Preparing your manuscript
Can I share draft chapters with my editor as I go along?
Yes. This can be a very beneficial approach. Your Commissioning Editor would be happy to agree a schedule where you submit a few chapters at a time and receive feedback as you work through your draft manuscript. This can result in a more polished and focused manuscript, as you are able to implement changes as you go.
How long will I get to write my manuscript?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this. The timeframe will depend on factors such as the subject of the book, whether it is connected to any external events or developments, the length of the project, and your own workload and individual circumstances as an author. As a rough guide, the majority of our authors submit their draft manuscripts within 6–9 months of signing their contract.
Can I include images in my manuscript?
Yes, you can include images in your manuscript, provided they adhere to the requirements set out in our Author Guidelines. You will agree a maximum number of images to be included in the book with your Commissioning Editor at contract stage. All images in the book will be printed in black and white. If an image is protected by copyright, you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holder to reproduce it. Please see our Guide to Copyright and Permissions for further information.
Can I use quotations in my manuscript?
Short extracts of text from other sources can generally be included without obtaining copyright permission, provided the work being quoted has previously been published, the amount quoted is “reasonable and appropriate”, and the use is genuinely for the purpose of criticism or review. This is known as “fair dealing”.
Epigraphs, decorative quotations, song lyrics and extracts from poems are not generally considered to fall within fair dealing and will typically require permission from the copyright holder. Please refer to our Guide to Copyright and Permissions for more specific guidance and ask your Commissioning Editor if you are unsure whether permission is required.
Can I use AI to help me during the writing process?
You may use AI to assist with research and planning, as well as with editing and refining your text. However, you may not use AI to write the initial draft of your manuscript. Using AI-generated text undermines the integrity of your project, as it lacks independent thought and may contain errors. Please refer to our AI Policy for Authors for more detailed information.
Do I need permission to use case studies in my manuscript?
Yes. You will need to obtain permission from the person who supplied or wrote the case study to include it in your book. You should confirm with them that they are happy for their case study to appear in the physical book, eBook and any potential future editions.
How do I submit my manuscript?
You should save your manuscript as a single Word document, rather than as separate chapter files, and email it to your Commissioning Editor. Please refer to the Author Guidelines for more detailed guidance on submitting your manuscript.
What do I need to include in my manuscript before passing it to my editor?
Your manuscript should be clearly organised, with chapter titles and headings. Any boxes, tables, figures, images and other pedagogical features should be clearly labelled in the text.
Figures and images should also be supplied as separate high-resolution files, such as TIFF, PDF, EPS or JPG files. Complex tables may be supplied as a separate Excel document, where appropriate.
Please refer to the Author Guidelines for more detailed information on the presentation and formatting of your manuscript.
What feedback can I expect to receive on my manuscript?
At the draft manuscript stage, your Commissioning Editor will obtain an external review of your manuscript from someone with appropriate subject knowledge and experience. They will share the external reviewer’s feedback with you, alongside their own feedback. You will then have the opportunity to revise your manuscript in response to the feedback before final manuscript delivery.
Will my manuscript be peer reviewed and how long will it take?
Your manuscript will be externally reviewed by someone with expertise in the relevant subject area. The review process, from sending the manuscript to a reviewer to sharing their feedback with you, typically takes around three weeks.
The production process
What happens when my manuscript goes into production?
Your manuscript will be handed over to the project manager at our external production company, who will handle the workflow and send you the copy-edited manuscript and proofs. You’ll also be assigned a Trotman editor, who will oversee the process on Trotman’s behalf, review the copyedit and proofs, and act as your main editorial contact for any queries relating to the production process.
What does a copyeditor do?
The copyeditor will check your manuscript for grammar, spelling and punctuation. They will ensure that terminology, capitalisation, abbreviations and other elements are used consistently throughout, and will apply Trotman house style. They will also check references and citations for completeness, consistency and compliance with APA 7. Finally, they will raise queries where information is unclear, missing or contradictory. Please note that copyediting does not include line editing or substantive rewriting of the text.
What does a proofreader do?
The proofreader will carry out a final check of the typeset manuscript before publication. They will look for any remaining spelling, punctuation and formatting errors, check that corrections from the copyediting stage have been implemented correctly, and ensure that headings, page numbers, captions, tables and other elements are presented consistently throughout. They will also raise queries where they identify any remaining errors or inconsistencies.
What changes can I make at the copyediting and proofreading stages?
At copyediting stage, you will be able to review and respond to editorial queries and suggested changes to improve clarity, consistency and adherence to house style. Where possible, any text changes should be made at this stage, rather than at proof stage.
At proof stage, changes should be limited to correcting typographical errors and minor factual or formatting issues. This is the final stage before publication, so substantial rewriting or new material cannot normally be accepted. Authors do not usually see revised proofs, but these are checked in-house to ensure that all proof corrections have been implemented.
How long will I get to check copyediting queries and proofs? What if I’m on holiday?
You will have 5 working days to review the copyedit and 10 working days to review the proofs. You will be asked to confirm your availability when your manuscript enters production. The project manager can adjust the schedule to accommodate any planned leave or other commitments.
Marketing support
What marketing support will the publisher provide for my book?
Marketing support varies by title and campaign. It may include activities such as social media promotion, website features, email newsletters, review outreach, events, advertising, and retailer promotions.
What marketing activities am I expected to do as an author?
Authors are encouraged to actively support their books through social media, events, interviews, networking, and engaging with readers. Author involvement can significantly increase a book's visibility.
Will my book receive advertising?
Advertising decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Not every title will have a dedicated advertising budget, but all books receive some level of promotional support.
Can I suggest marketing ideas for my book?
Yes. Authors often have valuable insights into their audience and industry. We welcome suggestions and are happy to discuss potential opportunities.
What's the single most important thing I can do to help market my book?
Be actively involved. Authors who consistently engage with readers, networks, events, and promotional opportunities often achieve the greatest long-term visibility.
Social media
Do I need to be active on social media?
While not essential, an active and authentic online presence can help build awareness and connect with readers.
Which social media platforms should I focus on?
This depends on your audience. Common platforms include LinkedIn, Facebook, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. We can advise on the most suitable channels for your book.
What should I post about?
Ideas include writing updates, cover reveals, publication milestones, events, media appearances, reviews, and behind-the-scenes content.
Can the publisher manage my social media accounts?
Generally, authors retain control of their own accounts, but we may provide guidance, content suggestions, or promotional assets.
Reviews & media coverage
How do you secure reviews for books?
We use your author questionnaire and our own research to identify the most relevant reviewers, bloggers, influencers, journalists, booksellers, and media outlets for your book. Review copies may then be sent to selected contacts to help generate reviews, coverage, and awareness ahead of publication.
Can you guarantee reviews or media coverage?
No. Coverage decisions are made independently by reviewers and media organisations.
Should I approach reviewers myself?
Yes, particularly if you have established relationships within your field or community. Coordination with us is recommended to avoid duplication of effort.
What are advance review copies (ARCs)?
ARCs are early editions of a book distributed before publication to generate reviews, endorsements, and media interest.
Events & publicity
Will there be a book launch event?
Book launch events are optional and are usually organised by the author rather than the publisher. If you would like to hold a launch, we can provide support such as promoting the event.
While launch events can be a great way to celebrate your book and engage with readers, they are not essential for success, and your book will also benefit from a range of other marketing and promotional activities.
Can you help arrange speaking engagements or festival appearances?
We may support applications and introductions where suitable opportunities arise, although invitations are not guaranteed.
Who pays for travel and accommodation for events?
Arrangements vary and should be discussed in advance. Some events cover costs, while others may not.
What should I do if I'm approached directly by a journalist or event organiser?
Please let us know as soon as possible so we can coordinate messaging and support where needed.
Marketing materials
Will I receive promotional materials?
Authors are often provided with digital assets such as cover images, graphics, social media templates, and promotional copy.
Can I create my own promotional materials?
Yes, but we recommend sharing them with us first to ensure consistency with branding and book information.
Can I use my book cover on my website and social media?
Yes. We encourage authors to use approved cover artwork when promoting their books.
Sales & retail promotion
How do you promote books to retailers?
We work with distributors, booksellers, wholesalers, and online retailers to maximise discoverability and sales opportunities.
Can you guarantee placement in bookshops?
No publisher can guarantee bookshop placement. Stocking decisions are made independently by retailers.
How can I help encourage local bookshop support?
Authors can build relationships with local booksellers, offer events, and direct readers to local retailers.
How will I receive information about my sales?
Sales of your book will be reported twice a year through your royalty report.