Typesetting is the process of designing the interior of a paperback or hardcover book or publication. Despite its origins in the archaic practice of manually setting metal-cast type, today the term ‘typesetting’ is used more broadly. It encompasses page layout, the placement of text, and the formatting of text styles.

Riaan strives to harmonise the book’s interior with its cover, maintaining a consistent style that remains faithful to what Robert Bringhurst calls ‘the inner logic of the text’ in a custom design as opposed to using a pre-designed template. His approach is the same whether the project is for academia, trade, or self-publishing, unless the author or publisher have a pre-designed template or house style which can range between classical, or modern, or expressive. Factors influencing the style include the genre, target audience, and insights gleaned from the manuscript as well as the Typesetting Questionnaire. 

The cost of this typesetting service is determined by several factors, which are listed in the tables below.

 Self-Publishing Typesetting Process with the Client

1. The Client express interest in this Typesetting service by sending a message to info@riaanwilmans.co.za or through the Enquiries page on this website.
2. In response to the message, Riaan asks a number of questions about the manuscript through email, such as, is it fiction or non-fiction.
3. At this stage Riaan usually requests the completion of this Typesetting Questionnaire for a cost estimate.
4. If the client would like to proceed, then Riaan requests the final edited manuscript and interior images to work out a final fixed quote.
5. On approval of the final fixed quote, Riaan sends the invoice for a 50% deposit.
6. Once the deposit has been paid Riaan starts with the typesetting.
7. Riaan sends the typescript (typeset manuscript = typescript) to the Client for review.
8. If any changes need to be made, the Client informs Riaan about the necessary changes.
9. Riaan and the Client work together to finalise the file in two rounds of revisions only with less than 40 changes each time.
10. On final sign-off, Riaan sends the final invoice as well as the CMYK or RGB print-ready file.
11. Riaan keeps the final print file as well as the open file and does not share it with any third parties
12. The open file is available for purchase.

 Self-Publishing Typesetting Process With The Client

1. The Client express interest in this Typesetting service by sending a message to info@riaanwilmans.co.za or through the Enquiries page on this website.
2. In response to the message, Riaan asks a number of questions about the manuscript through email, such as, is it fiction or non-fiction.
3. At this stage Riaan usually requests the completion of this Typesetting Questionnaire for a cost estimate.
4. If the client would like to proceed, then Riaan requests the final edited manuscript and interior images to work out a final fixed quote.
5. On approval of the final fixed quote, Riaan sends the invoice for a 50% deposit.
6. Once the deposit has been paid Riaan starts with the typesetting.
7. Riaan sends the typescript (typeset manuscript = typescript) to the Client for review.
8. If any changes need to be made, the Client informs Riaan about the necessary changes.
9. Riaan and the Client work together to finalise the file in two rounds of revisions only with less than 40 changes each time.
10. On final sign-off, Riaan sends the final invoice as well as the CMYK or RGB print-ready file.
11. Riaan keeps the final print file as well as the open file and does not share it with any third parties
12. The open file is available for purchase.