Tag: Self-Publishing

Wendy Speaks

Self-Publishing and Technology

Technology plays a huge part in the self-publishing process. Years ago, authors would hand carry their manuscripts to a printer for typesetting. Today, almost everything is done via the internet and computers. At Outskirts Press, 90% of all manuscripts we receive are submitted in a Microsoft Word document. Hardcopies, manuscripts printed on paper, are becoming a thing of the past. Occasionally, we will receive a hardcopy. In these cases, we have to rekey the document so we have a digital file that can be manipulated during formatting. This requires the publishing company to do extra work and increases the chance of errors. 

Below are a few basic guidelines to make the self-publishing process as stress-free as possible for the author:

    1. Own a current personal computer with internet access. A high speed connection is preferable.
    2. Have the ability to navigate the internet and the self-publishing company’s website.
    3. Use a current version of a common word processing program such a Microsoft Word and have a reasonable proficiency with the program.
    4. Have the ability to send and receive emails with attachments.

If you have difficult working with technology, find someone who can help you. You may also consider taking a course on computers to help you improve your skills.

ABOUT WENDY STETINA: Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction, or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.
Cheri Speaks, Choosing a Publisher, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing For Mature Writers

If you are a mature writer who is considering self-publishing, there are a few things you need to consider. First of all, find out what type of assistance  self-publishing companies offer. Determine if they provide phone assistance, email assistance, or both. Also note that most self-publishing companies facilitate their production process online and need written documentation of author requests.

If you are not computer savvy, there are people out there who can help you. For instance, you may be able to pay your publisher to assist you with this additional need. Another option is having a family member or friend who uses computers regularly assist you. A third option is asking a local college student who is looking to gain computer assistance experience to help.

Finally. remember to always read the contract before you sign and thoroughly research a self-publishing company. This will prevent surprises during the publishing process and help you decide which self-publishing company is best for you.

Cheri Breeding ABOUT CHERI BREEDING: Since 2005 Cheri Breeding has been working as the Director of Production for Outskirts Press. In that time, she has been an instrumental component of every aspect of the Production Department, performing the roles of an Author Representative, Book Designer, Customer Service Representative, Title Production Supervisor, Production Manager and, Director of Production. She brings all that experience and knowledge, along with an unparalleled customer-service focus, to help self-publishing authors reach high-quality book publication more efficiently, professionally, and affordably.
Cheri Speaks

Tips for Creating a Publishable Manuscript

The best way to ensure that your self-published book looks and sounds professional is to create a professional manuscript. This will make the publisher’s and your job easier when it comes time to creating and reviewing proofs, and it will lead to a finished product that is worthy of your reader’s time and praise. Here are easy ways to create a publishable manuscript.

  • Always run spell check and grammar check, but never rely on these tools alone.
  • Hire a professional copyeditor. Spell check and grammar check don’t catch all errors, and they don’t pick up style errors.
  • Turn on formating remarks so you can see where spacing may be off.
  • Only use hard returns at the end of paragraphs. Do not use them at the end of each line. Computers are not typewriters.
  • Change margin and page settings from “letter size” to “book size.” This will identify any areas that may need reformatting.
  • Do not use space or tab to indicate new paragraphs. Instead set paragraph settings to first line hanging .25″.
  • Use Microsoft Word to type your manuscript. This will prevent conversion problems.

If you have any other tips for fellow writers, feel free to share them by leaving a comment.

Cheri Breeding ABOUT CHERI BREEDING: Since 2005 Cheri Breeding has been working as the Director of Production for Outskirts Press. In that time, she has been an instrumental component of every aspect of the Production Department, performing the roles of an Author Representative, Book Designer, Customer Service Representative, Title Production Supervisor, Production Manager and, Director of Production. She brings all that experience and knowledge, along with an unparalleled customer-service focus, to help self-publishing authors reach high-quality book publication more efficiently, professionally, and affordably.
Wendy Speaks

How To Submit Print Ready Files

Although most authors allow the self-publishing company to create the cover art and to format the manuscript to industry standards, it is not uncommon for some authors to hire a graphic designer to create the digital artwork for their cover. In these cases, the work needs to adhere to the self-publishing company’s exact specifications. For instance, Outskirts Press explains these specifications in the Print Ready File Creation Guidelines. Be sure to ask your self-publishing company for information on their specific requirements.

During the pre-production phase of publishing, authors will submit a mock-up of their cover. This confirms that the authors and their graphic specialist understand that the cover includes the front cover, the spine and the back cover. Once authors are in production and they approve the interior file for printing, the self-publishing company will send the author the exact cover template for the designer to marry with his/her design. The publishing company will wait until the interior file is perfect before sending this template to authors because the company needs to know the exact page count to determine the exact width of the spine. The template also comes with the authors unique ISBN number, bar code and chosen retail price. Additionally, the publishing company will supply a copy of their logo to be placed on the back cover.

Print Ready Interiors are not as common and are typically submitted by authors who have very complicated interiors with many images and/or charts and graphs. Again, an outside graphic artist is typically involved as most authors do not have the programs or expertise to create these files to meet stringent industry standards. POD (print on demand) is an extremely specific process and has non-flexible technical requirements. For specific requirements and submission details, contact your self-publishing company.

 

ABOUT WENDY STETINA: Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction, or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.
Book Promotion, Cheri Speaks

Would You Consider Ingram Advance?

Ingram Advance is a publication read by wholesalers that lists published books.  Many self-publishing companies include a graphic advertisement in Ingram Advance as one of their many marketing services. By listing your book in the publication, you are announcing your new book to the people who are most interested in buying it. In addition to Ingram Advance, there are topic specific publications such as Children’s Advance and Christian Advance. These publications are similar to Ingram Advance, but they focus on a specific category of books.

I’m curious, which of these publications would you consider advertising in? Please leave comments.

Cheri Breeding ABOUT CHERI BREEDING: Since 2005 Cheri Breeding has been working as the Director of Production for Outskirts Press. In that time, she has been an instrumental component of every aspect of the Production Department, performing the roles of an Author Representative, Book Designer, Customer Service Representative, Title Production Supervisor, Production Manager and, Director of Production. She brings all that experience and knowledge, along with an unparalleled customer-service focus, to help self-publishing authors reach high-quality book publication more efficiently, professionally, and affordably.