Composition
The composition of a book involves bringing the manuscript of a book together with the
design elements that include the layout (headers, footers, page numbers and overall design
of the pages), fonts, visual elements (graphs, photos, drawings), and all matter within the
book to create a cohesive and readable final product.
Here are the primary components:
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Front Matter: This includes everything before the main content,
such as the title page, copyright page, dedication, preface, foreword, table of
contents, and acknowledgments.
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Body: The body is the core content of the book, including chapters,
sections, and any divisions that form the main narrative or information.
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Back Matter: These are elements after the main content, such as the
afterword, conclusion, glossary, bibliography, appendices, index, and any supplementary materials.
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Design Elements: This includes the layout, typography, fonts, and visual elements that
contribute to the overall aesthetic and readability of the book.
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Illustrations or Visuals: Some books may contain images, graphs, or other visual aids
that support or enhance the content.
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Page Elements: Page numbers, headers, footers, and any consistent formatting or design features
used throughout the book.
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Binding and Cover: The physical components that hold the book together, including the cover design,
spine, and choice of binding (paperback, hardcover, etc.).
Each of these components plays a crucial role in the overall structure and presentation of the book, ensuring a cohesive and
engaging reading experience for the audience.
Black and White Pages
Black and white pages use a classic, stark aesthetic,
employing only shades of black and white without any color.
Color Pages
Color pages leverage a spectrum of colors and use color on all manuscript pages.
The Final Manuscript Due Date
The final manuscript due date is the deadline by which the completed
and edited manuscript must be submitted to the publisher. This date marks the cutoff
for any further revisions, edits, or additions to the content before it goes into
the production phase of copyediting, typesetting and printing.
Children's Book Illustrator
A children's book illustrator is an artist responsible for creating the
visual elements that accompany the story in a children's book. They bring
the text to life through images, adding depth, color, and context to the narrative.
Illustrators may work with traditional mediums like watercolor, acrylics,
and pencils or use digital artwork tools. They play a fundamental role in the success
of a children's book, as their illustrations often form a child's initial connection
to the story. Illustrations need to be 300 DPI in resolution and can be submitted in
the following forms: JPG, TIFF, PNG, AI.
Original Content
Original content refers to freshly created material, not replicated
or borrowed from other sources. It's the unique and authentic creation of ideas,
narratives, or information. When referencing a source, this is also considered original content
if done in an author's own words.
Third-Party or non-Original Content
Third-Party or non-original content refers to material that has been derived, borrowed,
or replicated from existing sources verbatim or in a like manner. This could include content
that has been previously published, copied, or repurposed from other sources without significant
modifications or proper attribution.
Copy Editing
Copyediting reviews the manuscript focusing on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and spacing
within the content only. Additional editing for structure, suggesting changes in the plot
or argument, ensuring consistency, and enhancing the overall impact and message of the
material is not included in copyediting.
Content editing aims to improve the content's depth, coherence, and the way it resonates
with its intended audience. This includes character development, suggesting of changes in plot,
storyline or argument, or changing the message.
Book Royalties
Book royalties are the payments that authors receive for their book sales.
This amount is negotiated based on the price, specifics of the title, and the development costs.
The royalty amount is agreed upon in the author's contract with the publisher.
Royalties are paid out to authors on a biannual basis in the months of March and November.
