I’m going to be honest today.
And I find it so ironic/amusing/strange that this one aspect of self-publishing has thrown me off since the beginning. Looking at all we have to learn and put into action to publish a book, I’d think ebook formatting would be the one to cause a ripple in my calm exterior surface. But no.
It’s putting a book into print.
That’s right.
I’ve justified for over a year why my books aren’t in print. The fact that print is just a fraction of sales is my top reason, and a rather good one too. Nothing wrong with just digital.
I’d read posts about getting books into as many venues as possible for exposure…etc. And I’d still justify. One huge factor led me to this strange hurdle that only now I’m mustering up the gusto to leap over.
I had a powerful program (Indesign) and I haven’t been able to get past the learning curve. Yet. I will eventually. And when I do? I know creating the print PDF will be a snap. But I don’t have the time to invest right now.
So why am I playing with print now?
I’m attending an author festival in Maine. I have my middle grade to sell but I can also bring my YA books to sell on my own. I’m using this opportunity to force myself over this hurdle.
And then I found this video by India Drummond. She explains the process of transforming your word doc. into a print-ready PDF. Step by step.
I watched it and realized. I. Can. Do. This.
Head over to the Indelible blog and visit everyone participating in Indie Life this month!
Awesome that you found some help in getting through your hurdle. We all have them. Mine has been my query letter but I think through WriteOnCon I may have gotten it right.
I found print a hurdle too. And with minimal sales it doesn’t seem worth it except for the fact that I want one for my own library. However, I’ve been giving more thought to selling at festivals and that might be the way to go. We’ll see what happens. Best of luck!
Yay for bringing your indie books to the festival!! That’s one of the best parts about having a print copy, even if your main business is ebooks – having the chance to sign books! Have fun!
Thanks for the link.
Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly
Found you through Indie Life.
It’s great to have a print book out there, even though it can seem a pain to put one together. I used Createspace’s templates to create my print books. They’re nothing too fancy, but they look nice. Although I hope to do more with print later on, so thanks for the video link!
Your an indie writer, there’s nothing you can’t do. That’s my new motto!
Happy hurdle jumping.
BTW, I LOVE the cover to the Almost Assassin and it is now on my Kindle.
So great that you’re tackling this! I keep dragging my feet (mostly time-management issues). Would *love* to get started on a print project, soon. 🙂
Joel Friedlander has also put out templates (at a cost) for Word that look very professional. http://www.thebookdesigner.com/
Can’t wait to sit next to you and sign books!! woo hoo!
I’m lucky that my husband is a graphic designer and has formatted many books, so I won’t have to do it. Good luck with getting it done. I work with Indesign and can find it quite frustrating at times.
Congrats on the event. And you can do this…love the attitude. =)
You can do eet!
Good for you, Laura!
Yes, you can do it!!
The print hurdle is one I’ve avoided, too! But your motivation sounds worthy, so yes, go for it!
Oh, interesting!!! Yes, that’s quite a hurdle. GO you!!!!!
Plus a print book allows you to do giveaways on Goodreads.
I know with the NYC publishers, they aren’t doing print books for NA unless the ebook sells big. But that means they can bring the ebooks to market quicker.
Thanks everyone! Yes. I can do it. I just needed some experience. Knowing and understanding word styles definitely helped! And over time I’ll chip away at Indesign b/c I can already see how that would be the superior designer. Some aspects I just don’t quite get yet. I’ll get there!
Ha! This is very similar to my subject today! For me, when I’ve finished a book and hit publish, I’m REALLY ready to move on to the next thing…not to sit down and format AGAIN. Come on! I have a couple of resources that I’ve found listed on my post today. I’m hoping to finish the formatting within the next week and then order a proof and cross my fingers, toes, and any other body parts I can get to bend that way. lol
Congrats on figuring out how to create the print version. My hurtle was taking the print and making it into an ebook – not hard, but very time-consuming. Good luck at the book festival. It’s always great to have that hard copy to sign for those young faces.
Good luck!! I’ve heard it’s a real challenge to tackle the formatting, both digital and print. You can do it! 🙂
Andrew Karre was talking about InDesign over at the Carolrhoda Lab blog just the other day!
You can totally do this! Print isn’t hard. I only use Createspace, and I don’t do expanded distribution.
Actually, I only do print books b/c I have a lot of older readers and family members who want print books from me.
I don’t sell very many, but they’re there if anybody wants them.
Yaay!!! Geaux, Laura. You’re going to be surprised how easy it is~ <3
I think it’s going to be great–you put yourself into learning whole heartedly, and this is no different! Good luck!
I’m so glad you found the video helpful! Yes! You can do it! =)