Scripta

 

Scripta, an imprint of Mutual Publishing, offers book production services to authors—both Hawai‘i and non-Hawai‘i based—who want to self-publish either because their book is meant for private circulation, or because they want to avoid the manuscript submission process with its long delays. Mutual has always believed that everyone has a book inside them. Here in Hawai‘i, the cultural history and art of talk story continues to be a strong form of communication. Storytelling is a way of passing down family history, of celebrating shared experiences, and of sharing and understanding differences. These traditions certainly exist elsewhere.

 

Scripta offers those who have a story in them—whether it’s an autobiography or memoir, a family story, the next best American novel, or a work of nonfiction on a specialized subject matter—over 35 years of expertise in book publishing. Businesses, large organizations (such as nonprofits), and institutions can also benefit from Mutual’s years of experience in developing private label publications. Our business clients have used books as a vehicle to tell their corporate history, philosophy and legacy as well as to commemorate their role in the society or anniversaries.

 

At Scripta, we offer our expert services in producing your book. We simplify the process so all you need to do is provide the manuscript.

 

Think of Scripta as a step stool you can use to reach the goal of publishing your book—we help with that first big hurdle. We encourage and expect authors to be in control of their own book. Your manuscript should be in the best form it can be; have it substantively edited or read by a professional editor or writer before bringing it to us. We will then take it through the next big step of production. We will have it copy edited for style, grammar, and punctuation, then professionally laid out and designed with a 4-color cover that is sure to jump off the shelves. We will then print, bind and ship your finished books to a location of your choice.

 

The next step is up to you. We can refer you to our local distributor, The Islander Group, and you can have them distribute your book island-wide. We can advise you on ways to market your book to Hawai‘i’s market and the world, or you can choose to share your book as a gift to family and friends. Once the books are printed, they are yours to do with as you please.

  

Our Services

We offer copy editing, layout and design, printing, binding, and shipping of your book to one location.

 

Mechanical Editing

We have seasoned copy editors on hand who will spend time making sure your manuscript conforms to the Chicago Manual of Style and that grammar and punctuation are correct. However, it is up to you, the author, to ensure your manuscript has been substantively edited. If a manuscript needs substantive editing, we will connect you with a pool of editors who can help you bring the manuscript up to the level required for final publishing. We want your book to succeed. If you’ve already had your manuscript copy edited and proofed, then we can skip this step and move forward to having your book designed.

 

Layout and Design

We have professional graphic designers on hand who will layout and design the interior pages of your book as well as the cover. We will also give your book an ISBN number, and EAN barcode.

 

Printing and Binding

We work with professional short run printers worldwide who will print and bind—softcover, hardcover, or wire-o—your book using quality material. Your book will look professional and will match the quality of other books in the trade market.

 

Shipping

All copies of your finished book will be shipped to the destination of your choice. If you live on O‘ahu, you have the option of picking up the books at our office. You then own all copies and can distribute as you wish. All profits are yours.

 

Distribution

We will refer you to our distributor, the Islander Group. If they think there is a demand for your book, they will work with you directly to distribute your book island-wide.

 

Marketing and Promotion

We can offer you advice and guidance on how to market and promote your book, but that leg of the journey is your responsibility. You will be in control of how to get your book sold and noticed!

 

The Process

Submit your manuscript digitally as a Microsoft Word document along with a brief synopsis, author biography, and specifications: word count, trim size, softcover or hardcover, and quantity you’d like printed. Let us know if your manuscript has already been edited and what type of editing was done. Your manuscript must include all necessary elements before we can begin the book production process–ie/ cover copy, table of contents, introduction, index (if necessary), etc. We can help you determine what is necessary. If there are photos, please indicate whether they are 1 color or full color. They need to be provided as high resolution (300 dpi or higher) digital photos. We will then give you a price for copyediting, layout and design, printing, and shipping. If accepted, we will ask for 50% down, 20% upon approval of layout and balance upon delivery.