Yesterday, Brown delivered the proof for FC:I, and once again I was reminded of just how important a hardcopy proof is. For you out there who are thinking about self-publishing a hardcopy book, always get a physical proof copy of the book.
So, how was it?
First, CreateSpace makes a very good product.
- Printing has clean lines, sharp graphics, and excellent quality on cover and interior. Color quality for the cover was spot on and consistent throughout; I have a single color across front, spine, and back, and there were no variations across it. (FC:II, with its gradient will be interesting).
- Cover stock is good. Interior paper (I opted for cream-colored paper rather than stark white is of a good weight, good feel, and minimal translucency.
- Perfect binding is good, with strong crimp marks along the spine and a substantial amount of adhesive.
- The ISBN/Bar code was added to the back, all in proper placement.
- The inter-scene graphics and the map were all high-quality and evenly printed.
However, it was not without its problems. But the problems were all of my own making. This is why a physical copy is so important. Reviewing the digital version, even printing out pages from the print-ready PDF, did not show me some of the problems. It’s the type of thing you can only tell when it’s printed up.
- The font was just a skosh too large. I had 12pt but it really needed to be 11pt for the more open style that Old Bookman provides.
- The top and side margins were too narrow, making the text appear cramped.
- Headers were too close to the text, and too close to the top of the page.
So, even though I’m excited and anxious to get this piggy off to market, I’m going to go through another proof process. This is well worth the effort, as this book will be a template for the next four volumes in the series.
That doesn’t mean I won’t print a proof of those, though. I never trust myself not to make stupid mistakes…
k
[…] Proof of Life is a recent post from a blogger that I’ve just discovered. He’s farther along on his writing path than I am, and the advice and tips that he shares so freely are great. Everyone should take a few moments to check him out, especially if you’re a writer at any stage. […]
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I’m so grateful that you’re sharing your experiences. It’s quite helpful to me as I get closer and closer to being ready to publish.
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Julie, I’m glad you’re finding these posts helpful. It’s all part of “paying it forward,” for me. I didn’t get much assistance or encouragement while on my own journey through “the machine” of New York publishing. I only wish I’d started this blog while going throu _that_!
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I could feel the excitement as you listed off the qualities! (Yes, I’m projecting. I could almost feel holding *my* book in my hands for the first time)
But excellent advice, and one I’m well familiar with even at work where we have first article paperwork that, inevitably, I will *always* print something wrong the first time and have to do it again.
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If I learned one thing from my time working in publishing/printing: It’s never right the first time.
k
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