Manuscript Preparation

• Most authors create their manuscript using a word processing program such as Microsoft Word®, other formats are acceptable, just check with me to be sure before submitting your manuscript to Seling Design LLC.
• As a book designer I use a page layout program called Adobe InDesign. Any formatting work you do to your mansuscript in your word processing program will need to be undone before work begins with the page layout software, so keep it simple, don't format titles, subheads, and so on.
• Include all front matter pages in the manuscript file and copy, including, copyright pages, title pages, contents and dedications. I can set up footnotes, endnotes, lists, tables, these should be included in the manuscript where they should appear.
• Text and image files can easily be sent on the internet. I use a program called yousendit.com. Go to http://www.yousendit.com/cms/liteaccount to set up a free lite account, this way you can send large files, or image files to me. It is free, fast and simple to do.
• I require a complete laser-printed manuscript to be mailed to me, including all the front matter, text, captions, charts, graphs, tables, cover, spine and back cover. This is where you would write any comments to me regarding the level of heads and subheads, chapter heads, quotes and so on.
• If you have photos or artwork to insert, then these must also be marked on the manscript, preferably in PEN not pencil, and numbered to match the captions or the photo number and caption can be placed directly into your manuscript at the location you would want it to appear (ie: PIC 46 The rain in Spain falls directly on the plain.).
• It is very helpful to have a copy of the photo or artwork placed in the manuscript so I can see exactly which photo you are referencing.
• A clearly marked manuscript means a speedy clean layout!