Frequently Asked Questions
Who should I contact at Greens?
For queries during the pre-manuscript delivery and post-publication stage (including marketing queries) the publisher will be most likely to be able to help. The content specialist assigned to your title will manage the process from copyedit to press and will have have the most relevant information throughout that stage.
Publishers:
For books contact Kirsty Swain
For looseleafs, journals and law reports contact Rebecca Morrison
How do you decide which books should be published in hardback and which in paperback?
When deciding which format to put a particular book into we carefully consider the nature of the text and who is likely to purchase it. As hardback is more expensive it is generally unsuitable for student texts. We often put practitioner texts into some form of hardback as this makes them more durable. However, this does have an impact on the price of the work and additionally is only suitable for texts over a certain size.
Will Greens find materials for me?
Only if you have specifically requested this and it has been agreed, as this may affect the costs of the publication.
Will Greens apply for permissions for me?
Yes, and you should inform us of any material which will require Greens to apply for permission when you submit your manuscript.
Will the content specialist do any research on the text?
Greens have access to a number of reference sources but we do not check everything in the text or complete obscure citations as this can hold up the publishing process. The content specialist will assume that references supplied by you are accurate and up to date. Please avoid leaving instructions in the text asking the content specialist to check something.
Do Greens prepare the tables and index?
Yes, and you will be given the chance to influence this by filling in an index questionnaire to ensure that the completed index meets your expectations.
Does the legal editor edit the text on screen?
Editing on screen takes place wherever possible. The advantages are that the process should be speeded up and there should be fewer changes at proof stage.
Why is it so important that I follow the schedule?
The production of your book requires the time and skill, arranged in advance, of expert content specialists and vendors. If we miss our place in the queue at any stage, delays will result. We do appreciate that our authors often have other priorities which can impact on the schedule and if you keep us informed of progress we can minimise some of these problems.
Promotional material is planned according to the scheduled publication date. Any delays may mean that we miss opportunities to promote the title.
Can I add in material while the copyedit is under way?
We normally only accept manuscripts which are complete as confusion can arise as to the precise intention of the author if we receive additional material once we have begun work on the text. Material which is separate from the text, such as appendices or preliminary materials, may be added later but this must be agreed with the publisher.
Can I make changes at proof stage?
We usually allow changes to a maximum of 10 per cent of the text.
What changes can I make?
Changes should be made for the purpose of essential updating, correction of errors or completion of cross-referencing only. Changes to footnotes, involving their deletion or insertion, and changes which may affect pagination, should not be made as this will substantially increase costs and may cause delay.
Will I get to see second proofs?
We would not normally expect an author to check the text at this stage and you should not expect to see second proofs unless it is specifically requested by you and agreed with the commissioning editor.
Will I have any input in the marketing of the publication?
A questionnaire will be sent to you at an early stage in the process in order to help put together accurate marketing material. Your advice on promotion opportunities, placement of review copies, and comment or suggestions at any time, is appreciated. Tools can also be made available to you by the publisher for self promotion.
How long will it take to publish?
This can vary greatly, depending on the length, density and type of publication, as well as whether a second proof stage is required. A general guideline would be approximately four months from submission of the edited text to the typesetters to post out of the publication. We do seek to publish as soon as possible after we receive the manuscript to ensure the currency of the text.
