VWHEN THE BOOK IS PUBLISHED
Within a short period after the author returns the proofs of the index, the book is ready for publication. The author's work is then practically done.
Immediately upon the arrival of the bound books from the bindery, the publisher places the work upon the market, copyrights it in this country and abroad, and undertakes campaigns for its distribution.
This section of theSuggestionsis intended to show the author how he can help in this work and to answer certain questions which are asked constantly.
Marketing a Book.—We take pride in the thoroughness with which we seek the market for all books bearing our imprint. The spirit of the agreement which we make with the author is that each book is a separate business venture into which we have entered as a partner of the author.
In marketing his book the author can be of material assistance to us. He knows the subject better than we can ever know it, and he knows the type of man to which he intends his book to appeal. For these reasons we always welcome the assistance and suggestions of the author.
At the time when the author begins to receive page proofs of the book, we are outlining our campaign for its distribution. At that time we like to receive from the author, first, a brief but exact definition of the scope and purpose of the book. This we use, not for our advertising, but as the basis of our advertising. Second, we find distinctly helpful a list of points to emphasize in our circular and periodical advertising, and for such a list we look to the author. A cut-and-dried table of contents often fails to give as good a picture of a book as do a few well-selected points.
At the same time the author's suggestions of special periodicals to which copies should be sent for review, and of special lists whichmay well be circularized, will also be helpful. These we generally know about, but sometimes we overlook obvious points of attack in our campaigns.
Corrections and Revisions.—In practically every instance our books are printed from electrotype plates. Consequently the first printings are rarely large, because we are able to produce further copies, from our electrotype plates, as needed.
Before a book is reprinted the author is given an opportunity to send in corrections of typographical and other errors which have escaped notice in the earlier printing or printings. Such reprints, however, are not called new editions nor is the title page date of the book changed. We follow strictly the policy of designating as new editions only books which have been more or less thoroughly revised, and the title page date of one of our books is an indication of the date of the text—not of the reprint.
When, in the author's opinion or our own, the text requires revision, we discuss the details with the author and arrange for as complete a revision as the condition of the text calls for. Since the printings of our books are rarely large, we are able to arrange for the production of a new edition in normal cases as soon as the author feels that it is required and can complete his portion of the work.
Translations.—We arrange, where possible, for translations of books into foreign languages, dividing the proceeds with the author. The underlying theory of this division is that, with the publication of a translation, both the author and the publisher suffer from the loss of sales of the edition in English.
The foreign publisher generally has to pay to his translator about the royalties usually paid to an author, and accordingly the amount which can be charged to a foreign publisher for rights of translation is, except in rare cases, small. Translations must be regarded as a by-product.
Our attempts to market books in foreign languages from New York, or from one of our foreign agencies, have not been encouraging. Accordingly, the first question, when we are endeavoring to arrange for a translation, is for us to find a publisher in the country selected who will undertake the work of securing a translator and publishing the book. When a translator offers his services, we find it necessary to ask him first to interest a publisher in his own country in the venture.
Prompt Publication.—From the standpoint of both the author and the publisher it is desirable that a book should be put on the market as soon as possible after the manuscript is completed.
From the moment the publisher undertakes to manufacture a book he has an investment which grows rapidly and yields nothing until the sales of the book begin.
The production of technical books is delayed, generally, by one of the following causes:
(1) The author wishes to submit his material to his associates or to specialists in the field. Except for purposes of proof-reading such submission should be made in manuscript.(2) The author fails to return his proofs and manuscript copy promptly. The prompt reading and return of proofs is of the greatest importance.(3) The copy for the index does not follow closely upon the return of the final batch of page proofs.
(1) The author wishes to submit his material to his associates or to specialists in the field. Except for purposes of proof-reading such submission should be made in manuscript.
(2) The author fails to return his proofs and manuscript copy promptly. The prompt reading and return of proofs is of the greatest importance.
(3) The copy for the index does not follow closely upon the return of the final batch of page proofs.
The printer, the engraver, the paper manufacturer, the binder or the publisher may also interfere with prompt publication; but if the author's end of the work is handled systematically and promptly, we are generally able to control the manufacturing details.
Transcriber's NoteSundry missing or damaged punctuation has been repaired.Page 6, etc.: 'sub-headings', and 'subheadings' both appear in this book, as do 'proof-reader' and 'proofreader', and some other instances of hyphenated and non-hyphenated words.As it is a book of suggestions on layout and style from a respected publishing house, it can be assumed they knew what they intended, so both hyphenated and non-hyphenated words have been retained.Page 9: 'instalments'.From Webster's Dictionary, 1913 Edition:(http: //www. bibliomania.com/2/3/257/frameset.html):Installment(In*stall"ment) n. [Written also instalment.]'instalments' has therefore been retained.
Sundry missing or damaged punctuation has been repaired.
Page 6, etc.: 'sub-headings', and 'subheadings' both appear in this book, as do 'proof-reader' and 'proofreader', and some other instances of hyphenated and non-hyphenated words.
As it is a book of suggestions on layout and style from a respected publishing house, it can be assumed they knew what they intended, so both hyphenated and non-hyphenated words have been retained.
Page 9: 'instalments'.
From Webster's Dictionary, 1913 Edition:(http: //www. bibliomania.com/2/3/257/frameset.html):
Installment(In*stall"ment) n. [Written also instalment.]
'instalments' has therefore been retained.