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L&R Hartley, Publishers - Q&A (Cover Design)
Can I use my own illustrations in my book, on the cover, and in advertising it?
Photographs can be included under certain circumstances bearing in mind copyright, printing technique, type of paper to be used and whether the photo aggravates (makes worse) or ameliorates (makes better) the final product.
If your book is to be illustrated and you provide the photos or illustrations, you will also need to fill in a copy of our official Permission Designation Form.
By signing the form you agree that you are the copyright holder of the original and that although you retain copyright, you assign permission to L&R Hartley to use the original in a book or books published with your name as author. You also agree that the photograph/illustration may be reproduced and that copies may be distributed, cropped, resized, or otherwise altered by the publisher without additional permission from you, provided that it is used in or for your finished publication or in promotions of your publication or services related to it.
*(If you are not the copyright holder you will need to attach written permission from the copyright holder for you to assume the role of the provider).
What if my photos include people?
If the photograph or illustration you have chosen has an image of a recognisable person in it, you must also have that person's permission for us to use the photograph or illustration as detailed above. This is called a Model Release Form. A "recognisable person" doesn't necessarily mean "famous person". Recognisable person essentially means that if you had the person and the photo in front of you, you could tell it was a photo of that person. In exchange for the person's permission, the publisher makes a serious endeavour not to use the photo or illustration in any way that is or could be perceived to be damaging, fraudulent, libellous, hateful, obscene, illegal, humiliating, negative, or unfavourable.
Where do I obtain the necessary forms?
Before you send your photographs or illustrations to the L&R Hartley, we suggest that you print a copy of the necessary forms (personalised with a photocopy or thumbnail reproduction of your photograph or illustration) and ask you to sign them and return them before publication commences. We conveniently combine the Model Release and photo permission on one easy form. This can be downloaded from our Art Department Website or emailed to you upon request.
What about when my book is advertised on the Internet. Do I need a separate permission form?
Yes. This is a standard form and can be downloaded from our Internet Services Branch or from our Art Department Website.
Can I provide commercial clipart?
In order for us to use commercial clipart in our publications, we must personally own a copy of the original clipart package. We have a large selection of commercial clipart in stock, but as much of this is in general circulation, it is best reserved for promotional material and magazines use only. Your book deserves a distinctive touch. For this reason we contract artists to create original artwork. We are happy for you to send us your ideas.
Can I contract my own cover designer?
Yes, although this would have to be at your own expense. With conventional publishing we usually accept your artist's contribution with little or any changes provided it meets our standard specifications (see below). However, with Beta Publishing we will of necessity modify your design - to incorporate your ideas - but to make it distinctive to the beta edition. We welcome your input, suggestions and ideas. As when you submit your manuscript you agree that the publisher reserves the right to choose formatting, any decision the publisher or his/her staff makes in this regard is final and non-negotiable. Remember, this is for YOUR benefit, because we want to ensure that the publication of your manuscript in a beta edition does not compromise future editions in conventional publishing formats - rather, that the beta edition will assist you in pursuing further publishing options. Having your final cover choice presented in the beta edition may preclude those ideas being incorporated in future editions. If you wish to contract your own cover designer, advise us and, if necessary, we will advise of any modifications to our standard specifications (see below).
Our Standard Specifications
:As our covers are scaled to suit different editions (Paperback, large-print, multimedia CDROM, Audio CD, DVD, etc) we require that cover designs are standardised to the following dimensions: front and back covers A5 portrait; spines 16mm wide using an A5 portrait template. All covers must be submitted as separate PDF or PhotoShop® EPS files (front cover, back cover and optional spine) with all fonts and images embedded. For wrap-around designs a completed copy of the full cover must also be provided in PDF or PhotoShop® EPS as an A4 or A3 landscape. All printable area should be centred vertically and horizontally on the page. We will accept PageMaker® or QuarkXPress® formats provided all fonts and illustrations are included in an attached ZIP file. We have conceded that MS Publisher, MasterPublisher, and PrintShop are not suitable for professional cover design. We will adjust covers for final spine thickness and book trim size depending upon the chosen format. Covers must be submitted at a minimum 600 DPI. Covers are printed in CMYK on one side only for books and RGB for CD labels and 216WEB for online Ebooks. For this reason at least one copy of your design must be submitted colour composite. Designs that extend to the trim edge must allow 12mm for bleed and text matter should be at least 12mm within the imaginary bleed line. Avoid hard vertical lines separating the front or back panel from the spine. Allow for the insertion of a barcode at the bottom of the back cover. Please email us with a list of fonts that you wish to use, and only use fonts approved by us, as we need to confirm or obtain copyright before we can commence printing.
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