For Authors - The Publication Process

The publishing process can appear daunting at times, especially if this is your first time thinking about writing a book. At al-Burāq, we are committed to carefully planning and monitoring each stage of the publication process from initial conversations about ideas to seeing the book in print.

 

Submit the Manuscript

You can submit a manuscript to be considered for publication by emailing us on info@al-Buraq.org.
Please send a book proposal which includes a short description of the book, table of contents, the first chapter of the book and a short author biography.

Review

We carefully review each submission and check for quality of the work, accuracy of historical facts and whether the work fits well with other titles on our list.

The Meeting

Once a manuscript passes the review stage, we like to meet our authors in person, (or if this is not possible, then virtually). This gives both parties an opportunity to discuss the work and any changes that need to be made. We can also discuss what to expect for your work from the next stages of the publication process. A timeline and launch date can also be proposed.
At this point we also discuss and sign the author contract. This is a contract between al-Burāq and the author. Here, the author grants the publisher the rights to the book, (including the right to publish, print and distribute the book) and the publisher officially agrees to publish the book.

Editing

An experienced, professional copy-editor will be assigned to the book. The level of editing we request varies according to the needs of the project. It is usual for the copy editor to:Correct grammar, spelling and syntaxCheck references and bibliographies for omissions and inconsistencies of styleBring any suspected errors, omissions or duplications to attention.Queries will be sent to the author by the copy editor and it is the author's responsibility to supply answers by the requested deadline. All changes are then incorporated into the electronic text.

Illustrations & Commissions

If illustrations, maps or other diagrams need to be commission they shall be done so at this point by the publisher.

Design & Layout

Once the text and illustrations (if any) are complete, high-quality cover and interior page design is created specifically tailored to the target audience. The typeset document is produced in a special program and your manuscript will start to look like a book!

Proofreading

The typeset manuscript is then carefully read by several proof-readers as well as the author for any final corrections.

Printing

Once revised proofs have been approved, we can then send the electronic files to the printers.

 

Ebook Conversion

Ebook Conversion - All our books are available as ebooks on all major platforms, such as Kindle, iBookstore, Kobo, Nook and Andriod. We send the completed interior and cover files to an ebook convertor who prepares the files ready for ebook distribution. al-Burāq work with an ebook distributor who then ensures the ebooks are distributed to hundreds of ebook providers.

Points to Consider While Writing Your Book

House Style Guidelines - A generic version is available for reference. Please email info@al-buraq.org to be sent a copy. For some, specific guidelines may also be required so please consult the editor.
We recommend that our house style is implemented from the outset, since the task of re-editing your manuscript to comply at the last stage can be very laborious.

Permissions - Permission from the copyright owner must be obtained for any third-party materials cited that fall outside the remit of 'fair dealing' or (in the US) 'fair use' conventions. For information on the interpretation of fair dealing in UK law, please consult the Society of Authors website.

If you have translated a text, al-Burāq will require written proof from the original author (or his/her estate) to publish the work.