Steps for publication
One of the most common problems with independent publishing is a lack of professionalism. If your book looks "self published", many readers won’t touch it. We refer to these as “book snobs.” There are more of them out there than you might think. The following information is designed to help you, the author, create a product that will appear as professional as possible.
Follow these steps to produce a book anyone would be proud of.
1. Write your great American novel, how-to book, picture book, etc…
2. Create a digital format, i.e. using a word processor, scanning images, etc. Basically, prepare it for publication. Nobody wants to have to do this for you and anyone who does will charge a small fortune. Eliminate the cost by doing it yourself. If you don’t know how, branch out and find someone to help with the process. This is the first step that may cost you some money, but it will be your decision.
3. Create additional supporting documents. You will need a copyright page (see copyright issues below). You may want to do a page “About the Author.” Create a title page that displays the book title and the author’s name. Don’t forget to have a page dedicating the book to a loved one or friend. Remember that one page in a book is actually two pages of front and back. If you want to have your next page appear on the right hand side as per standard publishing, you must leave a blank page between one page of type and the next. You can make a single document to include the copyright, title, and dedication pages, but turn off page numbering to eliminate confusion and maintain a professional appearance.
4. Find an editor. Have someone you trust read your book and look for editing issues. Fix any problems they find, then read it again yourself. Many people offer editing services and charge $1-$3 per page. That can add up if it is a thick novel. Ask Shadow Wolf Publishing about editing services if you don’t know anyone who can do it for you. After editing, you are ready for the next step.
5. Convert all of your documents to a PDF format. You may have to purchase an inexpensive software or try to find a good freeware version to accomplish this. If you don’t have the tools, you will once again need to recruit some assistance. Drop in the copyright, title, and dedication pages in front of the manuscript. Drop in your about the author page behind it. You now have your book’s interior. It is faster than it sounds if you have the right tools. Sorry, we can't name or recommend software due to copyright restrictions.
6. Decide on a cover. This is another area that can cost you money, but the cover is what will attract readers or turn them off immediately. Have someone design a cover, or do it yourself if you are artistically inclined. Publishers like CreateSpace also have online tools to help with the cover. They can help you build one at no cost, but it will use generic pictures that other writers may also use. This is okay if you want to do it, but it will not have your individual flare. However, if you don’t have another way of designing your cover, go with it. The goal is to get your book out there and let others enjoy your gift. Create an exciting “pitch” that will go on the back cover. This is a description of what the book is about. Remember, once someone sees the cover and picks up the book, the pitch is what will sell them on it. Make it interesting without revealing too much of the plot. Avoid rambling. If all else fails, ask SWP about helping with a cover design or pitch.
7. Now you are ready to publish. We recommend using CreateSpace to publish. They are reliable and have many benefits over most other companies in the publishing biz. Follow the link below to read about the company and set up an account. Have your files handy for uploading and follow their on screen instructions. If you run into any problems, SWP would be glad to help you answer them.
Understanding Copyright
Any writing created by you is automatically protected from the moment you write it. There is no actual need to file official copyright documents to have your work copyrighted. This law has been in effect since March 1, 1989. Once your book is published, this helps concrete the copyright. You still have the option of formalizing your copyright, though. Getting your official copyright gives you added protection because there is an official record of when your copyright came into existence. This helps if you need to take legal action against someone stealing your work.
A Word About Create Space
CreateSpace, is a member of the Amazon group of companies, and provides innovative tools and services to help authors, filmmakers and musicians publish and distribute their creative content to millions of potential customers. Create Space's manufacture on-demand technology makes it easy and economical for content creators to make their books, films, and music available across a variety of retail and wholesale channels, including Amazon.com and CreateSpace.com, without an upfront investment in inventory.
The sizable and rapidly expanding range of books, DVDs and CDs available through the CreateSpace platform is now in excess of 2 million titles and exemplifies how quickly on-demand production and distribution are being adopted!
One of the most common problems with independent publishing is a lack of professionalism. If your book looks "self published", many readers won’t touch it. We refer to these as “book snobs.” There are more of them out there than you might think. The following information is designed to help you, the author, create a product that will appear as professional as possible.
Follow these steps to produce a book anyone would be proud of.
1. Write your great American novel, how-to book, picture book, etc…
2. Create a digital format, i.e. using a word processor, scanning images, etc. Basically, prepare it for publication. Nobody wants to have to do this for you and anyone who does will charge a small fortune. Eliminate the cost by doing it yourself. If you don’t know how, branch out and find someone to help with the process. This is the first step that may cost you some money, but it will be your decision.
3. Create additional supporting documents. You will need a copyright page (see copyright issues below). You may want to do a page “About the Author.” Create a title page that displays the book title and the author’s name. Don’t forget to have a page dedicating the book to a loved one or friend. Remember that one page in a book is actually two pages of front and back. If you want to have your next page appear on the right hand side as per standard publishing, you must leave a blank page between one page of type and the next. You can make a single document to include the copyright, title, and dedication pages, but turn off page numbering to eliminate confusion and maintain a professional appearance.
4. Find an editor. Have someone you trust read your book and look for editing issues. Fix any problems they find, then read it again yourself. Many people offer editing services and charge $1-$3 per page. That can add up if it is a thick novel. Ask Shadow Wolf Publishing about editing services if you don’t know anyone who can do it for you. After editing, you are ready for the next step.
5. Convert all of your documents to a PDF format. You may have to purchase an inexpensive software or try to find a good freeware version to accomplish this. If you don’t have the tools, you will once again need to recruit some assistance. Drop in the copyright, title, and dedication pages in front of the manuscript. Drop in your about the author page behind it. You now have your book’s interior. It is faster than it sounds if you have the right tools. Sorry, we can't name or recommend software due to copyright restrictions.
6. Decide on a cover. This is another area that can cost you money, but the cover is what will attract readers or turn them off immediately. Have someone design a cover, or do it yourself if you are artistically inclined. Publishers like CreateSpace also have online tools to help with the cover. They can help you build one at no cost, but it will use generic pictures that other writers may also use. This is okay if you want to do it, but it will not have your individual flare. However, if you don’t have another way of designing your cover, go with it. The goal is to get your book out there and let others enjoy your gift. Create an exciting “pitch” that will go on the back cover. This is a description of what the book is about. Remember, once someone sees the cover and picks up the book, the pitch is what will sell them on it. Make it interesting without revealing too much of the plot. Avoid rambling. If all else fails, ask SWP about helping with a cover design or pitch.
7. Now you are ready to publish. We recommend using CreateSpace to publish. They are reliable and have many benefits over most other companies in the publishing biz. Follow the link below to read about the company and set up an account. Have your files handy for uploading and follow their on screen instructions. If you run into any problems, SWP would be glad to help you answer them.
Understanding Copyright
Any writing created by you is automatically protected from the moment you write it. There is no actual need to file official copyright documents to have your work copyrighted. This law has been in effect since March 1, 1989. Once your book is published, this helps concrete the copyright. You still have the option of formalizing your copyright, though. Getting your official copyright gives you added protection because there is an official record of when your copyright came into existence. This helps if you need to take legal action against someone stealing your work.
A Word About Create Space
CreateSpace, is a member of the Amazon group of companies, and provides innovative tools and services to help authors, filmmakers and musicians publish and distribute their creative content to millions of potential customers. Create Space's manufacture on-demand technology makes it easy and economical for content creators to make their books, films, and music available across a variety of retail and wholesale channels, including Amazon.com and CreateSpace.com, without an upfront investment in inventory.
The sizable and rapidly expanding range of books, DVDs and CDs available through the CreateSpace platform is now in excess of 2 million titles and exemplifies how quickly on-demand production and distribution are being adopted!
Shadow Wolf Publishing is pleased to be able to recommend the services of Create Space to all writers who would appreciate help in getting their work into book form without the extravegant cost involved with some publishing houses. These easy to work with folks have published all of our books, and it was a very positive experience all the way.
The link above is your first step in your new relationship with this user-friendly service. Please just click on the Create Space Icon and set up an account. This is a free service and will be your first pleasant experience in what may become a long-term relationship.