I'm thrilled with the result (see left) AND my new cover is happily uploaded to CreateSpace.
Now for the next, even more exacting phase. To use the words of Create Space, the next step is to prepare the "interior" of the book for publication. So I've spent the last three years researching, writing, and revising -- to create an "interior"!
I'm going to publish through CreateSpace for the paperback and Kindle and Smashwords for the e-book.
The first step to getting the paperback ready involved downloading the appropriate template for fiction (5.25" x 8"), and then squishing my historical fiction saga into the template.
As my mother would say, "Ooofta!"
Did I realize that every time I changed the gutter (after reviewing the file online), that the page numbers would change, necessitating a revision of the table of contents? Every time? And when I adjusted the headings so they were consistent throughout, that also changed the page numbers? And the table of contents again?
CreateSpace kindly encourages would-be self-publishers to review their books three times. First for format (headers, page numbers, footers, and margins). Second for images (I'm guessing overall clarity and placement, perhaps descriptors). And third for the inevitable typos and possible grammatical errors.
I kid you not. Three times. Seems more like 300. So I did use the 'free' online review file to check and edit format and images, but I'll order a review copy for a final, final, final read through before launching Standing Stones.
And that's my New Year's Whoopee! May your 2014 writing and reading go well.
Great cover. It's a lot of work, but it will be worth it in the end.Happy 2014!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Glad you liked it. You should have seen the first covers this do-it-yourself made! :)
Deletehi there! you can try using Wattpad for people to review your book as well. and instead of using createspace, maybe you can use inDesign.. helps you organise the pages way quicker
ReplyDeleteThank you for your suggestions. I will check out Wattpad for potential reviews. GoodReads is also a go-to place to find interesting books to read and possible reviewers. I've hear InDesign has a very steep learning curve, so I'll leave that one to the pros.
DeleteLovely cover..can't wait to see your book being launched :) Happy Writing
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting!
DeleteWell done! It's going straight on to my To Be Read pile!
ReplyDeleteThank you. As you are a writer as well, I'm really glad you like that cover. :)
DeleteThis sounds so frustrating and laborious. Stick with it, you do-it-yourselfer. I love the design of the cover. Double Dragon attended to the futuristic series I wrote with Edith Parzefall. My publisher handled that job with CreateSpace in the Moonstone series for my first book, but I'm still awaiting the second book's paperback release.
ReplyDeleteHere's the link to this year's blog: http://bit.ly/JBC6am
I may be a slow learner, Francene. The process is fraught with error. But I am stubborn (I'd rather say tenacious), though at this point, I'd rather be writing! Your blog is a wonderful read. Good to see you online. Best of luck with all your pubs in 2014.
DeleteHi Beth, thank you for this insightful look into using Create Space. I plan to use it for my own book. Your cover looks very professional and the topic sounds intriguing. I have a close Scottish friend and visited some of the Scottish isles. The stones caught my eye right away. I'd definitely read your book!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting, Amy. May your own publishing ventures go smoothly. I'm waiting for the review copy (hopefully, final) and will do this final review with hard copy. I was able to visit the Orkneys and would love to return one day. What a beautiful country -- and they have amazing libraries!
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