How do I know when you'll begin working on my book and what to expect during the publishing process?
You can expect a phone call from us within two business days of purchasing your package. The representative will instruct you what to do next, what materials we still need from you (if any) and answer any questions that you might have.
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What are the first steps to begin the publishing process?
After you have purchased a package, you can submit your book information details and manuscript online. Simply log in to your author account to begin. You'll be lead through our online submission wizard and asked to provide information such as your book's title, preferred book size, genre and audience level. You can upload your final manuscript as well.
Submitting your information online is a secure, quick and simple way to begin you project. However, you may download our CrossBooks Submission Form from your Author Account "Forms" page if you prefer to submit your materials manually.
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Who will design my book?
You'll have a team of cover designers, book layout technicians and a consultant dedicated to your book.
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How long does it take before I see my first galley?
You'll be able to review a PDF of your formatted galley, or book interior, within 15 business days after your book designer is first assigned your book project. The design of your galley will begin after a couple items are complete: (1) After we receive all of your submission materials, including the manuscript, any images and additive content (such as a dedication, images, etc.) for your book; (2) After pre-design services are complete (such as Editorial Assessment, editing, copywriting, etc.); (3) After your book passes the Theological Review.
For example, if you've purchased a package that includes an Editorial Assessment then we'll first need to wait until the Editorial Assessment is complete to determine whether or not editing is suggested. Then, if you do indeed invest in one of our full editing services, it will be completed before your book's interior is formatted.
We'll keep you informed every step of the way as to what's going on with your book and what you need to do next.
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What should I review when I see the sample version of the manuscript?
Review everything before you approve your manuscript. By approving your manuscript, you are verifying that the preview is exactly as you wish your book to appear in the published version, including all aspects of the formatting and content, such as:
- Text (including grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.)
- Blank Pages
- Margins
- Font Style and Size
- Paragraph Spacing, Justification, Indents and Scene Breaks
- Copyright Page
- Pagination
- Title Page (the exact title and subtitle, penname, etc.)
- Table of Contents
- Headers and Footers
- Images (Photos, Illustrations, Charts, etc.)
- Any Additional Features (Index, footnotes, captions, etc.)
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Why were extra blank pages added to my manuscript?
All books are required to have a total page count that is divisible by four and the last page must be a blank, left-facing page. If this did not occur naturally in your manuscript, then we have added extra blank pages to accommodate this technical requirement of our printer.
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Why do I need Adobe Reader to view my manuscript book file?
Adobe Reader is the program used and required to open a PDF file (portable document format). A PDF file is a commonly-used file and ensures that the file will look the same (without shifting) when it is opened on various computers.
You can request that a printed galley be mailed to you for an additional charge.
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How do I download Adobe Reader software?
If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download a free copy of the software from www.adobe.com. The installation wizard will open and lead you through the installation process. For more help on how to install Adobe Reader, consult a professional. (Note: Adobe is a non-affiliated, independent company from CrossBooks.)
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What should I do if I need to change something in my galley?
You can request that changes be made to your galley before it's published. We prefer that you complete a galley change request form to list your changes. Please be aware that additional charges may apply for certain types of changes, such as content-related changes, or changes to the wording, grammar, spelling after the galley has been formatted. However, you are free to request changes to most formatting decisions made solely by your design team. You can speak with your design team for details.
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Before I approve my cover, what do I need to review?
By approving your cover, you are verifying that the downloaded proof copy is exactly as you wish for it to appear in the published version of your book. This includes all aspects of the design, formatting and content for the cover, such as: the text on the front, back and spine (including grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.); layout and design; font style and size, illustrations, images and captions, paragraph spacing, justification and indents; and title and pen name. Please note that it is possible for some color variation to occur from the version you approve. Review the FAQ about color variation for more information.
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How do I request changes to my cover?
You can request changes to your cover by submitting a cover corrections form. The first round of cover corrections is free of charge, but additional corrections will require an additional fee, so make sure to thoroughly review the entire cover the first time. Carefully review the text on the back cover, the title and author name, as well as the design elements.
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What are the causes of color variation in printing the cover?
While it seems unsettling that we cannot guarantee a 100 percent color match allowing for possible color variation, this is actually common place in the print world. There are a number of factors that influence how a color appears from printer to printer and monitor to monitor. The image you see on the screen will never look exactly the same as it does in print for a variety of reasons, including the following:
1. Every monitor is different. The mechanics and construction of monitors differ based on brand. Also, there are adjustable settings through which you can alter the color settings, brightness and contrast on your monitor. Both these factors play into the inconsistency of colors.
2. Colors displayed on a monitor appear differently when they are printed. Monitors create color using light, while a printer creates color using ink. Other factors also play a role, like the difference in a monitor and printer's mechanics and the range of colors it can accommodate.
3. Individual devices do not speak the same language. A camera, scanner, monitor and printer all "communicate" about color differently, using different ink formulas and values. They do not necessary use the same values or measurements to record or describe a color.
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What should I consider regarding the color of my cover proof?
Do not completely rely on one source when viewing an image. Try a variety of printers and screens to get an idea of the possible variations. Our printer, Lightning Source Inc., prints in CMYK color. Therefore, it's best to print and view your images or cover in CMYK, not RGB, to get a better idea about what the finished version will look like. Extremely bright reds, yellow or blues, will appear slightly more subdued because they are not included in the CMYK gamut.
Additionally, since we use print-on-demand technology, which enables any number of books to be printed at any time, covers and images in the book can vary from book to book, print to print. A variety of factors can affect the colors slightly, such as toner levels, variations in the mechanics of the printing press that day and variations in paper.
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What if I find an error in my galley or cover after I've already signed off and approved it?
As long as your book has not been sent to the printer, we can still make changes. If you find an error and you've already approved your cover and galley, please let us know right away. Errors found after your book is submitted to the printer will carry an extra resubmission fee in order to correct those issues, in addition to any correction charges that may apply.
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