The book production process can seem a bit confusing if you’re new to publishing. Even if you’ve worked with us or other publishers previously, the industry is continually evolving and different companies operate in slightly different ways. This video will take you through the production process at Taylor & Francis, so you know exactly what to expect at each stage.
Q. How many individuals can I expect to be working with at Taylor & Francis?
Your acquiring editor is your main contact during the entire process and will oversee all aspects before, during, and after receipt of your manuscript, and after the publication of your book. However, he/she doesn’t do it alone. Here are some additional individuals at Taylor & Francis you may be in contact with:
- Editor: Sends the contract on behalf of your acquiring editor, orders complimentary copies, requests flyers for promotional purposes, and handles general tasks.
- Assistant Editor: Responsible for culling through your proposal, and manuscript. Seeks and secures reviewers for your proposal. Prepares market surveys for your book writes the promotional copy for your book and works closely with the marketing team.
- Project Editor: Once your book enters production, the project editor will coordinate the copy editing, typesetting, indexing, page proofs, and corrections before your book is sent to the printer.
- Cover Designer: We have an outstanding team of cover designers, and one will graphically design a cover, incorporating your ideas where possible.
- Author Marketing Assistant: We have a team of Marketing Assistants whose job is to support you with self-promotion. Support can include creating discounted flyers and emails to share with your network, designing banner artwork to share on your social media platforms, support with events, and more. Please see the marketing FAQ section for more information about how your book will be promoted more generally.
- Publisher: Your acquiring editor reports to a publisher, and the publisher is available to answer questions, execute contracts and addendums, oversee the publishing program at Taylor & Francis, and foster a positive and smooth process for your publishing experience by coordinating and maintaining a reputation for quality.
Q. How long will it take to print my book, and how many copies are you printing?
This depends on the size of the book, but four to six weeks is the typical time at the printer. Don’t judge a book on the number of copies in the first print run. That is the old way of publishing. Nowadays we can print quickly and efficiently, so we do not have to fill up warehouses with hundreds or thousands of copies. We print carefully and purposefully for space and cost-efficiency.
Q. Will my book be available in both print and electronic formats?
We publish almost all our books in electronic format simultaneous with the print version. Amazon Kindle and VitalSource are among the many electronic formats. We also include your reference, monograph, handbook, or professional text on taylorfrancis.com, our platform for academic, public, and corporate library eBooks collections. As an author, you will be entitled to an eBook copy of your publication. Visit our Electronic Publishing FAQ page for more information.
When publishing gold open access, the electronic version of your work is freely available online. A print version of your title will also be produced and be available for sale.
Q. Is the production process for Open Access different?
No. Your manuscript will go through the normal Taylor & Francis production process and be published OA approximately five months later. Your publication will feature in the appropriate Open Access Taylor & Francis subject catalog.
Q. How can I contact the Taylor & Francis production team about my book?
Once your book is in production, you will be assigned a production editor and production coordinator. They can answer most of your production questions.
Q. Do readers really judge a book by its cover?
An attention-grabbing cover design is certainly one way to catch the eye of a potential reader. Most importantly, a well-chosen image can convey the topic and set the tone of your book at a glance. Your editor will ask you to provide an appropriate image and your color preference. Once the final cover design is approved, it is immediately posted.