| Question |
Short answer |
| Can I do my own publishing using DTP? |
No, DTP is a way of designing and typesetting, not a way of publishing |
| Do I need an agent? |
Only if you want to get published in the UK and US. |
| Does a book need to be registered somewhere? |
No. All you need is an ISBN (International Standard Book Number), which you can get free from the (State) National Library of South Africa. Contact Magret Kibido on +27 (0)12 4019718. |
| Does copyright protect ideas? |
No, only the expression of ideas. To protect an idea you need a trademark or a patent. |
| How does a publishing contract work? |
Like any contract: it imposes legal obligations on both parties. In this case the author has to deliver a manuscript; the publisher has to publish and market the book at her cost. |
| How long should I wait once I have submitted my manuscript before I phone the publisher? |
A month |
| How long will it take from the time I deliver my manuscript to publication? |
Nine months, on average |
| How many copies does the average general book in South Africa sell? |
2000-3 000 |
| How often are royalties paid? |
Once or twice a year, in arrears for sales of the previous period. |
| If I use a publisher, who controls the copyright? |
The publisher, but it normally reverts to you when the book goes out of print. |
| Should I bring my manuscript in personally and wait for an editor to see me so that I can explain the plot or contents face to face? |
No |
| Should I share my ideas with a publisher won't he steal it? |
He won t steal it but don' t share ideas write something first, otherwise no one takes you seriously |
| Should I use colour in my book? |
Not unless absolutely necessary. It is much more expensive but of course some books demand it by their very nature. |
| What discounts do booksellers get? |
For trade (general) books, about 47%; for educational books discount is lower |
| What is a backlist book? |
A book that has been around for more than a year |
| What is a frontlist book? |
A new book |
| What is a reasonable royalty percentage? |
15%, but it varies depending on publisher, type of book, and the leverage you have. |
| What is a trade book? |
A general book selling into the consumer market |
| What is an imprint? |
It is a trade name or brand or logo, like Penguin or Juta |
| What is the best way to approach a publisher? |
Use a written proposal |
| What kind of style should I follow in the book? |
Use a style guide in a consistent way, either a general one like the Oxford Style Manual or one provided by the publisher. |
| What software should I use for writing my book? |
Microsoft Word |
| When and how can I get the rights to my book back from the publisher? |
After the book goes out of print |
| When do I need copyright permission? |
When quoting a substantial portion of another work |
| Where can I get information about publishers? |
On the PASA website www.publishsa.co.za |
| Where does one get ISBN numbers? |
The State Library |
| Which people in a publishing house do I deal with? |
Mainly the commissioning editor |
| Who owns the copyright on a work? |
The author, unless he cedes the copyright |
| Why does one need a publisher? |
For financing, technical expertise, and marketing |
