The Poetry Publishing Process
What happens when you order a poetry book to be published by Utmost Christian Writers? Here are some of the steps involved. There may be variations, of course, depending on the specific agreement.
10 steps to publishing your poetry book!
Step 1
Our first step is to determine exactly what sort of book you want. We need to know the number of pages, the type of cover and binding, and the total number of books. This information helps us provide a competitive price that will give you the right product. Of course we are able to make suggestions if you're unsure about these details. We also want to know your intended market and whatever plans you might have to sell the books. This will help us determine to what extent we will subsidize your book.
Step 2
Using the information you've provided, we write a proposal stating the exact specifications for your book, a firm price and an approximate date for delivery. The price you are given is discounted (subsidized by Utmost), depending on the type of project and how well it fits with our mandate. Subsidization can vary from 10% to 50%. You are not obligated to proceed.
Step 3
You authorize us to proceed with the production of your book. At this point you send us (by email or regular post) a copy of the text of your book. This might be a Microsoft Word document or a CD. We can work with almost any format. Even though you provide the required electronic files, we usually ask for a paper copy of the material so that we can use it for checking. You also forward to us a modest deposit towards the price as a commitment on your part.
Step 4
We produce a layout of your book that is suitable for the printing press. Consulting with you—and using our years of publishing experience—we select appropriate fonts and formats. We create a layout that displays your work at its best.
Step 5
We acquire an ISBN for your book and produce a bar code for the cover. We design a Table of Contents and copyright page for you. If photos are a part of your book, we acquire and/or scan the images and place them into the layout. We will ask you to provide us with an author photo for your cover, and supply any "blurbs" that can be used on your cover to prompt buyers.
Step 6
As we proceed with production, we email to you samples of the book so that you can see exactly what we're doing and can help advise us. We cooperate with you to ensure that all errors or omissions are corrected. When you are satisfied, we prepare the final files for the printers. At this point, the payment of your second deposit is due. We require this in order to authorize the printers to proceed.
Step 7
Your files are delivered by us to the printer for the preparation of final proofs. This is our opportunity to ensure that the colors on the cover are correct and that there are no oversights. We mail the printers' proofs to you by express post and ask that you inspect them carefully, then return them to us.
Step 8
When we receive the proof back from you we correct any errors and authorize the printer to proceed with the printing and binding of your books.
Step 9
After printing we inspect the books to ensure that they are of the highest quality and then ship the books to you in cartons.
Step 10
You send us the final payment for your books when they have been received by you.
If you are a poet who wants to publish a volume of poetry—and you have read the information above—please contact us for a price on the layout and printing of your book.