and how to avoid falling into them Modern digital print now makes production of high quality small quantity book printing possible at very affordable prices. As a self publishing author, you can now choose to manage the editing, design and printing of your book with your own selected experts, so that you maintain total control of your book project. Professional book production is now within easy reach of first time authors, and self publishing allows you to get your book into the market place without having to pitch and pander to traditional publishing houses. BUT there are many traps for inexperienced players. I’ve summarised them into 7 key errors. Here they are – with tips on how to get it right Trap #1. I’m not going to waste money on fancy editors or designers “I’ve busted a gut writing my book. My Word file is ready to go. It just needs to be made the right size to send off to the printer” Probably the biggest mistake many self publishing authors make is at the point when their manuscript is finished. If your book really is a serious project, you need to invest in specialists for editing and design/layout. If you don’t use a professional editor, you’re likely to create a book that undervalues your content in a big way. There are several levels of editing, and it’s not just correcting typos. Using an editor means you will have expert assistance to ensure your content is consistent, includes all necessary information, avoids repetitious or irrelevant content, and doesn’t have spelling or grammatical errors. Professional design is also essential for producing a quality book. Your cover is critical to attract attention and make an appropriate first impression. Well designed internal pages are also vital. By designing with your audience in mind, a good designer will create an internal layout that will be appealing and a pleasure to read. Trap #2. I have no idea what my book should look or feel like. How should I know? “I thought the printer would tell me what to do – that’s their job, isn’t it?” If you’re unclear on your target audience and the purpose of your book, you’ll probably struggle when choosing an appropriate format. You’ll need to do some research. Trawl bookshops. See what’s hot in your niche, what stands out on the shelf, and what feels good in your hands. Put yourself in the shoes of your customer. What’s likely to impress them? You also need to consider how the book will be used. Will it be read in bed or on the train? Used as a reference? Or is it a workbook style publication? Understanding your target audience and the way they are likely to use your book will help guide the size, design/layout and binding style. Trap #3 – There’s a printer around the corner. It’s easier to use them, isn’t it? “All printers are pretty much the same, aren’t they?” Many print businesses have the technical capacity to print books, but don’t know anything about self publishing. Choosing a supplier with genuine experience printing books for self publishing authors will avoid stress and frustration. Ideally, they should be able to advise you on the best choice from a range of styles and formats, and connect you with specialists for the rest of your self publishing process, if you haven’t already chosen them. Printers use one or more different print processes, and therefore may have limitations in the specifications they are able to offer. Price can also vary substantially, but don’t assume cheapest is best. As with all things, you may pay peanuts for a monkey Trap #4. I’ve got my file ready, now I’m ready to choose my printer “A printing press is a printing press – why would I need to talk to them first? “ As explained in trap #3, there is a range of printing presses (both digital and offset) used to print books. Each print supplier will have specific requirements regarding page set up and file supply. It’s critical to get file supply instructions before you brief your designer/typesetter, so that they are producing files that are suitable for the process. Trap #5. I can proof read my designer’s layout on screen. “What’s the point of press proof?” Proof reading is a critical point in the book production process. You’ll need a fresh, professional pair of eyes to check your completed layout for typos, spelling errors, grammatical errors and layout inconsistencies. A printed proof allows you to check page layout and cover design in finished form. It’s an essential final step in the quality assurance process. Trap #6. It’s only a book. How could it possibly take this much time or money? “It’s taken ages to write. I just want to get this thing out there asap. I don’t have a pile of cash to splash on it” It takes time (usually at least 2 to 3 months from manuscript completion) and money (if using professional editing and design, from around $4-5000, including printing) to produce a book. If your intention is to create a professional looking book that is taken seriously, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, trying to fit into an unrealistic budget is very likely to compromise the end result. There are several points in the self publishing process at which choices are made about the investment in your book. If you cut too many corners, you’ll end up with a very disappointing end result. Trap #7. My book is brilliant. Why wouldn’t it make me stacks of money? “Now I’m a published author, the hard work’s done” Except that the printing of your book is actually just the start of the author journey. Publishing a book has massive potential to change your business, or your life, or both. But by itself, your book doesn’t guarantee anything. The real work is around getting your book into the marketplace. A book is just like any product. It won’t sell if no one knows about it, so you’ll need to have a marketing and distribution plan to make that happen. Specialist advice can be very helpful here. If you’re thinking about writing a book, or have already started and are about to fall into any or all of these 7 traps – ask for the free ExcitePrint Author Pack. Pack includes:
- Guidebook – Book Printing Made Easy for Self-Publishing Authors
- Inside & Out Paper Swatch with samples of internal paper options and cover finish styles
To receive your pack Call Vivienne Kane on 1300 907 399 or email viv@exciteprint.com.au
