This phase typically takes from one to two years, depending on the complexity of the project. The number of drafts will vary according to the needs of the individual project.

• Contract is signed.

• Project launch meeting is held.

• Authors compose initial draft.

• McGraw-Hill assigns in-house cross-functional team to project (publisher, acquisitions editor, marketing manager, project editor, production manager).

• McGraw-Hill arranges for review of draft; prepares synopsis of reviews.

• Authors compose second draft using information from review process.

• McGraw-Hill arranges for review of second draft; prepares synopsis of reviews.

• Authors compose final draft incorporating ideas resulting from review process.

• McGraw-Hill works with authors to develop designated supplements.

• Final manuscript is turned over to Editing and Production group.

Production

This phase typically takes from 5 to 10 months, depending on the complexity of the project. Supplements (such as study guides, workbooks, instructors' manuals) typically take two to four months. Texts and supplements with large complex art programs may take slightly longer.

• The editing and production team begins work on the manuscript. These activities happen concurrently:

• Interior and cover designs are created based on manuscript and market needs.

• Photo research begins.

• Final manuscript is logged and prepared for copyediting and production.

• Design samples are created by chosen typesetter.

• Art is rendered; photos are scanned.

• Copyedited manuscript is typeset and made into first round proof.

• Authors review first round proof.

• McGraw-Hill project editor reviews author proof, returns it to the typesetter.

• Typesetter makes corrections and issues second round (final page) proof showing art and photos in place.

• McGraw-Hill sends second proof to freelance proofreader.

• McGraw-Hill project editor reviews proof and proofreader corrections.

• Typesetter makes final corrections; ships confirming proof to project editor.

• Typesetter makes final film; ships final film to McGraw-Hill for checking.

• McGraw-Hill ships approved film to printer.

• Printer makes printing plates, and sends plate proof to McGraw-Hill; prints book blocks.

Bindery combines book blocks and preprinted covers into finished product; ships books to the warehouse.