Treating Your Documents
AKA Chaim Mazo
As a pre-publication production studio, my goal is to provide my clients with accurate, quality work within their overall production and publishing plan. There are many services that I perform which will move your project closer to completion and ready to distribute.
Clients choose the specific services they need, or a combination. These services include converting non-digital written or audio text into an editable format, text emendation, translation management, image management, interior page layout, cover design, “final-eyes” proofreading, e-book production and out-of-print re-publishing.
In my proofreading service, I specialize in hunting for corrections and suggesting improvements to your document, prior to distribution to your audience.
Toward earning your business, I will explain the professional base which creates the strength of the Studio.
The computer equipment in the Studio is based on the Windows operating system. Production applications include Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat Professional, Express Scribe and Sigil. Microsoft Word is the standard application used for the preliminary review and clean-read development of the manuscript. Files are provided in the standard industry formats of .pdf, .doc, and .jpg, or open application files. Because the publishing world is changing at a rapid pace, our applications are continuously updated.
For editorial matters, I follow the Chicago Manual of Style.
Converting Non-Digital Text Into An Editable Format
This is the procedure to convert text into a word-processing format -- typing. Even today, it is not unusual for authors to have portions of the manuscript in handwritten form. There is no automated process for this conversion, so it is human-typed.
Sometimes authors have a printout of their manuscript, but their computer crashed and they do not have a backup file. Depending on the quality of the printout, I may be able convert using OCR, which requires limited keystroke repair, or do human-typing.
Sometimes there are portions of the manuscript that the author does not type, but records as an audio file. These audio files are transcribed into an editable document.
The reason that clients prefer our Studio to convert the files, as opposed to someone not in the production field, is that our Studio will also do the technical editing and make sure that the document is being perfected for the next stage of production.
Translation Management
In this service, I coordinate with the client to engage a translator from the source language into English. The translator’s mother tongue must be the source language and they must have a very high level of English. No matter the skill of the translator, their work must be reviewed by an editor. As each stage is completed and a clean-read is ready, the updates are passed to the next person on the production schedule. Since large projects take many months to complete, a major component to this stage is time management and keeping to the schedule.
Emendation
This is the repair of the manuscript text – It is an editorial function to create a clean-read manuscript file, ready for the next stage of production. Spelling and punctuation are verified. Copy-editing issues are referred back to the client for clarification.
I have developed a unique series of review procedures to examine the words used in the manuscript. This software and procedure eliminates inconsistent spellings of transliterated or foreign words. This system also helps to eliminate incorrect English word usage, and flag potential errors that may not have been detected elsewhere. I use .pdf or .doc file formats.
I have an extensive background in History and Judaic topics. Often I am able to recognize potential errors related to facts simply because of my background. I notify the client of the issue for a decision. Full fact-checking is a service that is available.
Image Management
The client may need to incorporate images and documents into the manuscript to enhance the reader’s experience.
There are a few ways to acquire images. First there are the images and documents supplied by the client. When I need to research for images, some may be available in my public domain archives. When not available in public domain, I work with the major photo agencies to locate the appropriate images. Fees and copyright vary.
The first step is to convert the actual item into a digital format. Once in digital format, the image goes to the digital darkroom. Depending on the final usage of the image, it will need to be converted either to RGB, CMYK, or Grayscale format. Once in the proper format, the image will need to be processed for contrast, brightness, and other control settings to enhance the quality of the image. Images used in E-books have different image requirements than books printed on paper.
Interior Page Layout
Once the manuscript has passed the editorial stage, it is moved to page layout. In this stage, the manuscript begins to look like a real book. Page size is established. Fonts are determined for drop caps, the body text, chapter headings, indents, headers, footers and any other styles designed for the layout. The additional pages are built, which usually includes the title page, copyright page, dedication page, acknowledgments page, table of contents with page numbering, about the author page, and any other special pages that will be included in the book. I create footnotes, endnotes and indexes.
At this stage, I begin sending galley proofs by email for the client to review.
Cover Design
I coordinate with the client to design the cover. Most covers have a unique illustration or photograph. I arrange for illustrators and manage their schedule. The illustrator provides interim sketches and designs for approval.
E-Book Production
I convert back-list titles for e-book publishing, as well as front-list and new books not yet published. There are various options for digital publishing. Books that have a flowing text layout convert quickly to e-books. Books that are table-intensive have to be redesigned as tables do not flow well in digital readers. One consideration to the e-book is file size. Large files download slowly to the reading device, and sometimes there is a surcharge to the buyer, based on file size, so this is a concern. If many pictures are included in the book, it may be necessary to create an abridged e-book edition.
Out-Of-Print Re-Publishing
When a book has been out-of-print and the publisher or a new publisher is ready to re-publish the book, there are various changes and updates that may need to be included. I create the working files, final ready-to-print files and the digital e-book files.
Quality Assurance Proofreading
Two people read your document. Our proofreaders have at least a BA or BS degree. We are on the hunt for spacing problems, inconsistent use of the n-dash and m-dash, three dots vs. four dots, typos, use of the wrong word, overall inconsistency, technical issues, punctuation issues, and anything else that bothers us.
In books or journals, we verify your table of contents for correct page numbers and let you know if any listings are missing. Chapter headings, headers and footers are verified. Text box placement is verified. Images are checked for pixelation problems. Captions are reviewed.
We check your cover to make sure it matches in every way with the interior. The title and author names are verified to match the cover and interior pages. The ISB number is verified on the copyright page and cover. We check your barcode on the cover.
Summary
Now that you have read about all of my pre-publication book and document services, feel secure to work with Chaim Mazo. Send me a sample and see how we will treat your project; without obligation or charge.
Clients choose the specific services they need, or a combination. These services include converting non-digital written or audio text into an editable format, text emendation, translation management, image management, interior page layout, cover design, “final-eyes” proofreading, e-book production and out-of-print re-publishing.
In my proofreading service, I specialize in hunting for corrections and suggesting improvements to your document, prior to distribution to your audience.
Toward earning your business, I will explain the professional base which creates the strength of the Studio.
The computer equipment in the Studio is based on the Windows operating system. Production applications include Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat Professional, Express Scribe and Sigil. Microsoft Word is the standard application used for the preliminary review and clean-read development of the manuscript. Files are provided in the standard industry formats of .pdf, .doc, and .jpg, or open application files. Because the publishing world is changing at a rapid pace, our applications are continuously updated.
For editorial matters, I follow the Chicago Manual of Style.
Converting Non-Digital Text Into An Editable Format
This is the procedure to convert text into a word-processing format -- typing. Even today, it is not unusual for authors to have portions of the manuscript in handwritten form. There is no automated process for this conversion, so it is human-typed.
Sometimes authors have a printout of their manuscript, but their computer crashed and they do not have a backup file. Depending on the quality of the printout, I may be able convert using OCR, which requires limited keystroke repair, or do human-typing.
Sometimes there are portions of the manuscript that the author does not type, but records as an audio file. These audio files are transcribed into an editable document.
The reason that clients prefer our Studio to convert the files, as opposed to someone not in the production field, is that our Studio will also do the technical editing and make sure that the document is being perfected for the next stage of production.
Translation Management
In this service, I coordinate with the client to engage a translator from the source language into English. The translator’s mother tongue must be the source language and they must have a very high level of English. No matter the skill of the translator, their work must be reviewed by an editor. As each stage is completed and a clean-read is ready, the updates are passed to the next person on the production schedule. Since large projects take many months to complete, a major component to this stage is time management and keeping to the schedule.
Emendation
This is the repair of the manuscript text – It is an editorial function to create a clean-read manuscript file, ready for the next stage of production. Spelling and punctuation are verified. Copy-editing issues are referred back to the client for clarification.
I have developed a unique series of review procedures to examine the words used in the manuscript. This software and procedure eliminates inconsistent spellings of transliterated or foreign words. This system also helps to eliminate incorrect English word usage, and flag potential errors that may not have been detected elsewhere. I use .pdf or .doc file formats.
I have an extensive background in History and Judaic topics. Often I am able to recognize potential errors related to facts simply because of my background. I notify the client of the issue for a decision. Full fact-checking is a service that is available.
Image Management
The client may need to incorporate images and documents into the manuscript to enhance the reader’s experience.
There are a few ways to acquire images. First there are the images and documents supplied by the client. When I need to research for images, some may be available in my public domain archives. When not available in public domain, I work with the major photo agencies to locate the appropriate images. Fees and copyright vary.
The first step is to convert the actual item into a digital format. Once in digital format, the image goes to the digital darkroom. Depending on the final usage of the image, it will need to be converted either to RGB, CMYK, or Grayscale format. Once in the proper format, the image will need to be processed for contrast, brightness, and other control settings to enhance the quality of the image. Images used in E-books have different image requirements than books printed on paper.
Interior Page Layout
Once the manuscript has passed the editorial stage, it is moved to page layout. In this stage, the manuscript begins to look like a real book. Page size is established. Fonts are determined for drop caps, the body text, chapter headings, indents, headers, footers and any other styles designed for the layout. The additional pages are built, which usually includes the title page, copyright page, dedication page, acknowledgments page, table of contents with page numbering, about the author page, and any other special pages that will be included in the book. I create footnotes, endnotes and indexes.
At this stage, I begin sending galley proofs by email for the client to review.
Cover Design
I coordinate with the client to design the cover. Most covers have a unique illustration or photograph. I arrange for illustrators and manage their schedule. The illustrator provides interim sketches and designs for approval.
E-Book Production
I convert back-list titles for e-book publishing, as well as front-list and new books not yet published. There are various options for digital publishing. Books that have a flowing text layout convert quickly to e-books. Books that are table-intensive have to be redesigned as tables do not flow well in digital readers. One consideration to the e-book is file size. Large files download slowly to the reading device, and sometimes there is a surcharge to the buyer, based on file size, so this is a concern. If many pictures are included in the book, it may be necessary to create an abridged e-book edition.
Out-Of-Print Re-Publishing
When a book has been out-of-print and the publisher or a new publisher is ready to re-publish the book, there are various changes and updates that may need to be included. I create the working files, final ready-to-print files and the digital e-book files.
Quality Assurance Proofreading
Two people read your document. Our proofreaders have at least a BA or BS degree. We are on the hunt for spacing problems, inconsistent use of the n-dash and m-dash, three dots vs. four dots, typos, use of the wrong word, overall inconsistency, technical issues, punctuation issues, and anything else that bothers us.
In books or journals, we verify your table of contents for correct page numbers and let you know if any listings are missing. Chapter headings, headers and footers are verified. Text box placement is verified. Images are checked for pixelation problems. Captions are reviewed.
We check your cover to make sure it matches in every way with the interior. The title and author names are verified to match the cover and interior pages. The ISB number is verified on the copyright page and cover. We check your barcode on the cover.
Summary
Now that you have read about all of my pre-publication book and document services, feel secure to work with Chaim Mazo. Send me a sample and see how we will treat your project; without obligation or charge.
