"Drawing on his long 'hands-on' experience, Christopher Hurst takes the reader, in the first part, on an analytical journey through a typical scholarly book from start to finish, missing out nothing (including illustrations, maps and tables). A central section is devoted to the use and abuse of the English language. The second part is specifically about the publisher's editorial role, both in relation to authors and in seeing the book through from unedited script to finished volume, including externals like the cover, binding and paper. Finding the right title and cover design, and striking the right balance in the periodical catalogue, are discussed under the heading 'Sending Signals'. Occasional disasters, and measures necessary to avoid them, are not overlooked. The overlap of editorial and legal functions is dealt with in the final section." "This vademecum to the publisher's craft should appeal beyond the author's fellow-professionals to book people generally."--BOOK JACKET.