A lot of PHD scholars, when they finish their research wish to convert their thesis into a book. However, more than often they are not aware of the publishing process. For the first time publishers, there are a few steps that they need to follow compulsorily in order to smoothly go ahead with the publication process.
Write the prospectus of the book: it may sound very challenging; however a book prospectus is not that complex a document. There are certain important components of a book prospectus.
• The main argument of the book in a summative format
• The paragraph summary of each chapter
• A time frame within which the manuscript would be completed
• Detail of the target audience in accordance with the content of the book
• The similar genre of literature that is available.
All this information does not need to use a lot of pages. These are short documents where information needs to be put in a concise manner.
Submit the prospectus of the book: It is a good idea to send the prospectus of the book to many publishers, as many as possible. It is often possible to find the precise requirements of the publishers online and usually some of them ask for two sample chapters.
Submission and review of the manuscript/book: After your prospectus gets approved, you have to submit your manuscript in a stipulated time period. After having submitted the manuscript, it usually comes back in a time span of one to twelve months. Sometimes the wait for the review looks very long and may get frustrating.
The contract offer: On the basis of the review, the press decides to take a decision regarding the manuscript. In the best possible scenario, it may offer the contract or it may ask to revise the prospectus again as per the suggestions of the review committee. If the proposal is completely not suitable to the press they may decline the offer altogether. You need to search and approach another publisher in the case. In case the contract is signed, all the negotiations take place at this stage regarding the expenses related to the index, pictures, royalty, date and place of release etc.
Revision and Copy Editing: The manuscript is revised on the basis of the suggestions made by the review committee and finally it goes to the copy editor for proofreading. When the copy editor sends you the changes, you revise it according to the changes.
In the Press and on the shelf: Printing takes a couple of months and finally the book is available for sale.
