Preparing Files for Print and eBooks

Starting from your manuscript, we provide

1. Custom design/graphic layout
2. Professional typesetting
3. Collaborative refinement of the initial product 
4. Print-Ready PDF for print production
5. Accessible eBook formats ready for distribution through Amazon/Kindle, Apple, Kobo, Google and others
   
6. InDesign package for future editions or revisions

Here's how to place a Book Composition order and what to expect:

1. Create Title and Place Order 

Use your account to add a title and place an order. 
Choose "Book Composition and Layout" from the order form (see below.)

2. Receive Order Confirmation

Your order will generate a confirmation "ticket" which will remain "open" so that it may be used for exchanging questions and information as the work progresses.

3. Upload Source File(s)

After the title has been created on the platform, use the "Upload Source Files" button on the Title View to open a folder to upload all source files we will need to perform the composition work.  Essentially we need a copy-edited/final manuscript in unicode. This may take the form of a Word document + image files for interior or cover. Sample layouts and notes on style are welcome. If there is a house Style Sheet, please add it to this folder.

4. Defining the Requirements 

If we have questions after reviewing the source files you provide, we will ask for clarification on the confirmation ticket thread. (Please continue to use the confirmation ticket as the communication channel for questions and change requests until the project is complete.)

5. The Estimate 

After the source files have been examined and any special output requirements have been defined, we will send you a "ProForma Invoice" (a binding quote) for the work.

This will set a firm per-page price for delivery of the finished product, which is defined below. 

Your acceptance of this invoice will trigger mock-up production. 

We will typeset a part of your book, placing images and creating tables as required to arrive at a mock-up for the book. 

This will be delivered to the "Deliveries" folder for the title along with our invoice for the quoted price. 

Partial payment (50%) of the invoice is required before further work is carried out. 

6. The Final Production Process 

Payment of the invoice will trigger this process.

Two correction rounds are included in the price.

Using your feedback and corrections, we will create an interim PDF file for your review and approval.

We will use the cover material you provide or will create and supply covers for your approval.  

After these changes are incorporated, we will create the finished PDF.

7. Formats Supplied

These e-formats are included in the package: 

1. PDF files for both interior and covers, pre-flighted and ready for upload to Amazon's KDP or IngramSpark and/or to a printer of your choice
   
2. ePub or KPF optimized for Amazon
   
3. Reflowing Accessible ePub3 OR Fixed layout ePub3 for Apple, Google and Kobo 
   
4. Web PDF
   
5. An InDesign package for your archives 
   

Guarantees

As a Benetech-certified provider, we deliver a valid Accessible ePUB3 file, complete with an ACE report. This ensures:

1. Full compliance with accessibility standards
2. Compatibility with a wide range of devices and platforms
3. Enhanced reading experience for users with disabilities

Print-ready PDF The final PDF files for both interior and covers are pre-flighted and ready for upload to Amazon's KDP,  IngramSpark and/or to a printer of your choice.

ePub files are guaranteed as error-free and ready for upload to distributor portals.

We test the Amazon ePub on all target devices and apps. These include the legacy e-ink kindles, the Kindle Paperwhite, the Kindle Fire and the Kindle Fire HD. We check the files on apps including: the Kindle Previewer, the Kindle for PC, the Kindle for Mac, the Kindle for iOS devices and the Kindle for Android devices.
The generic ePub file will be ready for upload to Apple's Bookstore, Kobo, Barnes and Noble's Nook Press, and Google's Playstore to name a few.

We hand-code your content and images to the ePub format so that it will be compatible with various platforms.

Distribution to Portals

Upon request we will send your book to Amazon, Kobo or any distribution portal of your choice. You will need to register as a publisher on these portals if you have not done already. We will need the log in credentials and the metadata for the book for us to distribute it on the different portals.

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