Merrell Publishers is unique: in its dedication to quality of editing, design and production; in its collaboration with authors, photographers, museums, foundations, private collectors, brands and companies; in its determination to publish only a carefully selected number of new titles each year; and in its international sales and distribution. No other publishing company can boast such achievements. We are very proud of our award-winning illustrated books on art, design, photography, architecture, fashion, gardens and interiors.
Whether working with an institution or an individual, Merrell's approach is centred on a firm belief that close collaboration at all stages of a project not only provides reassurance, but also helps to maximize the talents and experience of everyone involved.
Typically, in the course of every project we undertake to:
- comment broadly on the text and structure of the book at as early a stage as possible (we call this the critical read);
- edit the text according to our US or UK style guide (as appropriate), following which we would send you a copy of the marked (edited) text, a copy of the corrected text, a word list (which would include proper names and unusual words with variable spellings, to ensure their consistent use throughout the book), and a clearly presented list of questions arising from the editing process;
- send you design samples and, in due course, the entire layout, for you to comment on;
- send you first (and, if desired, subsequent) colour proofs, for you to comment on;
- send you a proof-reading set of printouts (in layout form, with low-resolution images in place), for you to read concurrently with our own proof-reading of the text;
- send you the index for checking (this will have been compiled in accordance with previously agreed criteria);
- send you a copy of the plotter proofs (bluelines) to check;
- attend the press pass at the selected printer, if feasible;
- elaborate our sales, marketing and publicity plans;
- arrange book launches, where appropriate;
- send you copies of reviews;
- keep you informed about sales.
All in all, we are confident that the service we provide is entirely in keeping with the exceptionally high standards of our books.
We are always happy to receive book proposals to review, and can assure you of a thorough and rapid response.
Ideally, a proposal will include the following elements:
- a brief (one-page) synopsis of the project, highlighting its subject-matter, scope, approach and purpose, and indicating why you believe it to be commercially viable;
- an annotated table of contents to indicate how the book will be structured and what each chapter will contain in terms of subject-matter, numbers of words and numbers of illustrations;
- a single chapter of sample text, if already written;
- photocopies or printouts of sample images from the book, if available;
- a brief (one-paragraph) biography of each author, which should highlight, in particular, why they are qualified to write on the subject of the proposed book and provide details of any previous publications;
- an annotated list of related or competing works currently in print, highlighting how the proposed book differs from anything already available.
Please send your proposal by email only to Hugh Merrell, Publisher. When sending large files please do so via WeTransfer.
We very much look forward to hearing from you, and hope we'll get an opportunity to work with you in the near future.