Getting Started Writing
Now that the contracts are signed and the negotiations are behind you, it's time to get started writing. This website is here to help you do that, and also help you as you go.
What should you do first?
- Read the series guidelines your AE sent you. If you're working on a revision, make sure you have the old files to work from, also from your AE.
- Install the template on your computer. Here's a whole document about working with Wiley templates.
- Choose a place on your computer to store your files and create a folder structure that works for you.
- Schedule a reminder in your calendar to backup your files every month.
- Install a Wiley desktop theme so you can shoot figures. Here are instructions on installing/using it. (If you don't want to install the Wiley desktop theme, you can do it the long way by changing the display settings that are appropriate to your OS.)
- Submit a test screenshot. Take a few screenshots (some cropped and some not) after the theme has been applied, and send one of each to your DE.
- If you've changed your book outline since the proposal stage, you should your DE the new one.
- Print out your chapter submission checklist and keep it by your computer. Refer to it often.
More questions? Visit our FAQ.
A few things to remember:
- Turn in figures and code (in their own independent files) with your chapter text.
- Yes, you'll see your chapter again, at least once, during a process called Author Review (AR).
- Handling code correctly is critical. Here's a document that tells you how to do it right.
- Working with figures involves a few steps, don't forget any.
- Make sure you use your own words for everything. Do not copy and paste material from another source.
- If you are re-using material (a figure, a table, a quote, or even from your previous works), you are responsible for pursuing legal permission. Contact your DE with questions.
- Please name your files using the last 6 digits of the ISBN and the chapter number. See Naming Conventions if you have questions.
- You'll see some topics over there on the left under "Professional Author Resources." Take a look around if you have questions. Of course, you can always feel free to contact your DE.
What happens next?
Open a new document, apply the template, start writing your chapters and capturing figures. Along the way you chat regularly with your DE, who edits your chapters and sends them on to technical review. Then your DE sends the chapters back to you, you see all the changes the DE and TE have made, and answer questions they have left for you. You send it back to your DE. Your DE cleans up the files and sends them to Production. In production your files are copyedited, laid out, indexed, folioed, and sent to a printer. Somewhere in there, depending on your individual contract, you're probably entitled to another payment or two, so remind your DE when that time arrives. About 4 months (give or take, depending on the size of your book) after you turn in your last revised chapter to your DE, you should see a real book. Congratulations, you made it through!
