings. Retailers normally order two months ahead, so a two month window is required before a launch date can be set. Once the novel is available in the system, we set the soft launch date and start to negotiate a venue for a hard launch.
Launch. This is when we get to pat the author on the back and say all the good things about them that they would never say themselves. A place where they can take pride in a job well done.
Publishing is a long process. The typical novel takes 12 – 18 months from the signing of the contract to launch.