Shaun M Jooste 
Signing a publishing contract is an exciting milestone for an author, but it is really the beginning of the publishing journey rather than the end. Once the agreement is completed, attention turns towards transforming the submitted manuscript into a book ready for readers.
From Manuscript to Production
The exact process differs according to the book and publishing agreement, but the manuscript will generally move into editing and production. Communication between the author and publisher becomes important as edits, queries and other decisions are addressed.
The production journey may include:
– Editing and proofreading
– Cover design
– Interior formatting
– Author approvals
– Preparing files for publication
Some stages may overlap, while others need to be completed before the next can begin. Every book also presents different requirements, which means production schedules can vary considerably.
Building the Finished Book
Authors may have spent months or even years creating their manuscripts. Publishing takes that creative work and prepares it for the commercial book market.
Signing the contract therefore isn’t the finish line. It marks the moment when the author and publisher officially begin working together towards the same goal: turning a manuscript into a professionally produced book that can finally reach its readers.
