Publishing terms like copyediting, proofreading, typesetting and project management have made their way into everyday language. They all describe parts of the production process of a book but what exactly happens at each stage? Assuming a manuscript has been accepted for publication, it will go through the steps described below, regardless of the type of book (fiction or non-fiction) or if it is part of a series or a multiauthor or single-author book.
Copyediting as First Step of the Book Production Process
Copyediting takes place after an editor has received a book manuscript from an author and then assigns a copy editor to work on it. Copyediting is also called line editing because it involves scrutinizing every line of text (every word, in fact).
- It means ensuring correct grammar, spelling and sentence construction, but also consistent use of terminology.
- Also, tables and illustrations have to be checked for correct formatting and cross reference to the text.
- Copy editors have to also take style considerations into account, i.e., making sure the publisher’s in-house style, a consistent style for a multiauthor or multivolume work or the preferred style followed by a certain discipline has been followed.
Proofreading While Preparing a Manuscript for Publication
Proofreading involves checking for the same errors and style considerations as during copyediting but takes place at various and later stages in the production process, usually when the manuscript has been copyedited, typeset or the proofs have come from the printer.
The latter case is the final proofread and therefore the last chance to catch any typos or other mistakes before the text gets printed. The proofreader also checks for the correct placement of tables, illustrations and all text elements; something a copy editor cannot do because the manuscript has not been typeset then. Needless to say, the later in the production process changes are requested, the more costly they are.
Typesetting as Part of Manuscript Preparation
Typesetting means putting all text elements and graphics like tables, figures and illustrations into a printable format. That also means making sure that all elements of a single page are properly aligned, e.g. the book title on the left-hand page (verso), the chapter title on the right-hand page (recto), chapter titles, the main text and page numbers. Also, all parts of a book need to be present and in the right order: the copyright page, title page, contents page, acknowledgments and foreword if any, all chapters of the main text and index and glossary if any.
In olden times, professionals were working with movable letters and other text characters called “types” that they would “set” by hand, therefore the name typesetting has stuck until today though most typesetting now is done electronically.
Project Manangement and Book Production
Project management involves overseeing the process of one whole text from manuscript to finished book. So the project manager, usually the production editor, has to
- make sure the manuscript comes from the author on time,
- assign a copy editor and check his or her work,
- pass it on to the typesetter,
- assign a proofreader and check her or his work ,
- make sure all permissions have been taken care of and finally,
- send the final text to the printer.
In case of a multiauthor book, every contribution has to pass through all the above mentioned stages and depending on the state of the original manuscipt, often more than once.
Although only project managers oversee the whole process from manuscript to book and are involved at every stage, all professionals working in book production need to be detail-oriented, thorough, deadline-driven and have a great command over language.
Learn related publishing terms and typesetting terminology and find out what book publishing is.
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