With so many people having access to sophisticated desktop publishing systems in the comfort of their own homes, why use compositors, you may ask? ICC Macmillan sees it as an opportunity to expand the partnership between industry professionals and those authors who enjoy and understand how to typeset their own work as they write. ICC Macmillan gladly accepts author-typeset files or camera-ready copy.

However, as we all likely know, snags occasionally occur in the process. For example, an author may use multiple versions of the same software (if she is working at home, at her office, from her laptop, and so on), which can cause problems. An author may not be aware of the basic rules of good page makeup. Or he may overextend himself by designing a beautiful yet extremely complicated book.

Here are some reminders for authors to use while typesetting their own files. This list is simply a set of guidelines, but it may help to avoid roadblocks that sometimes develop when working on these projects.

1. If possible, use only one operating system and version of software when writing your files.
   
   
2. Know your limits when designing your book. The less involved the design, the more efficiently the project will run.
   
   
3. Prepare an application file for the compositor to create a printer-ready PDF for testing purposes as early as possible. This will help us identify and solve any errors before the book is far into production. For example, are bleeds extended the proper distance (at least 1/8 inch) away from the trim? Are the fonts acceptable by the printer’s standards? Is the math software going to cause any problems?
   
   
4. Always use postscript fonts as opposed to TrueType fonts, which printers often will not accept. Provide a comprehensive list of the fonts you are using to the compositor along with your files.
   
   
5. Avoid hard-coding your files, or using forced returns to break lines. Subsequent edits or revisions may cause the line to rebreak in an improper manner if the files are hard-coded.
   
   
6. When working in LATEX, use the standard (not customized) macros included with the software package.
   
   
7. If you are setting your files using FrameMaker, make sure to define your colors as CMYK.
   
   
8. Follow basic paging guidelines. For example, avoid widows and orphans in your text. Place an inline call-out for each figure or graphic so that the reader is given a “roadmap.” Bottom-align multiple columns.
   
   
9. Maintain careful, organized file management. Assign one file-naming method and stick with it the entire way through production, including during revision rounds.
   
   
10. Keep to the established production schedule so that neither the publisher, compositor, nor printer is asked to make up lost time.

ICC Macmillan is always willing to provide technical support to authors who prefer to typeset their own files. It saves everyone time, effort, and aspirin if the files that arrive to the production team are set up correctly, are well-organized, and are printer friendly.