::: Welcome to KALAM BOOKS :::

It has been said that there are two great flashes of inspiration in the process of publishing a book, the first coming when the project is conceived, and the second when you finally hold a finished copy of the book in your hands. These are separated by a long, seemingly interminable time of perspiration. At first the sweat is almost entirely yours. Later it is ours as well, and it is almost entirely ours in the final stages, after you read the typeset galleys or page proofs.

But the book begins with you. You the author; are the creator. We the editors, production coordinators, typesetters or desktop operators, designers, layout and paste-up artists, marketers, salespeople, and others who collectively constitute Kalam Books; are the mechanics. Your editor can help you shape the book in its early stages, and he or she can help you visualize the audience for whom you are writing, but the expertise and the writing itself must come from you.

Your book has an excellent chance of success; otherwise we would not have entered this partnership; but both partners will have to contribute an enormous amount of time to secure that success. The venture is not without risk, but the rewards can be substantial. We offer these author guidelines; distilled from our years of publishing experience; in the certain knowledge that they can reduce the risk and increase the rewards. Our guidelines are not inflexible; every manuscript has its own requirements. But authors who carefully follow the instructions in this guide find the publishing process smooth, see their books published in a timely manner, and are generally more satisfied with the results.

These instructions do not deal with the content of your manuscript; rather, they concentrate on its form and style and the work required turning it into a book.

It is intended for first-time authors as well as veterans. Regardless of your publishing experience or the status of your manuscript, you will find useful information in these pages. Questions about any aspect of your project, do not hesitate to contact us.

Manuscript Preparation

Normal Text :

The front matter of a book comprises all material that is to appear before the text proper. All books include a title page, a copyright page, a table of contents, and an introduction. Other material, such as a dedication, foreword, list of contributors, or preface, may be included if appropriate.

Title page :

The title page carries the book's full title and the names of all the authors. Type the title on one line if possible, in upper and lowercase. If the book has a subtitle, it should appear below the title, not on the same line. Type your name below the title, as you want it on appear on the book's cover. If more than one author is involved, type the names on separate lines in the order in which they should appear. You may include affiliations below each name. If anyone else should be credited on the title page (e.g., illustrator, photographer, translator), his or her name should appear beneath the authors. Do not include contributor's names on a title page, and do not include any other information (e.g., copyright lines, dates).

Kalam Books will prepare the copyright page. It includes the copyright notice registered in the name specified in your contract.

Dedication :

A dedication is optional. If one is included, type or print it out on a separate page. It is not necessary to say, "Dedicated to", beginning with "To" will suffice.

Table of contents :

The table of contents serves as a quick reference to the book. It is not a substitute for an index.

As with other manuscript components, type or print out the contents double-spaced. Begin with "Contents" as the major heading, then list, in order of their appearance.

All front-matter elements except tittle page, copyright page, and dedication.

Part numbers and titles, if applicable.

Chapter numbers, chapter titles, and all subheads.

All back matter (e.g., appendices, glossary, bibliography, index, about the author).

Titles and headings on the contents page must be worded exactly as they appear in the text. Do not include page numbers.

List of contributors :

If your manuscript is for a contributed volume, submit a list of contributors. Title this list "Contributors" and type or print it out double-spaced. List each contributor's name and affiliations as it should appear in the book.

List of illustrations :

Occasionally, a list of illustrations (figures) in the front matter enhances a book. If you want us to consider including such a list in your book, submit one as part of the manuscript, typed or printed out double-spaced. Title the page (what else!) "Illustrations". List, in order, each figure and a condensed version of its caption.

List of tables :

If the book contains any tables that are frequently referenced from elsewhere in the text, a listing will be of value. Submit one as part of your manuscript if you want us to consider including it. Type it or print it out double-spaced, and (we feel compelled to say this) title it "Tables". List, in order, each table and its title or abridged title.

The list of tables, which is part of the front matter, might or might not be identical to the table title list, which shows each title, as it will appear in the body of the book.

List of Abbreviations :

A list of abbreviations might be useful. Alternatively, and more commonly, you can include in the front matter, title it "Abbreviations" and type or print it out double-spaced. Do not use any ending punctuation after an entry. Although runover lines might be indented in the printed book, do not indent them in your manuscript.

Foreword :

A foreword is optional but potentially valuable. Because someone other than yourself writes it, it enhances your credibility and substantiates the value and usefulness of the book. Ideally, the foreword should be written by a peer who is noted in the field or profession for expertise on the subject of your book, or by a well-known person or an official of a company associated with the subject of the book. Occasionally, the writer of a foreword will succumb to the temptation of expounding his or her own views on the subject at hand rather speaking to the good qualities of the book being introduced. If you see this happening, try to coax your writer into sprinkling a few words of praise among the comments.

Preface :

The preface states your purpose for writing the book. You may incorporate this information into your introduction, eliminating the need for a preface.

Acknowledgments :

Acknowledgments recognize and express appreciation to those who helped you with the book. Acknowledgments precede the introduction and usually comprise no more than a paragraph or two.

You may mention sources of information and materials, illustrators, photographers, typists, and other people or organizations that helped make your book possible. Acknowledgments are optional.

Introduction :

The introduction should provide an overview and explanation of the contents and purpose of the book. The audience and scope of the book should be well defined from the outset. A detailed and explicit introduction should explain why your book is important and how the reader will benefit from it.

The introduction should contain the following elements:
your purpose in writing the book. (Unless this is covered in your preface instead.)

Who should read the book, and what the reader will learn from it.

A chapter-by-chapter summary of the contents and benefits of the book. Generally, the more technical your book, the more important it is to include this summary and the more thorough it should be. Include at least one sentence and no more than one paragraph of description per chapter.

How to use the book; e.g., is the book organized into lessons?

Special features of the book, or why the book is unique and valuable.

Examples highlighting the special features.

How the reader can further explore the subject after finishing your book.

If applicable, a description of conventions used in the book, and how to use the conventions. (For example, in a dictionary, small capitals or other typographic treatment might indicate that the term is listed elsewhere as a separate entry.)

An explanation of the icons, if any, used in the book. This explanation should include an example of each icon and an explanation of its meaning. (In many cases, we won't decide until we review your manuscript whether to use icons. When this happens, your editor will consult with you about this part of the introduction.)

Keep in mind that the introduction delivers the first impression of your book to many readers, and will determine whether they select it over other books on the same subject. A successful introduction should be conversational, assuring readers that this is the best book on the topic for their wants and needs. Include any other factors that will help readers understand and use your book.

If you are revising a previously published book, please remember that an introduction to the new edition is essential to inform the reader of the scope and content of the revision. An introduction to a new edition should contain all the elements of a standard introduction, but must also include information about differences from the previous edition.

Your editor. He or she is always available to provide additional assistance, and it is much easier to resolve special problems before rather than after you submit your manuscript.

Now, while the light from the first great flash of inspiration is still strong, is the best time to roll up your sleeves and prepare for the perspiration ahead. If you begin now and treat these guidelines seriously, your hard work will be leavened by a growing sense of satisfaction and achievement. Besides, the sooner you submit your manuscript, the sooner you can watch us sweat.

We are delighted to be publishing your book and look forward to working with you.

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