Have you ever wondered what happens between the moment an author submits a manuscript and the day a finished book arrives at a bookstore? For aspiring authors, self-publishers, and even curious readers, understanding the publishing process can demystify the journey from idea to published work. At VGS Publishers, we’ve refined this process over seventy years, and we’re excited to share what goes on behind the scenes.
Stage 1: Manuscript Evaluation and Acquisition (2-4 weeks)
The journey begins when an author submits a manuscript to us. But not every manuscript becomes a published book—and that’s okay. Our editorial team carefully evaluates each submission based on several criteria:
Content Quality: Is the writing clear, engaging, and well-structured? Does it meet professional standards?
Market Potential: Is there an audience for this book? Does it fill a gap in the current market?
Alignment with Our Mission: Does the book align with VGS’s focus on educational, devotional, or regional literature?
Originality: Does the work offer fresh perspectives or unique value to readers?
For educational books, we also assess curriculum alignment, pedagogical soundness, and accuracy. For devotional works, we ensure respect for traditions and authenticity of content.
If a manuscript shows promise but needs work, we often engage with authors to discuss revisions before making a final decision. This collaborative approach has helped us discover many talented authors over the years.
Stage 2: Contractual and Legal Matters (1-2 weeks)
Once we decide to publish a book, we enter into a formal agreement with the author. This contract covers:
- Copyright ownership: Typically, the author retains copyright while granting VGS publishing rights.
- Royalty structure: How and when the author will be compensated.
- Timelines: Expected publication date and milestone deadlines.
- Editorial rights: The extent of editorial changes we can make.
- Distribution: How and where the book will be sold.
We also handle ISBN registration (the unique identifier for books), ensuring the book can be cataloged and tracked in bookstores and libraries.
For authors, this stage is crucial. We encourage all authors to carefully review contracts and ask questions. A clear, mutually understood agreement sets the foundation for a positive publishing experience.
Stage 3: Editorial Process (4-8 weeks)
This is where manuscripts transform into polished, publication-ready content. The editorial process at VGS involves several steps:
Developmental Editing:
For books requiring significant structural work, developmental editors assess the overall organization, flow, and content. They might suggest reorganizing chapters, expanding certain sections, or cutting redundant material. This is particularly important for educational textbooks where logical progression and concept building are crucial.
Content Editing:
Content editors dive deeper, examining each chapter for clarity, accuracy, and coherence. For technical books, subject matter experts verify facts, formulas, and methodologies. For devotional books, scholars ensure scriptural accuracy and proper interpretation.
Copy Editing:
Copy editors focus on language mechanics—grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style consistency. They ensure the book follows standard conventions and maintains a consistent voice throughout. For bilingual publications, they verify that Telugu and English versions align properly.
Fact-Checking:
Particularly important for non-fiction, our fact-checkers verify dates, names, statistics, and references. In educational publishing, accuracy is non-negotiable—a single error can mislead thousands of students.
Author Review:
We maintain open communication with authors throughout editing. Major changes are always discussed, and authors have the opportunity to review and approve editorial modifications.
Stage 4: Design and Typesetting (3-5 weeks)
While editing ensures the content is excellent, design ensures the book is visually appealing and readable. Our design team works on several elements:
Cover Design:
The cover is the first thing readers see, and it needs to capture the book’s essence while standing out on shelves. Our designers consider:
- Genre conventions (academic books have different aesthetic expectations than devotional literature)
- Target audience (children’s books need bright, engaging covers; textbooks need clear, professional designs)
- Color psychology and typography
- Market trends and competitor analysis
For academic books, covers often feature clean designs with clear titles and relevant imagery. Devotional books might incorporate traditional motifs, deity images, or symbolic elements. Children’s books burst with color and character illustrations.
Interior Layout:
The interior design affects readability and user experience. Our typesetting specialists:
- Choose appropriate fonts and sizes (larger for children’s books, standard for adult content)
- Design headers, footers, and page numbers
- Create consistent chapter openings
- Format tables, charts, and diagrams
- Design margin notes, sidebars, and callout boxes
- Ensure proper spacing and line breaks
For educational books, we pay special attention to features that enhance learning: clear headings, highlighted key terms, boxed examples, practice problems, and summary sections.
Telugu Typography:
Telugu script requires specialized expertise. Our designers ensure proper letter formation, conjunct characters, and diacritical marks, maintaining both aesthetic quality and readability.
Illustrations and Graphics:
Where needed, our artists create:
- Diagrams and flowcharts for technical books
- Maps for geography texts
- Illustrations for children’s stories
- Icons and infographics for clarity
- Photographs and image sourcing
Stage 5: Proofing and Quality Control (2-3 weeks)
Before we commit to printing thousands of copies, rigorous quality checks are essential:
Proof Printing:
We print a small number of proof copies that look exactly like the final product. These go through multiple rounds of review:
- First Proof: Checked by proofreaders for any remaining errors, formatting issues, or design problems.
- Author Proof: Sent to the author for final approval. This is the author’s last chance to spot errors or request changes.
- Final Proof: After incorporating feedback, a final proof is reviewed by senior editors and production managers.
Color Calibration:
For color-printed books (children’s books, devotional literature with deity images), we ensure color accuracy and consistency. What looks right on a computer screen may not translate perfectly to paper, so careful calibration is necessary.
Binding Tests:
Sample bound copies are tested for durability. Pages should open smoothly, binding should be strong, and the book should lay flat when needed (especially important for reference books and textbooks).
Stage 6: Printing and Production (2-4 weeks)
With approval granted, we move to full-scale production:
Pre-Press Preparation:
Digital files are prepared for printing, with all elements properly formatted for our printing presses. Color separations are created, and plates are generated.
Printing:
Depending on the project, we use:
- Offset Printing: For large runs (1,000+ copies), offering cost efficiency and excellent quality.
- Digital Printing: For smaller runs or print-on-demand projects, offering quick turnaround and flexibility.
Our facility at Ambapuram houses modern printing presses capable of handling various book sizes, paper types, and color requirements.
Paper Selection:
Different books require different paper:
- Standard educational books: 60-70 GSM maplitho paper for a balance of quality and affordability
- Reference books: Thicker, higher-quality paper for durability
- Children’s books: Smooth, white paper for vibrant color reproduction
- Devotional books: Quality paper appropriate for the book’s significance
Binding:
We offer several binding options:
- Perfect Binding: Most common for paperback books, creating a professional spine.
- Saddle Stitching: For thinner books and booklets, stapled along the fold.
- Hardcover Binding: For premium editions, textbooks, and books meant for library use.
- Spiral Binding: For workbooks and study materials that need to lay flat.
Quality Checks:
Throughout production, random samples are pulled and inspected for:
- Print quality (clarity, color accuracy, proper ink coverage)
- Binding strength
- Page order
- Trimming accuracy
- Overall finish
Stage 7: Post-Production (1-2 weeks)
Finishing Touches:
Additional elements might include:
- Lamination or UV coating for covers
- Embossing or foil stamping for premium editions
- Shrink-wrapping for protection during distribution
Inventory Management:
Printed books are carefully counted, logged, and stored in our warehouses. Proper inventory management ensures we can fulfill orders promptly.
Distribution Preparation:
Books are packed appropriately for shipping. Bulk orders to institutions might be packed in cartons, while smaller orders get individual packaging.
Stage 8: Distribution and Marketing (Ongoing)
Distribution Channels:
Through VGS Book Links and our network, books reach:
- Direct institutional sales (schools, colleges, universities)
- Retail bookstores across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
- Wholesale distributors
- Online marketplaces
- Direct-to-consumer sales through our offices
Marketing Support:
While authors play a crucial role in promoting their books, VGS provides:
- Listing in our catalogs
- Display at book fairs and educational exhibitions
- Information to our dealer network
- Social media announcements
- Press releases for notable publications
For educational books, our long-standing relationships with institutions often mean books are adopted as course materials, ensuring steady demand.
Special Considerations for Different Book Types
Educational Textbooks:
These require the most extensive review process, often involving:
- Curriculum committees
- Subject experts and pedagogical specialists
- Pilot testing with students and teachers
- State board approvals where required
Devotional Books:
These undergo verification by:
- Sanskrit and Telugu scholars
- Religious authorities where appropriate
- Experts in spiritual traditions
Children’s Books:
Special attention to:
- Age-appropriate language and content
- Safety (non-toxic inks, durable bindings, rounded corners for very young children)
- Engaging visuals that support the story
Competitive Exam Books:
Require continuous updating to reflect:
- Current exam patterns and syllabi
- Recent questions and trends
- Updated current affairs and data
The Timeline: From Start to Finish
For a standard book project at VGS, the entire process typically takes:
- Minimum: 3-4 months (for straightforward projects with ready manuscripts)
- Average: 4-6 months (for most books requiring standard editorial and design work)
- Complex Projects: 6-12 months (for extensive educational series, heavily illustrated works, or projects requiring multiple reviews)
Rush projects can be accommodated with adjusted timelines, though we always maintain our quality standards.
What Makes VGS Different?
After working with numerous publishers, authors often tell us what sets VGS apart:
Experience: Seven decades of publishing means we’ve seen everything and know how to handle challenges smoothly.
Quality Focus: We never compromise on content accuracy, print quality, or binding durability.
Author Partnership: We view authors as collaborators, not just content providers. Their vision guides our work.
Local Expertise: Our deep understanding of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana’s educational and cultural landscape is invaluable.
End-to-End Service: From manuscript to market, we handle everything under one roof.
Fair Dealings: Transparent contracts, timely royalty payments, and honest communication.
Advice for Aspiring Authors
If you’re considering publishing with VGS or any publisher, here are some tips:
- Polish Before Submitting: Submit your best possible manuscript. While we edit, a well-prepared manuscript demonstrates professionalism.
- Know Your Audience: Be clear about who will read your book and why they need it.
- Be Open to Feedback: Editorial suggestions usually strengthen your work.
- Understand the Business: Publishing is both an art and a business. Realistic expectations about timelines, sales, and royalties lead to better experiences.
- Stay Involved: The best books result from active author-publisher collaboration.
- Think Beyond the Book: Consider how you’ll market your book and build your author platform.
