About Lonely Planet

How to make a guidebook

A behind-the-scenes look at the blood and sweat that brings the best travel info into your hands.

It all begins with a Commissioning Editor (CE)

CEs put together an author brief, which is no mean feat. They research a destination from top to tail to see what travellers are looking for - what's hot and what's not. Then they read all your feedback. (We told you we read everything.) CEs also get input from specialists and regional experts. Once we called upon the deputy prime minister of Tuvalu to write on global warming in South Pacific 3.

Did we say one brief?

Well, we meant two. One is a detailed plan of the book and the other is a state-of-the-art map brief.

So what do our authors do before they hit the road?

Authors do a lot of pre-trip research. They've got to be all over recent trends, feedback and opinions before they pack their bags.

Let the author's journey begin!

Armed with author briefs, an empty notebook and a laptop, the author goes on the road, checking every detail in the previous edition of the guidebook, updating it thoroughly and seeking out new hot spots.

Surely there's more to an author's job than just being on the road?

Yes there is. Once they've dragged their weary bodies home, the deadline looms. The author gets busy writing up the manuscript, deciphering all the notes they wrote on the back of napkins. They pull out their multi-coloured pens and mark places on all the maps. When they're sure it's all perfect, they send it to the CE.

Back at Lonely Planet HQ

CEs and editors go through the manuscript with a fine-tooth comb to ensure top quality. Cartographers create new maps from the author's multi-coloured mark-ups.

Any queries are sent back to the authors because we don't want you thinking Lou's Corner Shop is in the middle of a main street.

Then the layout designers work with the editors to blend the text, maps and images into one work of art. The design team and image researchers create the glossy book covers.

A proofreader with a keen eye for detail gives the text a final once-over to make sure it really is perfect.

We all breathe a huge sigh of relief.

The book is sent to the printer, where it is printed, bound and shipped to your local bookshop.

Much rejoicing ensues.

The End.