D Publishing: D-tails yet to come

When I read about Dymocks’ new venture in online publishing – D Publishing – I was more than interested in how editors would play a part, and how quality assurance would be undertaken. Dymocks does, afterall, mention that authors would have access to editors and designers. Fine, but is that network of professional editors established to support such an ambitious venture? In response to the press release, I sent off an email to the nominated PR people. I was looking for specifics in the technology and supposed network of professionals, which would show whether Dymocks had thought all this through; I received a reply from Michael Allara. Below is my email and the reply.

11 September 2011
Attn: Don Grover, CEO, Dymocks

Don,

I have some questions about the D Publishing Network, and in particular the quality assurance processes involved. I am a qualified professional editor and the principal of Xmplar, an entry-level digital publishing business (http://xmplar.biz). I also run a blog on XML editing in Australia (http://xmleditoz.blogspot.com) and a resources website for editors (http://xmleditoz.net.au).

1. On the web page http://www.dymocks.com.au/publish/default.aspx it is stated that “To create a new book with D Publishing, authors will … Edit and organise their manuscript using our web-based editing tools and range of book templates”

Would you please advise what specific web-based technology and software will be used at the “back end” of D Publishing to allow authors to edit and organise their books. For example, is Google Docs or similar “software as a service” system used?

2. The D Publishing web page states “D Publishing will start giving authors access to a network of designers and editors,…”

Please advise what designers and editors are being employed in this network – what are their specific qualifications, professional memberships and experience.

3. It is stated that Dymocks will use a network of designers – but on the web page http://www.dymocks.com.au/publish/default.aspx it is mentioned that “authors will … add their own cover”. How do you justify the use of designers if it is expected that authors supply their own cover or choose one from a range of template designs? This seems incongruous.

4. It is also stated that Dymocks will use a network of editors – but on the web page http://www.dymocks.com.au/publish/default.aspx it is mentioned that “authors will … Edit and organise their manuscript using our web-based editing tools and range of book templates.” How do you justify the use of professional editors if you expect authors to self-edit using Dymocks’ web-based tools? This seems incongruous.

5. The D Publishing Network clearly emphasises that the author is in control of their book, but you attempt to add credibility to the service by mentioning that professional editors and designers are also involved – yet it’s not made clear how those professionals interact with each author. How do you justify that authors would get a “publishable” (ie readable and marketable) book using web-based tools rather than having personal contact with professionals?

Thankyou for your interest. I look forward to your reply.

Dave Gardiner
Xmplar

Michael Allara replied on 12 September:

Hello Dave,

Thanks for your email regarding D Publishing, and congratulations on the recent launch of Xmplar.

D Publishing has not yet launched to the public, and will do so in October. All further information about the platform and services that will be relevant and important for authors seeking to turn their manuscript into a professionally published book or ebook will be made available at that time.

(ends) _____________

I can’t wait to get that “further information … that will be relevant for authors”. How about what’s relevant for editors, too?