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What is self-publishing?

What is self-publishing?

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Self-publishing is the process of publishing any form of written content without using a traditional publisher or literary agent. This written content can be in the form of a book, magazine, zine, journal, and more.

Historically in self-publishing, the author takes on all responsibilities for the editing, design, printing, and distribution of their book. The author must either do the work all by themselves, or hire industry professionals (e.g. self-publishing companies or freelance workers) to do it for them.

Green Hill can help authors ‘fill the gaps’ by providing a a comprehensive range of professional services. Green Hill is an assisted publishing company helping self-published authors succeed in the complex and demanding world of book publishing.

Contents

1. How to I self-publish my book?
2. Are there self-publishing companies in Australia? 
3. Can I self-publish my fiction novel? 
4. Can I self-publish my non-fiction novel? 
5. Can I self-publish a cookbook? 
6. What other kinds of books can I self-publish?
7. Do I need to pay for self-publishing?
8. How to tell if a self-publishing company is a scam
9. Do self-publishers market my book?

1. How do I self-publish my book?

To self-publish a book completely independently, you should follow the following steps:

1.1 Write, draft, and edit your book

If you don’t have a book, then you have nothing to publish. Writing your book is the first and most important step as the content of your book will dictate much of your self-publishing project. The second most important step is to draft your book. It’s often said that writing is rewriting. Before your book is ready to show anyone, make sure that you have made the book as well-written and free of errors as you can.

After you are happy with your manuscript, hiring a professional editor to go over your work is an excellent way to ensure that your book is ready for readers. We offer manuscript assessments and full editing of your manuscript.

1.2 Design a book cover

A well-designed book cover can make your book stand out and attract potential readers. On the other hand, a poorly-designed book cover sill undoubtedly hurt your sales and limit your audience. Consider hiring a professional book cover designer to ensure that your book cover meets market standards and can compete with traditionally published books. Green Hill Publishing has a team of experienced in-house book designers. Enquire with us today.

1.3 Typeset your interior for style and readability

The interior of your book is very important. It needs to be designed to be aesthetically pleasing for your readers yet not compromise on functionality and readability. To typeset your book, you’ll also need to purchase and use proper typesetting software, like InDesign. It’s always best to hire a professional if you’re unsure about the process. Thankfully, Green Hill has a team of experienced in-house book designers who are knowledgeable in typesetting and can make your book come to life while adhering to the rules of readability. Enquire with us today.

1.4 Convert your book to an appropriate file format

Before you send your book to a printer, it must be in a format that is compatible with their software. Usually, this means a print-ready PDF file for you interior, and print-ready file of your book cover that gives the proper allowance for your spine width, bleed, etc. Each printer has their own guidelines for this, so make sure that you contact them. When Green Hill designs a book, we do so ensure that we meet all of our printers’ criteria.

1.5 Choose a self-publishing platform and upload your book

There are many self-publishing platforms available, such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Kobo Writing Life, and Barnes and Noble Press. Do some research and make sure that you choose one that suits your needs and preferences. When you publish with Green Hill, you’re not limited to just one platform; we make your book available for online distribution with the major online book distributors, Amazon, Book Depository, Booktopia, and more.

1.6 Set an RRP (Recommended Retail Price)

To accurately decide on a price for your book, take into account the cost of your printing and distribution as these are your main overheads. Usually, we recommend setting your RRP at three-times the print-per-unit price of your book.

1.7 Promote your book

Once your book is available for purchase, you must market your book to reach your target audience and generate sales. You can do this through social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and more), your author website, and other channels.

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2. Are there self-publishing companies in Australia?

Yes, there are Australian-based self-publishing companies out there who can offer you a range of services to assist with self-publishing your book. These companies can help authors navigate the self-publishing process.

Australian self-publishing companies usually offer services such as editing, design, typesetting, print-ready files, and distribution. However, it’s important to carefully research and compare the different self-publishing options to ensure you find the best fit for your needs and goals as an author. Green Hill Publishing is Australia’s trusted self-publishing company who offers a range of publishing packages that are likely to fit your project’s needs.

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3. Can I self-publish my fiction novel?

Yes! Self-publishing a fiction novel is a common and viable way to get your book out into the market. Self-publishing allows writers of any genre or form of fiction to express their ideas without having to wait for traditional publishers to pick them. Common genres of self-published fiction books include:

  1. Romance
  2. Science Fiction (Sci-fi)
  3. Mystery
  4. Horror
  5. Fantasy

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4. Can I self-publish my non-fiction novel?

Yes! Many authors self-publish non-fiction books in all kinds of genres. In fact, non-fiction is one of the most common self-publishing genres. Many authors use self-publishing as a way to get the following genres and more out into the hands of readers:

  1. Auto-biography/Biography
  2. Family History
  3. Memoir
  4. Business book
  5. History book
  6. Reference book

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5. Can I self-publish a cookbook?

Yes! You can self-publish any kind of book, including a cookbook. Self-publishing is a flexible option that allows you to retain control over the content and design of your cookbook, and to reach your target audience directly. With self-publishing, you can write, edit, design, and distribute your cookbook in both physical and digital formats, and reach home cooks, food lovers, and culinary professionals around the world. There are many self-publishing platforms that can help you make your cookbook available to readers. Keep in mind that the specific requirements for self-publishing a cookbook—such as formatting and image quality—may vary depending on the platform you choose. Consider hiring professionals, like food photographers and professional book designers—to ensure that your cookbook can compete with traditionally published cookbooks.

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6. What other kinds of books can I self-publish?

In essence, you can self-publishing really any kind of book, including:

  1. Fiction books: Romance, science fiction, mystery, horror, fantasy, etc.
  2. Non-fiction books: Memoirs, self-help, how-to guides, business, biography, history, etc.
  3. Childrens books: Picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade books, etc.
  4. Christian books: Any genre of book (e.g. fiction, non-fiction, reference, etc.) with Christian themes and overtones.
  5. Poetry books: Collections of poems and other poetry-related publications.
  6. Graphic novels: Manga, comic books, etc.
  7. Cookbooks: Books about food and cooking with recipes, photos, and tips.
  8. Art books: Artwork, photography, and other visual media.
  9. Educational books: Textbooks, workbooks, etc.
  10. Family histories: Family tree publications and documentation of the lives of family members, etc.

In general, as long as your book is your original work and doesn’t cross copyright boundaries, you can self-publish it.

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7. Do I need to pay for self-publishing?

There are some options for both “free” self-publishing and paid self-publishing, depending on the approach you take.

7.1 “Free” self-publishing options

Some free self-publishing platforms include Amazon KDP and Smashwords, allow you to publish your book for free and earn royalties on book sales. However, even free self-publishing includes certain costs if you cannot do everything yourself.

    1. Editing and proofreading: Hiring a professional editor will help to ensure that your book is error-free and ready for readers.
    2. Book cover design: Commissioning a professional book cover designed by an experienced book cover designer will help to make your book market-ready, stand out, and attract readers.
    3. Professional typesetting: The interior of your book is just as important as the cover. Hiring a professional typesetter will help ensure that your interior is readable, looks attractive, and can measure up to the competition.
    4. ISBN purchasing: Some self-publishing companies do not purchase your ISBN for you, meaning that you will have to buy it yourself. It is required for every book in the market to have an ISBN, so this isn’t something that you can cut when considering your budget.
    5. Book formatting: Depending on where and how you self-publish your book, you will likely need to format your book in a specific way so that your book meets the requirements of your self-publishing platform.
    6. Marketing and promotion: Investing in marketing and promotion will be instrumental in reaching a wider audience and increasing your book sales.
    7. Printing: While some self-publishing platforms function solely on digital books, if you want to print physical copies of your book—whether paperback or hardcover—you will have to pay for it. This includes shipping fees along with the book printing costs.

While it is up to you to choose what you’re willing to spend money on to self-publish your book, keep in mind that these services can greatly enhance the marketability of your book.

7.2 Paid self-publishing

When working with a self-publishing company, the author usually pays for the services provided by the company. This includes either some or all of the following:

    1. Editing and proofreading: Some self-publishing companies either have in-house editors, or are partnered with a freelance editing company they trust. Editing will likely be a separate cost, determined by the editor upon assessing the manuscript. Green Hill is partnered with Bookmark Edits, an Australian-based and owned freelance editing company.
    2. Book cover design: Usually, self-publishing companies offer bespoke book cover design and work to the author’s design brief. Make sure to look at a self-publishing company’s portfolio of designs and decide if they are for you. Green Hill have in-house designers who are available for direct contact while your book cover design is being created.
    3. Professional typesetting: Like book cover design, professional typesetting can be offered bespoke to authors to align with the author’s design brief. Green Hill have in-house book interior designers and typesetters who will ensure your book is typeset correctly and effectively.
    4. ISBN purchasing: Some self-publishing companies do not purchase your ISBN for you, meaning that you will have to buy it yourself. Green Hill handles all ISBN purchasing and registration for our authors, ensuring the information is filled correctly for distribution and marketing.
    5. Book formatting: Self-publishing companies handle the book formatting for their clients, ensuring that the files are ready for print. Green Hill’s book designers are skilled in book formatting for multiple printers internationally and local.
    6. Marketing and promotion: To market and promote your book, you may need to pay extra. Some self-publishing companies do not offer this service. Green Hill, on the other hand, do! Have a look at our marketing services.
    7. Printing: Some self-publishing companies do not broker print for their clients, so if you are wanting a company to do this for you, make sure to do your research. Green Hill can connect you with both international and Australian printers and get you high-quality print that won’t blow your budget.

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8. How to tell if a self-publishing company is a scam

Unfortunately, there are quite a few self-publishing scams out there. These scams can be costly, time-consuming, and disheartening for authors, so it’s important to do your research and be aware of common red-flags. Some things to look our for are:

    1. Payment upfront: Be wary of self-publishing services that require payment upfront before they will begin the production of your book. It is likely they will disappear once the money has hit their account. Instead, look for self-publishing platforms that have payment plans, have a part-payment model, or have no up-front fees and instead pay royalties.
    2. Promises of bestseller status: No self-publishing service—or traditional publishing service, at that—can guarantee that your book will become a bestseller. This is dependent on many factors and is determined by marketing, book quality, writing, current reader trends, and much more. If a company promises you fame and fortune, they cannot deliver and are likely a scam.
    3. Poor design: Look at a self-publisher’s design portfolio. If it is nothing but low-quality and poorly-designed covers, they will supply you with the same. Some self-publishers, however, will have a mix of poor- and high-quality design work. This can sometimes be attributed to authors who’ve had too much sway over their book covers, making it look unprofessional. Be sure to research the quality of the services provided by any self-publishing company before you sign up and ask about their design capabilities.
    4. Limited distribution channels: Some self-publishing scams may limit the routes that you can take to distribute and sell your book. This makes it harder for readers to find and purchase your book, leading to lessened sales. Look for self-publishing who enable your book for global distribution through multiple different online retailers.
    5. Lack of transparency: Be cautious of any self-publishing company that is hesitant about revealing their services and fees, or ones who do not to provide you with a detailed contract outlining their terms and conditions.

Do your research and being vigilant. You can often find self-publishing scams easily by doing a simple Google search and reading reviews on unaffiliated reviewing platforms.
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9. Do self-publishers market my book?

Self-publishers typically do not sell your books directly to customers. Instead, they use distribution channels to make your book available for purchase on online marketplaces, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others. There are some self-publishing platforms, such as Amazon KDP, which both self-publish and distribute your book, but these are the exceptions.

The way this works is, when you self-publish through a company or platform, your book is uploaded to their servers and made available for sale on popular online bookstores. When a customer orders your book, the platform will handle the printing and shipping, and you will receive a royalty for each sale as the retail platform and the printer will take a cut of the profit.

In some cases, self-publishing companies may also offer additional services, such as marketing and promotion, to help you reach a wider audience and increase sales. However, the main role of self-publishing companies is to provide authors with the tools and resources they need to publish their books, rather than sell their books directly to customers.

Green Hill offers marketing services to self-published authors. We can give book marketing advice, help you set up and create content for your social platforms, and assist with library and traditional distribution channels for your book.

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What you need to know about ghost writing

What you need to know about ghost writing

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Ghost writing a book is the process of hiring a professional writer to bring your story and ideas to life. There are many things to think about when considering hiring a ghost writer, including your budget, needs, and more.

Contents

1. What is ghost writing?
2. Should I hire a ghost writer?
3. What type of books can be ghost written?
4. What are some examples of ghost written books?
5. Do I own the copyright if a ghost writer writes my book?
6. How much would I be expected to pay for ghost writing?
7. How do I find a ghost writer?
8. How to prepare for ghost writing
9. My ghost writing is completed, what’s next?

1. What is ghost writing?

Ghost writing is a service that involves writing content which is credited to another person. Ghost writers are employed by people to write a book, article, or any other type of written content for a client who will put their own name on the work. The ghost writer typically remains anonymous or credited in a minor way (such as in the acknowledgements section in the books back matter).

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2. Should I hire a ghost writer?

Ghost writers are hired to help the author bring their story to life. The author typically hires a ghost writer if they need assistance with the writing side of the manuscript. There are a couple of reasons why ghost writers are hired. Some of these reasons are listed below:

    1. The author is lacking skill in writing: If an author has a good idea for a book but cannot write, hiring a ghost writer can help bring the story to life.
    2. Time constraints: Writing a book can be quite time consuming, and the author may not have the time to write. Hiring a ghost writer can help the author save time and allows them to still be listed as the author of their book (even if they didn’t write it).
    3. Expertise: Ghost writers may know a little more about the project than the author does. They can bring expertise to subjects that the author may not be familiar with.
    4. Objectivity: A ghost writer can provide objective perspectives on work and can help overcome potential biases on the project. They can also help pick up on things that may have been otherwise missed by the author.
    5. Confidentiality: Ghost writers can help keep the authors personal information confidential when writing about sensitive and personal topics.

In short, hiring a ghost writer can help bring the authors vision to life by stepping in during the writing process. Doing this allows the author to focus on other aspects of the project (i.e. research, marketing, etc.).

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3. What type of books can be ghost written?

There is no rule for what genre of books can be ghost written. Many ghost written books cover a range of genres including:

    • Memoir: Many public figures/celebrities hire ghost writers to tell their life story as they do not have the time to write and/or do not have the writing skills.
    • Business books: Ghost writers can help business leaders and experts share their insights and advice. Again, a ghost writer may be employed to save on time and to help the writing style be more appealable to a wider audience.
    • Self-help: Ghost writers can help professionals write books on wellness, personal growth, and relationships. Typically, they are hired for similar reasons as above.
    • Fiction: If a ghost writer hired to write fiction, it’s likely they are employed to help complete unfinished work or be the voice of another character. The author could also have a great idea for a story, but lacks the writing skills to bring it to life.
    • Childrens books: Ghost writers can be good to help the authors create engaging, educational, and fun children’s books.
    • Technical books: If a ghost writer is hired to ghost write a technical book, it is likely because the author only has experience in technical writing. This means that the author may struggle to write to a wider audience in a way that can be understood.

Of course, there are many other types of books ghost writers can be commissioned to write, but these are the common. Many ghost writers are adaptable and are comfortable writing across multiple genres. However, there are some ghost writers who do have a limit to the genres they write.

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4. What are some example of ghost written books?

Though ghost writers are usually anonymous, they are sometimes credited for their work by the author. There are some books—even quite famous ones—that we know are ghost written.

See some examples of ghost written books below:

    • I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafazi
    • Spare by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
    • Becoming by Michelle Obama
    • Trump: The Art of The Deal by Donald J Trump
    • The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
    • Loosing My Virginity by Richard Branson
    • It Takes a Village by Hillary Clinton

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5. Do I own the copyright if a ghost writer writes my book?

As the person who had the idea and commissioned the work, the author (under normal circumstances) owns the copyright, even if the book is written by the ghost writer.

It is very important to either have a written agreement or contract between you and the ghost writer that stipulates the terms of the ghost writing agreement. This should include who owns the copyright. In some cases, the ghost writer may retain certain rights, like being credited as a co-author or that they are able to use the work as a sample of the quality they can give to clients. The terms of the agreement would depend on the project specifics and what has been signed by the ghost writer. You can always have a lawyer to go over the agreement to ensure rights are protected.

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6. How much would I be expected to pay for ghost writing?

Ghost writing costs vary on depending on a number of factors, including:

    • Experience
    • Length of the work
    • Complexity of the work
    • Time and research required

As a guide, ghost writing can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Some ghost writers may choose to charge an hourly rate, however, most charge on a per project basis.

Ghost writing is an investment. It is important to be prepared to pay for the quality of work and the time it takes for the ghost writer to complete the project. A good ghost writer will pass back a high-quality piece of writing which accurately represents the authors book and vision.

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7. How do I find a ghost writer?

Green Hill has a ghost writing partner who can assist authors with writing for many different genres. Contact us to start the discussion about your project today.

There are also many other ways to find a ghost writer, including:

  • Referrals: Reach out to friends, family, colleagues, and the writing community to see if they have any recommendations.
  • Search online: There are many search engines which can assist in finding a ghost writer. Freelance ghost writers can also be found on freelance websites, such as Upwork or Freelancer. It is important to assess the quality and experience of ghost writers on these platforms.
  • Writers’ organisations: Professional writers’ centres would have access to a network of ghost writers. Check out the Writers’ Centre to find out more.

Finding and choosing a ghost writer needs to be taken seriously. It is important to understand the ghost writers experience, writing style, and qualifications. It is a good idea to request writing samples and have an agreement that both parties adhere to. Make sure to read over the terms and conditions, timelines, payment schedule, and copyright of final work. It is a good idea to have a contract signed by both parties ensuring obligations are met for both author and ghost writer.

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8. How to prepare for ghost writing

There are a couple of things authors need to do to prepare for the ghost writing of their book. Here are a few steps we recommend taking:

    1. Identify your audience: Who is this book intended for? Knowing exactly who you are trying to target will help the ghost writer tailor the writing style to entice and engage the audience.
    2. Set goals: What do you want to achieve with your book? Do you have a specific message and an audience to target? Setting out your goals will help you to guide your ghost writer in the right direction. Make sure your goals are easy to understand for the ghost writer.
    3. Do your research: Collect any documents, notes, or research to give to the ghost writer working on your project. It is important to share this information so the ghost writer can understanding the project they are asked to take on.
    4. Decide on a budget: You need to be able to determine how much you are willing to spend on a ghost writer. This can help determine the scope of the project and narrow down your list of ghost writers.
    5. Make your timeline: When are you wanting the final product to be completed? Do you have specific milestones that need to be met? You will need to let the ghost writer know so they can determine if this timeline fits with them and their writing process. Please note, writing a book takes time, and a ghost writer will typically indicate how long the job will take for them to complete.
    6. Review your options: Research ghost writers to find one that suits your goals and needs. It is important to review the ghost writer’s experience, credentials, and writing style. Request samples of written work and speak directly with the ghost writer to make sure you are comfortable with them.
    7. Draw up an agreement: Once you’ve chosen your ghost writer, make sure an agreement and contract are drawn up. This should include the timeline, payment schedule, and terms clearly. An agreement will ensure both parties are covered, able to maintain the agreed upon rights, and have a physical contract to refer back to if needed.

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9. My ghost writing is completed, what’s next?

Once the ghost writer has completed the contract and passed back the manuscript, you need to make sure it is ready for the next step! See the following steps below:

    1. Review your manuscript: Read through the manuscript and make any changes that are necessary. This is the chance to make sure you are happy with the end product!
    2. Seek feedback: Once you have completed the first revision of your manuscript, it is good to have another set of eyes who are new to the project look over it. Share the manuscript with friends and family to gain some extra feedback and suggestions. This can help identify areas that may need to be addressed.
    3. Consider editing: It is always good to have another more professional eye on the manuscript. Seek feedback from a professional editor to polish up any loose ends and make sure that your manuscript is ready for publication. Green Hill Publishing can help you find an editor that suits your needs through our editing partner, Bookmark Edits.
    4. Prepare for publication: Think about how you’d like to publish your book. Make sure you are satisfied with the final manuscript before you submit or send your manuscript to other publishers. Green Hill Publishing can assist you with all your publishing needs! Feel free to contact us to find out more about the publishing process with us and how it can fit with your project.
    5. Promote your book: Once your book is published, you need to start promoting your book. Read our blog post on marketing to find out how Green Hill can help you and also how you can self-market your book.

Getting your book from its stage as a draft, ghost-written manuscript and into a publishable format is a joint effort from all parties involved. It is important to consider involving other professionals, such as editors and publishers, to assist you in the success of your book!

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The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

 

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

submit your project details

What is typesetting?

What is typesetting?

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Contents

1. What is typesetting?
2. Why is typesetting important?
3. How to typeset a book
4. How to find a typesetter
5. Do I need typesetting for an eBook?
6. Examples of good typesetting

1. What is typesetting?

When a book is opened, the reader expects it to be clear, easy to follow, and attractive. This includes the way the text appears on the page, the spacing, fonts, and image placement. The process for this is called typesetting. Typographers, applying the scientific and artistic principles of book typography, implement or manage typesetting.

Typesetting is the process of arranging a manuscript in a specific style, with the goal of making the book both easy to read and visually appealing to the reader. The process includes choosing font, line spacing, and margins. Typesetting can also be translated to any form of digital text (eBooks, websites, apps, etc.)

Typesetting can be defined as an ancient art as it is linked back to 1040 AD in China when inventors created movable type for printing. Later on, in 1440, Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, involving type frames operated by hand in order to print books. From these early inventions, typesetting then moved into mechanical printing presses, to automated printing presses. It then eventually made its way into graphic software which professional typesetters use today.

Mood, time, period, and setting are intended to be evoked from typesetting. Each font, as well as the page, is laid out to reflect back to the theme of the story.

Think about a book you’ve read where something about the interior seems off (font, spacing, images). This is most likely because the typesetting wasn’t done in a way that suits the genre, and has therefore given an unreadable layout.

Each project is typeset differently, and typesetters take variables such as book length, genre, and print format into consideration. These variables impact and influence the decisions typesetters make around:

    • The trim size (the actual print size of a book e.g. 6 x 9 inches)
    • The margins (how much white space should be visible around the body text)
    • The font’s typeface and size (e.g. font name, type, and size for body text, headings, captions etc.)

Typesetters typically take care of the following aspects as well:

    • Kerning (adjusting space between characters)
    • The spacing between words
    • Word stacking (preventing rows of text from starting and ending with the same words one after the other)
    • Drop caps (styling the first character that appears in the first paragraph of the chapter)
    • Book blocks (making sure the block of text on each facing page end on the same row as the other)
    • Illustrations, graphics, and tables (identifying where they should be displayed throughout the text)
    • Orphans and widows (preventing the last or first row of a paragraph from ending isolated on the top or bottom of a page)

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2. Why is typesetting important?

Typesetting is an extremely important aspect of book design and requires a good understanding of font, font sizes, and line spacing. Good typesetting is not able to be identified by the average reader. Instead it allows for the reader to be able to enjoy the layout/text without interruption. In comparison, bad typesetting will draw the reader to identify issues and will be distracted.

The aim of typesetting is to make the readers experience enjoyable and as smooth as possible. Typesetters follow a set of rules to make the book appear professional and trade-ready. These rules ensure a high-quality design, readable print, and ease of conversion to eBook.

Below is a snapshot of reasons why professional typesetting is critical for book publishing:

    1. Readability: A well typeset book has legible text that is easy to read, making the reading experience for the reader a positive one.
    2. Looks aesthetically good: Typesetting is used to create a visual hierarchy when reading and to draw attention to the most important parts of the text.
    3. Is accessible: A good typesetter ensures that the text is readable for all readers.

The author’s goal for their book can determine the route in how typesetting is approached (DIY it or hire a professional). However, if a book needs to compete with bestsellers, or if it is a business leaver, the quality of the typesetting is highly important. Compare the book’s appearance as if it was meant to mirror the author.  If a book is put together messily without following any set rules, this reflects back onto the author. This is why it is always important to have professionals assist you with this.

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3. How to typeset a book

Modern typesetting should be done in software that is made for professional trade publishing. Many authors make the mistake of thinking manuscripts can easily be typeset in Microsoft Word then converted to a PDF file, but this is not the case. While manuscripts are written in Word, typesetters do not use Word to do typesetting. Instead, they use the content provided in the document to craft the book’s interior layout in dedicated design software. It’s impossible to follow the rules of typesetting in a Word document, and trying to do so would make an unreadable book.

There are many design software applications that are available for use, however, it is always best to work with a trusted and professional provider. At Green Hill, we can professionally typeset your book ready for trade.

If you are looking to DIY, you must have a clear understanding of the software available and how professional typesetting is done.

Below are some examples of typesetting software applications that can be useful:

    • Adobe Suite: Adobe has software that professional designers use. Although it is accessible, you need to know how to use the applications. There is also a monthly subscription.
    • Microsoft Suite: This is one of the least powerful tools. However, you can build a book via the booklet layout. There is also a monthly subscription.

It is important to understand that typesetters know how to do the work. Hiring a professional is always the best step forward. Doing so will ensure there are no errors in your book before you print.

3.1 Preparing for typesetting

When it comes to preparing for typesetting, there are a few things that need to be considered:

    1. How do you want the book to be laid out? Whether you are having a book professionally typeset or if you are going to format yourself, you need to decide on your book’s the design and structure.
    2. Consider what fonts would suit your book and assess their readability.
    3. Find a typesetter who uses a professional software or choose a typesetting software that is reliable. Consider the spacing of lines and paragraphs to assist with readability.
    4. Decide if you need images or other visual elements in the interior of your book. Make sure these graphics are in appropriate spaces and don’t disrupt the manuscript’s readability.
    5. Make sure the manuscript is completed to the best of your ability before starting the typesetting process.
    6. Take time going over the typeset PDF.
    7. Get a physical print-proof of the book to test out readability and adjust any minor issues before finalising publishing and/or printing.

A good typesetter or publisher will guide you through the typesetting process and do the harder elements for you. Contact us to discuss the typesetting process and how Green Hill can help.

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4. How to find a typesetter

Finding a professional typesetter is very important as typesetting follows a strict set of rules to produce a professional product.

When choosing a typesetter, it is important to consider the following:

    • Find a typesetter who has worked on similar genres of books to yours. Finding someone who is familiar with layouts of similar books is important.
    • Before a final decision, ensure you see examples of the typesetter’s work. This is so you know what to expect as an end product and can facilitate an informed decision.
    • Look at the examples the typesetter has given in the eyes of a reader. Are there any inconsistences? Is it clear and easy to follow?
    • Educate yourself on the typesetting process. The more you learn the more you’ll be able to identify good work.

4.1 Where to find a typesetter?

There are freelance websites which advertise typesetters who can assist with projects, but there is a high probability that they aren’t “professionals”. It is always better to find a professional via a publishing company or a dedicated typesetting company.

If you are looking for quality typesetting, Green Hill can help! We include a professional typesetting service in all our packages. Not only would you have your book professionally typeset, we can set you up for the full publishing journey. This looks different for each author, but can include editing, illustration work, distribution, and print!

Contact us today to find out more.

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5. Do I need typesetting for an eBook?

EBooks can be developed in a number of ways, from converting Word files to a PDF, to using eBook conversion tools. However, these ways can introduce areas of concern. You do not want your book to look like a PDF file.

However, when it comes to a professionally produced eBook, the bottom line is: Yes. All versions of books should be typeset.

You want your digital book to read and feel as similar to a print book as possible, so all of the rules need to be applied. Having a well-designed and professionally typeset eBook can approve the reliability of the book, making it easier on the readers eyes, and enhance the overall appearance of the book in the long run and in turn make your eBook more marketable.

Fixed-format eBooks

A fixed-format eBook is designed to retain the original layout, format, and image placement over a variety of different devices and eBook platforms. Fixed-format eBooks are produced to be viewed in a specific way with a layout that takes into account the exact font sizes, images, and page breaks. This type of eBook is commonly used for children’s books, cookbooks, and any other book which has a visual element as the presentation of the book is extremely important. Fixed-format eBooks allow the author and book designer to have complete control on how they look, right down to every page.

Reflowable eBooks

A reflowable eBook can adjust its text and layout based on the size, orientation, and type of device or reading platform that is being used. The purpose of a reflowable eBook is to be as flexible as it can and allow the file to adjust based on the individual specifications of the book. These eBooks can be read on a variety of platforms, from smartphones to tablets and e-Readers. These eBooks are mostly commonly used for books with long forms of text, such as novels or other text-based content. EBooks formatted this way are typically not as interactive as reflowable eBooks compared to fixed-format eBooks.

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Examples of good typesetting

Typesetting is one of the most important factors of creating a publishable book. Here at Green Hill, we have the typesetting skills and knowledge to give you design direction for your book specifically.

Below are some examples of different types of typesetting that Green Hill have produced.

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kampong boy interior example recipe cover sashi cheliah self-published
kampong boy interior example recipe cover sashi cheliah self-published
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