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Frequently Asked Questions.....
Q: How do I prepare my manuscript?
A: Typing your manuscript on your word
processor is the best. We can receive handwritten manuscripts, however we charge for the time required to type the copy. There are a variety of
word processor software programs, as well as different
"versions" of each. Be sure to talk with us before
preparation.
Q: Are there any special precautions I
should take as I prepare my manuscript?
A: Although later steps in the production
process can correct or change many things done in manuscript
preparation, you may wish to consider several variables BEFORE you begin
typing. For example: indexing is more easily done by
"tagging" words to be indexed while creating the original
manuscript. Most word processor programs have ways to handle this.
Q: What does RPP need to print my book?
A: Your manuscript, preferably in digital
format AND a hard copy printout.
Q: Does RPP change my manuscript?
A: Yes, unless you are an experienced author
and submit files completely ready for press, compatible with our
equipment. Most manuscripts require editing, book design,
page layout, cover design and proof reading prior to printing.
However, you may supply us with Camera Ready copy.
Q: How do I know how the finished pages will look?
A: We will send you a printed copy of all the
pages of your book for you to proof read and approve.
Q: What should I be looking for when choosing a book layout design?
A: There are many trade-offs between type
face, text width and height, paper stock, text indents, leading,
pagination and others. We will work with you via telephone, fax or
e-mail to help you make these choices.
Q: Can I use pictures, charts or drawings in my book?
A: Yes. We call these graphics. Contact
us regarding styles and formats.
Q: What are your standard type fonts ....
A: We can use many different fonts.
Most commonly we use "Baskerville Old Face" and "Times New Roman" .
Q: What is your standard paper stock, cover
stock and binding ?
A: We can print on a variety of
paper stocks. Our most common Text Stock is a 50# white
paper. Our most common Cover Stock is 65# in standard colors.
Color covers are laminated. Perfect binding is standard.
Q: Should I submit a printout of my manuscript with my electronic
files?
A: Yes!! A hardcopy of your manuscript is very important as a
reference to insure that no problems have been encountered, such as text
reflow or missing copy.
Q: May I make changes to my manuscript after submission?
A: Yes, but keep in mind there may be charges for
author's alterations depending on the extent to which we must re-work previously completed
steps.
Q: Do I need to register a copyright?
A: Yes. If you want to protect the rights
to your work a copyright should be obtained from the US Copyright
Office. Additionally, you
should consider obtaining an ISBN
number.
Q: What about the cover?
A: We can produce full color covers from
your artwork, or we can recommend a cover design artist to work with
you.
Q: How long is the production process?
A: If you submit your perfect manuscript
completely composed, ready for printing and you do not wish to review
proofs, the actual printing will require 2 to 3 days, depending on
quantity and page count. However, most customers require us to do some
composition work, ranging from fitting of text to pages and
formatting of chapter titles all the way to complete organization,
layout, pagination, editing and proof reading. This can require 2 to 6
weeks, depending on the size of the job. The time required for you
to review and approve proofs depends upon you, but typically requires at
least an additional two weeks.
Q: How many copies should I print?
A: This is entirely up to you, but there
are several very key points to consider when making this decision.
Printing costs are done on a sliding price scale where the more copies
you order the cheaper your per unit costs. You should ask
yourself.......
Q: How many copies do you think
you will sell initially?
A: How much storage space do you have, and is
there a charge for this space? Royal Palm Press is a print on demand
facility therefore you may initially choose to print 200-500 copies and
then find you have an additional need for 50 more books, we can produce
these additional books without a problem just remember your per unit
cost is going to be more on the additional 50 copies than it was on
the initial printing. Therefore it is important that you have a good idea
of how many copies you will require, before you start the process.
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