SOME authors have a general idea of how a book is manufactured,
but more have none. Even in the case of experienced writers, every
printing-office could tell surprising stories to illustrate the
unreasonableness born of a lack of knowledge of the ordinary mechanics
of manufacture, or of a confidence born of too little knowledge. And
unreasonableness on the part of the author means extra and unnecessary
expense either to the printer or to the publisher. One of the most
unfortunate features of the publishing business is that the exact cost
of manufacturing a book can rarely be estimated in advance: typography,
electrotyping, engraving, designing, presswork, paper, and binding
can be figured closely, but the "extras," resulting from the author's
carelessness, lack of knowledge of the book's mechanics, or change of
heart as the manuscript goes into type, in many cases so increase the
cost beyond the publisher's expectations that the publication can only
show a loss instead of a profit.
These "extras" result from different causes: the manuscript may be
carelessly prepared, with poor punctuation and clumsy expressions,
which the author corrects in the proof. The author frequently boasts,
"I know nothing about punctuation," but would an artist admit that
he was ignorant of how to mix his colors? There is no question that
authors sometimes take advantage of their "temperament," and lie down
upon it in a manner most unfair to their co-partners in the enterprise.
Changes in the manuscript cost nothing, changes in the type cost one
dollar per hour. To correct vital points after the book is in type is
warranted; to correct blunders in punctuation or expression is needless
expense, and is a reflection upon the intelligence of the author.
Genius may be erratic, but it is more respected when it is not made
to carry the responsibility of ordinary carelessness or ignorance.
The writer recalls a case where the author of a story changed the
name of one of the characters after the book was in type; it cost
the publishers over eighty dollars. Frequently an author changes the
name of his story, necessitating resetting the running-heads, the
title-page, and recutting the brass dies, all of which adds expense
beyond the publisher's original estimate. Countless other examples
might be cited, but the main point is that all vital details should be
discussed and settled while the story is still in manuscript, and after
it has been placed in the printer's hands further changes should be
only those which are of serious moment.
Other "extra" expenses include the cost of proofs. The publisher
usually receives from the printer two sets of galley-proof, two sets of
page-proof, and two sets of foundry-proof. All proofs beyond these six
sets are charged for as "extra," the usual rate being one cent per page.
If the author retains his proof longer than is necessary to read and
correct it, this delay frequently forces the printer to work over-time
to meet publication-day; this over-time work is charged for at double
price.
An author would never have any difficulty in securing a letter of
introduction from his publisher to some large printing-house, and the
printer would gladly give him every opportunity to familiarize himself
with the mechanical processes. This knowledge, together with a study of
those elements which go into the manufacture of a book, would enable
the author to avoid needless cost, or to incur intelligently such extra
expense as became vitally necessary.
The following suggestions are important regarding the relations between
the author and the printer:
It is always wiser to leave all questions of typography for the
publisher to settle with the printer, unless there is some specific
reason why the author wishes to accomplish a particular result by using
certain type effects.
Copy should be typewritten, and revised carefully by the author,
before sending it to the printer, to correct typewriter's errors.
Interlineations and erasures which make the reading difficult should be
avoided. It is always a simple matter to rewrite such portions without
rewriting the entire chapter.
If the author has decided preferences regarding spelling or
punctuation, this fact should be clearly stated on the manuscript;
otherwise the printer follows his office style, which may or may not
conform with the author's ideas.
In the preparation of copy, consistency of spelling and punctuation is
strongly urged, as it not only simplifies the problem for the printer,
but also prevents possible misunderstanding of copy and consequent
necessity for resetting.
All paragraphs should be clearly indicated in the copy.
All directions written upon the manuscript, which are not intended as
"copy," should be enclosed in a circle.
The author should punctuate each sentence as he writes it, for in this
way the marks are indicative of the natural pauses, and better express
his meaning.
Foot-notes should always be clearly indicated.
Unusual words, proper names, and figures should be written out with the
greatest care and distinctness by the author.
It is for the common advantage of the author, the publisher, and the
printer that the author or the editor read all proofs promptly.