Manuscript

Finalise your manuscript and give it your best input before submission. Once the manuscript enters the publishing process, you will generally not be able to introduce additional content unless the editorial team specifically requests it.

If you need help putting your manuscript together, consider joining a writing class before submission. CLC’s writing classes run throughout the year in Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Eswatini and Botswana.

Reviews & Comprehensive Editing

Step 02 and 03 form the bulk of the editorial work. The editorial team comprehensively reviews your book’s flow, grammar, sentence structure, paragraphing, redundancy, clarity and overall presentation.

This stage forms part of your “Silent Years” in publishing. While much of the work is happening behind the scenes, your manuscript is undergoing careful editorial review and development. Communication with the publishing team may therefore be limited to specific queries, clarifications or requests for author input where necessary.

The objective is to strengthen the manuscript substantially before it proceeds to the next phase.

Comprehensive Editing & Optional Request for Author’s Input

Comprehensive editing continues during this phase as the manuscript is refined further.

The first cohort meeting is also held during this period, including the launch of editors’ requests for author input where applicable, as well as the cohort’s release calendar so that authors can begin anticipating their likely book release and launch dates.

Authors may therefore receive specific questions, clarifications or requests from the editorial team that require their response.

Important: Do not schedule or publicly announce your book launch until you have received and approved the first printed sample of your book.

Implementation of Feedback

This is the stage where editorial feedback is implemented and the manuscript moves towards its final edited form. This forms the second of your “Silent Years” in publishing, as the manuscript continues to be refined behind the scenes.

Authors should respond carefully to any outstanding editorial queries and work with the publishing team to ensure the manuscript is ready to be commissioned to design.

Cover & Layout Design, ISBN & First Proofreading

Cover Design & Inside-Text Layout

At this stage, a graphic designer develops the book cover while a layout designer prepares the inside-text layout to suit the book’s genre and target readers.

As the design phase continues, an independent proofreader reviews the edited manuscript to help ensure that the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted before the final designed files are completed.

Get an ISBN

The International Standard Book Number, commonly known as an ISBN, is a unique commercial identifier assigned to a publication.

Publishers obtain ISBNs through an affiliate of the International ISBN Agency. In Kenya, ISBN administration is handled through the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS).

An ISBN is assigned to each separate edition and variation of a publication. Modern ISBNs contain 13 digits.

First PDF Soft Copy & Second Proofreading

A second proofreader reviews the designed manuscript to ensure that the text flows well and that elements such as font type, font size, spacing and overall page presentation are visually appealing and readable.

Further corrections can still be made at this stage as the book moves towards its final production files.

The aim should be to achieve above 95% perfection and produce a book that can confidently meet international publishing standards.

eLaunches, Printing & Copyrighting

The book can now move into launch, distribution and printing preparation.

• eLaunch on Zoom and Facebook or YouTube.
• Set up the book on e-commerce platforms.
• Prepare available eBook formats.
• Prepare the book for print distribution.

Print-On-Demand or Offset Printing?

Print-on-demand allows you to order smaller quantities at a relatively consistent per-copy rate regardless of the number ordered at one time.

Offset printing is generally suited to larger print runs and can offer a lower unit cost as the number of copies ordered increases.

Copyrighting

At this stage, the book can also be submitted for the applicable copyright registration and documentation so that the publication is formally recorded under the author’s ownership where required.

Join ACABA

Following publication, authors can participate in the Africa Christian Authors Book Award programme for the year.

This creates opportunities for continued evaluation, development, networking and engagement within the wider Christian authorship community.

Attend ACABA BookFests & Galas

Participate in ACABA BookFests, networking events, exhibitions and annual galas.

SADC gatherings may be hosted in South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana or Zimbabwe, while East Africa gatherings may be hosted in Kenya or Uganda.

Authors can participate in group launches, book displays, exhibitions and other opportunities designed to increase visibility and strengthen continental connections.