The Collaborative Writing Process

Idea Platforms, Inc. can help authors with every phase of the book-writing process, and beyond.

Idea Development. We help authors articulate their ideas and shape their material.

PROPOSAL CREATION. We work with authors to build a saleable proposal that typically includes a book summary, chapter descriptions written in the voice and style intended for the finished manuscript, a review of the market and audience, an author profile, and a discussion of the marketing platform.

PROPOSAL MARKETING. We have published with many publishing houses and can approach editors directly or through one of many affiliated agents.

MANUSCRIPT DEVELOPMENT. We develop manuscripts through a well-defined process that involves building out an outline, usually based on the proposal, with short segments. The author must write the “seed” segments that provide the essentials for each chapter, but these may be as long or as short as the author chooses. The writing team expands on the seed segments and writes supporting segments as needed.

PRIMARY and SECONDARY RESEARCH. We can identify and conduct interviews with content experts and case story subjects; we can gather required information through online and printed sources. We have developed a process for capturing and categorizing sources, and handling citations, that makes the research process as manageable and efficient as possible.

PRODUCTION. After a manuscript is submitted to the publisher, several months of work await. Steps include: copy edit; review of sample lay-out; cover design; review of first, second, and third pass pages; preparation and review of front and back matter.

MARKETING and PROMOTION. We help develop the materials that typically are involved in the release of a book, including: flap and cover copy, catalogue and website copy, author bio, and book utility document — the standard description of the book that will be used in many media.