From Idea to Print: Writing It Up

TIPS FOR POTENTIAL AUTHORS Submit appropriately Read catalogs Examine published books Visit exhibits Write letters of inquiry

KNOW WHO TO CONTACT Check Literary Marketplace Call and ask for name of Acquisitions Editor Make contact early

ASK! Publication schedule? Printing quantity? How will they market? What can you expect to earn? When? What are your rights and responsibilities?

BOOK PROPOSAL CHECKLIST Why is this book needed? How will you compile or write it? What is its purpose? Who is the audience? Market? Competition?

BOOK PROPOSAL CHECKLIST -- 2 What are the contents? Outline of topics Length Special features Draft preface Sample chapter Projected completion Qualifications

PUBLICATION DECISION CHECKLIST Is there a need? Does this fill that need? Does it cover the subject ? Are there omissions? What are the strong points? Who is the major audience?

DECISION CHECKLIST-2 What is the competition? Does this book differ significantly? Are major changes necessary? Is the author qualified? Can we reach the market? What are the costs? Will this be profitable?

Standard Pricing Formula Manufacturing: 20-25% list Royalties: 10-15% (list trade; net reference / professional) Fulfillment: 10% of net Marketing: 10-15% of net Discount: 0-60% Returns: 15-25% Overhead: Generally 30%

Standard Contracts Manuscript Grant Warranty Permissions Publishing Royalties Author’s Corrections Author’s Copies Competing Works Revised Editions

Important Topics for Today’s Library Publishers Acquisitions Management Marketing and Public Relations Library and Information Standards Digital/Virtual Reference Informatics Database Construction and Searching Accessibility and Compliance Strategies Space Planning Serving Diverse Communities

New Technologies Require New Books Portals Streaming Media Digital Rights Management Website Usability Testing E-Books Security and Authentication Distance Learning Digital Archiving Electronic Resource Collection

Questions? Contact Information: Michael Kelley Development and Production Editor Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc. 100 William Street Suite 2004 New York, NY 10038 michael@neal-schuman.com www.neal-schuman.com