The Editing and Publishing Process

Author, Cindy Tingley at a book signing at Chapters/Indigo in

Halifax, NS, for her 

Lily the Donkey's Adventures series

In the publishing process a book goes through three phases of editing:

• Developmental editing
  
• Copy/line editing
  
• Final edit and proofread

Developmental editing includes: Story and character development, identifying inconsistencies with tense and perspective, finding plot holes and ensuring that all elements of a good plot structure are in place, such as characters and setting, conflict and rising action, an overarching theme, a climax or turning point, falling action and resolution.

Once the manuscript has been through the developmental editing process (which can take several months depending on what stage of development the manuscript is in when we begin working with an author), it then moves to copy/line editing. Line editing focuses on sentence structure, grammar, spelling, word choice and punctuation. The final proofread is to catch any typos, punctuation or any other errors that were missed once the book is designed and layout is complete. Of course there is overlap in each phase but a set of fresh eyes is always important in the second and third editing phases. 

Publishing

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Editing 

OC Publishing uses a hybrid model known as partner publishing, whereby the author and publisher share the costs of the publishing process. With OC Publishing, the author receives a higher percentage of royalties. The genres published are women's fiction, memoir, mystery / adventure, historical fiction, YA, first chapter books, and children's picture books. After an author submits sample chapters, we will review the sample and meet with the author to determine if there is a good fit for both parties. Please review submission guidelines before sending a query. The publishing options are explored together and the author decides whether the preference is to self-publish or partner publish. 

For both options, OC Publishing uses IngramSpark for paperback and hard cover print on demand (POD), and for retail distribution for both print and ebooks. 

In the partner publishing process, we liaise with editors and designers and set up the title on Ingram, coordinating all the steps required in the publishing process. The book is published under the OC Publishing imprint. If the self-publishing path is chosen, we coach the author through the process, whereby the authors liaise with the editors and book designers, handle the account set up, upload all files and then publish their books themselves with our guidance.

Regardless of the option selected, we also assist authors in the development of their online author platforms, which includes setting up on social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram) and developing profiles for Amazon's Author Central and Goodreads. 

The fees are determined based on the publishing option chosen. In either case, once the book is published, the author owns the copyright. If published under the OC Publishing imprint, as a Canadian publisher, the book is registered with Library and Archives Canada. 

If you have any questions about the publishing process, please contact Anne anytime! 

For submission guidelines, click here!