Self-Publishing Step By Step
We like to keep in touch with you throughout the whole process of book production. You can reach us by phone or email at any time, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We have prepared clear and straightforward guidelines on the preparation of text and the scanning of illustrative material. We recommend that you read these carefully, and check with us if you have any queries.
Step-by-step production guide
You will first need to complete the Order Form and post us all of your text and graphic files.
Pasttimes can only accept electronic files. Keep your valuable photographs and original documents in a safe place at home, and just send us the scanned versions (see Technical Specifications for advice on how to do this). The easiest way for you to send us your material is on a CD or Data Stick. We supply all our authors with a complimentary Pasttimes data stick. If you are outside the UK you can send your files as email attachments, providing no files are bigger than 10mb.
On receiving your materials and completed order form, we will immediately acknowledge their safe arrival and check the files to see if there are any production problems. If there are any concerns, we will get straight back to you.
The next thing you receive from us will be specimen page designs of your book. Once you have emailed us your approval of the layouts, we will then send you a production schedule. We will also confirm the cost ask you to pay 50% of the total price.
When your initial payment has been received, we will start production on your books. We will carefully process and enhance any graphic files so that optimum print quality is achieved. All the graphic files and supplementary material will be included in the text at the appropriate places.
Once Pasttimes has completed the layout and design, we will email you a pdf proof. At this stage we can correct any small errors that may have been missed. However, the proof stage is not an invitation to rewrite or add large sections of new material. If you do need to make significant changes at this stage, there may be a Corrections Charge.
When you are checking your proofs, please check that we have interpreted your material correctly and that all the graphic files have been placed in the appropriate places. If you live in the UK, we will send you the proofs as a printout on which you can clearly indicate the changes required. If you are outside the UK, you would need to print the pdf file, mark any errors/changes on the printout and return the pages to us by post or email. Pasttimes cannot accept new electronic files containing new and amended material.
When we receive your corrected proofs, we will make any required amendments. Second proofs will be sent to you in pdf format. Hopefully there will be no further changes, and when you have notified us that there are no errors remaining, we will print and bind a final proof. This will have a plain cover binding but will be printed on the same paper that we will use for your books. We will post you the proof. You will be able to see and feel what your published family history will be like. When you sign off this final bound proof, no further corrections can be made. You should also finalise your order, deciding how many copies of each version you want.
When we receive your print order and confirmation that there are no amendments needed, we will confirm the cost and request the final payment. This will be the remaining 50% of the total cost.
Pasttimes will arrange your production schedule and email you to let you know when the bound copies will be despatched to you. Each volume will be individually packed and labelled.
If in the future you find you would like further copies, all you need to do is contact us.
Timings
The production time for your book is approximately three months from placing an order with us to delivery. This can vary depending on the size of the book, the amount of corrections at proof stage or the workload of our craftsman binder.
We will keep you informed throughout the production process. If your books are intended for a special event or gift, we will make every effort to reduce production time to meet your deadline.
