Publishing Series: #15 A Closer Look at the Page

Let's take a closer look at preparing the pages for print.

Hopefully, you've been working in Word, since that is the most flexible program when it comes to formatting pages for a book. You've probably been typing in 8.5x11, but if you look under "layout" in the top toolbar, you will see the icon for changing the size of the page. Depending on the publishing program you are using, find out the size options for your published page. These are usually about 5x7, but they vary slightly. It is important that you know the exact size the published page will be.

At the bottom of Word's layout dropdown menu, you will see "more paper sizes." This will allow you to type in the exact size of the page you need. When you apply to the entire document, you will magically see your book in real book size! This is a very exciting part of the process!

Start to visualize your pages as you would a book, with a left page and a right page. The next thing you will want to do is to adjust the margins for the entire document. You have probably been using Word's default margins, which is one inch all around. Book margins are not that big. Start using a well published book from your bookshelf as a model. Bring a few samples to your workstation as references. The outside margins -- the one on the far left and the one on the far right of the double page -- should each be about a half inch, maybe even smaller depending on your preference. The two margins that meet in the middle of the double page -- the gutter, however, should be larger because space is needed for the bend of the pages as the reader opens the book. If this inside margin is too small, the words will flow into the crease formed by the meeting of the pages and your reader will struggle to read the story.

Once the margins are applied to the entire manuscript, it will really start looking like a book! These measurements are not set in stone. They can be adjusted during the process, so experiment until you are satisfied with the appear
ance.

Next Time: A Closer Look at the Front Matter

Publishing Series: # 14 They Will Judge!

There is an old saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover." But they will. Your cover is your book's best advertisement.

At this point in the publishing process, thought should be given to your cover. There are many options. If you are using KDP or a similar independent venue to publish, you will have to figure out how to produce a cover. There is help on the KDP website to pull together a cover on your own, but you have to be realistic with yourself. Do you have the talent to produce a good cover? You can also search the web for people from whom you can purchase cover making talents. You can purchase art and do the layover of the type yourself.

Sometimes you know a talented friend. This was my luck. My first two covers were designed by Aaron La Porta, who is a professional graphic designer. He was knowledgeable about computer layout, so that he could help me produce a cover that fit into the dimensions required by the program.

For my latest project, Periphery, I am embarking on a new venture, which is truly exciting. I will be working with artist Erin Ruffino. This is a totally new experience for me. Erin will be producing the art for the cover and, hopefully, Aaron will once again be adding the graphic elements to produce the cover. Erin and I met virtually last week and began talks so that she could begin to see the characters and fantasy world I've spent two years creating. She is an amazing artist and I can't wait to see the results, but I expect it to be quite a process. I'll keep you posted!

Publishing Series: #13 Prepping the Manuscript

So, you've decided to indie publish. Good for you, but remember, some hard work lies ahead.

First, you must commit to being a detail person. You want the best version of your work out there for public consumption. Your author reputation is on the line.

Second, decide on the publishing platform you will use and become familiar with it. For instance, I found that if using Kindle Direct Publishing, my manuscript transferred easily if it was written in Word rather than in a Google doc. 

Third, prepare the entire book document before you transfer it. This means preparing what is called the front and back matter as well. What do I mean by this? Pull some books off your bookshelf, and look at what is written on the pages before the story actually starts -- this is the front matter. There are blank pages, a copy right page, a dedication, extra title pages, sometimes a table of contents. If you want your book to appear professional, you need all these "extra" pages. These pages appear in a certain order. Model the appearance, type font, and order and your work will appear professionally published.

Look at the back matter in these books as well. Back matter is anything that comes after the book is finished. You'll need an "about the author" page. Read some professionally done examples and model yours after theirs. Will you need author notes? Look at several examples of what other authors do.

Then you'll need to finalize the actual text. This involves inserting either a heading or a footing for page numbers. Again, look at several professional examples and decide which basic design will work for you. Word offers you several options that can be tailored to fit your needs.

This is also the time to finalize other details. What font do you want the body of your text to appear in? Take out spaces between paragraphs, unless it is used as a device to indicate a change in setting. Make sure that paragraph indents are only about 3 spaces, not the typical 5. Don't indent the first paragraph of each chapter. (Don't believe me on this one? Check out some professionally published works!) Do you want an oversized letter at the start of each chapter? Play around with that. What font and size should your chapter headings be? Should they be centered? Flush to the right or left margin? Should they have titles? If they have titles, you'll definitely need that table of contents.

As you can see, there are a lot of decisions to be made and a lot of work to be done. Take your time, and do it right. Now is not the time to rush. Remember, you want your work to look its best out there in the world!

Publishing Series: #12 The Difference between Indie and Self-Publishing

We've been exploring publishing options now that you have your book crafted. We explored traditional publishing in the last entry in this series, and there are two other options: Indie Publishing and Self-Publishing.

There is a huge difference between these two methods of publishing your work.

With self-publishing, an author finds a printing house, usually a small one. This printing house agrees to publish the work, but the author will have to pay to have a certain number of books published. This will usually cost the author several hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars for a run of, say, one thousand books -- possibly more. After paying the agreed amount, the publishing house will print the books and deliver them to the author. It is then the author's responsibility to sell this inventory of books. He might talk bookstores into purchasing them, or he might sell them at author signings. Usually, the author is left with a large number of boxed books that he doesn't know what to do with. This method is also often referred to as being printed by a "vanity press."

Independent publishing has one major difference from self-publishing. It is a print-on-demand process, so that the author never has to carry an inventory. There are several ways to indie publish, but I'll probably talk a lot about Kindle Direct because that is the method I use and that I am most familiar with. Kindle Direct is the independent publishing arm of Amazon. When one of my readers purchases one of my books through Amazon, their copy is printed just for them. It's not pulled off a shelf somewhere. Amazon pays me my royalty. I am also able to purchase a small number of books, say 20 or 30, at a low author cost, when I have an author signing, so I never have to worry about boxes of books that I have to store. I also haven't invested a ton of money.

To me, this is a no-brainer. But it probably also depends on the type of book you are publishing. Explore the products of each method. Look at the quality. What do you want your book to look like? You want your name associated with the best-looking product possible.

Publishing Series: #11 Traditional or Indie Publishing?

This is a huge question.

There are folks out there who want to be traditionally published and are willing to die on that hill. Traditional publishing means being offered a book deal by a major publishing house.

This path requires finding an agent first. Back in the old days, you could send your manuscript right to a publisher, but no more. If you do that, you'll be lucky to have it sent back to you.

Nowadays, you need to find an agent first. There are tons of them out there. If you have no other publishing credits behind you -- in other words, you haven't published any articles, short stories, or poetry in magazines or newspapers -- it's best to start with an agent who is new to the business. Sounds like it won't get you very far, but these folks are eagerly looking for a good manuscript. Search out new agents on google, in the Writer's Market, or in ads in writer's magazines. Since agents specialize in certain genres, you'll want to find an agent who handles the genre you are writing.

When you have gathered a few names, you'll want to craft a query letter. The first paragraph of the letter should tease your book, much like the back cover blurb would tease a perspective reader. The rest of the letter should include your book's length, genre, and your contact information. This letter will accompany the first part of your book -- usually the first 30 pages. To an agent, these first 30 pages are key, so make sure something big happens in the first 30 pages. If it doesn't, rewrite!

Then send off your packages. And wait.

As you might have guessed by now, this is the hard part. You'll get rejection letters. Some of them nice, some of them form letters. The most disappointing part of this path is that agents will only represent one writer per genre, so if they already have a science fiction client, for instance, and you write science fiction, they won't represent you also -- at least not until they have sold that first client's book to a publisher.

Book deals are hard to come by. They take talent and a whole lot of luck -- but there are other options.

Next Up: Indie Publishing

The Publishing Process Series: #1

One of the most frequent questions I am asked is, "How do you get a book published?"

I wish there was an easy answer! Writing is a long process. I once heard someone describe it as being similar to wading through mud. For me, it is more enjoyable than that, but there are parts where the going is slow, and the writer has to put in strenuous effort and perseverance if moving forward is expected. The process is even longer if the writing is a side endeavor, as it is for me right now. Balancing a career, family, and the fun of writing is a tightrope walk, but that might be best handled in another series of entries.

Over the next several entries, I am going to discuss the steps I've found it takes to getting a piece of writing published. Topics will include coming up with an idea, drafting, the role of beta readers, revising, and moving to book form, for starters. The publishing process
might be different for others, and I encourage comments, questions, and others' advice because no one's journey in this endeavor is the same.

Next Up: The Idea

Cover Reveal!

At last!

Eye of the Peacock is only inches away from hitting the presses! Proofs were ordered only minutes ago. So, within a week or two, my second novel will be available! Personally, I love this one, and so will readers who are willing to suspend reality.

I am also revealing the cover, designed once again by Aaron La Porta. I think Aaron did a wonderful job capturing the mysterious and supernatural flavor of the book.

Here is the back cover summary: Aubrey Harrington just wants to get the community service hours she needs to graduate from high school. She never thought that taking the volunteer tour guide job at the local mansion would change her life forever. When she falls – or is pushed – down a flight of stairs, Maeve Somerton gives her a hand up, but the help comes with a price. Maeve thinks she was murdered, and now Aubrey must help her.
Spiraling back in time, Aubrey feigns being Maeve’s school chum to try to solve a mystery among strangers. Meanwhile, Aubrey also lays comatose in a hospital, and as her condition worsens, her family and friends wonder if she will ever come back to them. Caught in a twist of time and existence, Aubrey finds herself more ghost than alive in a world in which she was never meant to be.
Will Aubrey be able to solve the mystery of Maeve’s death? And even if she does, will she be able to find her way back home?

I’m so excited! I hope you love it!

The Draft is Done!

The draft of “Eye of the Peacock” is now finished. Huzzah!

I’m taking a week to read through one last time to look for silly mistakes before it goes to my team of beta readers. Besides my usual crew, I’ll have three teens on that team, and I’m excited for their input. I’ll be giving them several weeks to read and make their annotations.

Then begins the really tough work: comparing their notes page by page. If they all pin point a problem area, then it’s my job to rework it. Some will also spot some editing mistakes, and I’ll fix those along the way.

The next step is ordering proofs once the cover has been decided. Another team of readers will “red pen” those copies for editing mistakes.

Then it’s off to the publishers!

Talking Writing with Teachers

Today I had the true pleasure of talking writing with colleagues. Teaching and writing buddy John and I discussed why, when and what we write in an attempt to inspire more teachers to find their inner novel.

We talked about how being a published writer adds a layer of credibility to you as a teacher.

As a teacher of English, writing Relic made me practice what I preached. I battled point of view, re-writing almost the entire manuscript as I changed from third to first person. I also can personally attest to how much effort goes into word choice to help create the tones associated with my scenes and characters. Both word choice, tone and point of view are aspects I want students to pay close attention to as they read to see how they affect the book as a whole.
We also got to chat about publishing, especially indie publishing.

Great fun!

Relic News!

In an interview at the back of Cinder, Marissa Meyer said one of the most difficult things about writing is the publicity side. And she has a major publisher behind her.

As an indie author, I have to agree. She said that she has learned that following the publication of a book, the marketing takes a front seat and she has learned to write the next book during the lulls in between. Good advice.

Over the holiday break I have been working on making Relic more available. You can now purchase it as a Kindle e-book here. The paperback version will be carried in two local stores, Tile Pharmacy in Cheektowaga, NY, and Sinclair Pharmacy in Warsaw, NY. They may seem like odd venues for book sales, but both have a large gift-seeking clientele and Tile has a “locally-made” section.

The big news is that on July 20, I will have an author talk and book signing at the independently-owned Monkey See, Monkey Do book store in Clarence, NY. It looks to be a special event with cookies from the book and tea! Watch for more details. I can’t wait!

Times are Changing

Sci Fi Author Martin Wilsey
already has his copy!

It has begun!

People are buying Relic!

Until now, this was a personal quest, a private journey. But things have changed. Now it’s about my readers. I always knew it was, but now they’re really there!

I’ve signed my first copies – one purchased by a dear friend and another for an 8-year-old. It is surreal. It is daunting. I am writing for young people, and I feel an obligation not to disappoint them.




Friends have been a wonderful support in Relic's opening days!

I hope they all get to love Sam and root for her as she struggles with all the changes in her life. I hope they giggle at quirky Mrs. Van Dansk, and wonder about the girl with the chestnut hair.

I’m working with three local book stores to arrange book signings and author talks. There are so many stories about the writing of this book that I would love to share.

Purchase your copy of Relic by clicking here, or on the cover on the right side of my blog!

I am Pleased to Announce...

The publication of Relic, a middle grade supernatural mystery!

It is available on Amazon as a paperback for $8.99.

   For 12-year-old Samantha Whitaker, her parents’ dream of running a country
inn – which she calls “The Ick,” is pure torture.

  After purchasing a strange item in an antique shop just to annoy her mother, Samantha makes a desperate attempt to flee the small village by stealing her parents’ car – only to crash it when an odd village girl darts in front of her…then disappears.

  Despite Samantha’s resistance, a local girl named Twyla befriends her and aids her in looking for the missing girl. Her search leads Samantha to learn about a famous former
occupant – village benefactor, patron of the arts, and suffragette Olivia Ainsley Wagner Roth – who, according to the previous owner, still haunts the inn.

   An unusual relic, a hidden diary, an unfinished letter. Will Samantha’s supernatural sleuthing bring answers to a village mystery that has strange parallels to her own life?

Enjoy!

Ready for Proofing!

The final cover of Relic has arrived!

I think it is absolutely fantastic! So many thanks to talented graphic designer Aaron La Porta for capturing the setting and mood of my first middle grade novel.

You can’t see the back of the cover, but here is the text:

      For twelve-year-old Samantha Whitaker, her parents’ dream of running an inn in the country, which she calls “the Ick,” is pure torture.

     After purchasing a strange item in an antique shop just to annoy her mother, Samantha makes a desperate attempt to flee the small village by stealing her parents’ car—only to crash it when an odd village girl darts in front of her…then disappears.

     Despite Samantha’s resistance, a local girl named Twyla befriends her and aids her in looking for the missing girl. Her search leads Samantha to learn about a famous former occupant—village benefactor, patron of the arts, and suffragette Olivia Ainsley Wagner Roth—who, according to the previous owner, still haunts the inn.

     An unusual relic, a hidden diary, an unfinished letter. Will Samantha’s supernatural sleuthing bring answers to a village mystery that has strange parallels to her own life?

I’m hoping it all piques your interest in Samantha Whitaker and her experiences.

I’m learning it takes time and patience for all the pieces of a book to pull together. The next step is ordering proofs to be red-penned in a final read before publication.

Soon after, Relic will be available on Amazon. Several book signings are already in the planning stage, so stay tuned!

Sneak Peek

So much in life is worth waiting for.

I had an awesome surprise Monday morning when I opened my email and found the first draft of my cover for Relic! I am only giving you a sneak peek because it is just a draft, but I am so excited! What you see is only a teeny piece of the whole cover.

It really is more than I could have hoped for. The artwork of the mansion perfectly depicts the setting of the novel. I love the color scheme and the dramatic lighting – and, according to my cover designer, Aaron La Porta, there are possibly more dramatic effects to come if I approve them.

On my end, the map to supplement the text is done, and the floor plans of the mansion are about half done.

This baby may be out by the end of August, yet!

 

Tentative August Release

I am anticipating an August debut of Relic.

There is a multi-pronged effort at this point:

·         My marketing team is working on back cover copy.

·         A graphic designer is creating the cover.

·         I am crafting the map and floor plan to augment the story.

·         My application for a Library of Congress number is being completed.

Although it makes me crazy to have nothing finished, all of these things have to be happening at once. They all hinge on one another. The back cover copy has to be completed before the cover can  be completed. The cover needs to be completed before I can order a proof. The map and floor plan need to be added to the manuscript so that I can tweak the final layout. A proof has to exist before the Library of Congress number can be assigned, but the number and information has to be added to the back of the title page before the book can be released for final printing.

And some people think that writer’s block is a problem!

Author Page Photo

With only a day or two until the layout of  Relic is complete, I thought it about time to consider a photograph of myself for the “About the Author” blurb.

I have always been one who is more comfortable behind the camera taking the photos than in front of the camera. While on assignment as a newspaper reporter, I often had to take my own photos of news events.

Over the past several years, my husband and I have noticed that our oldest daughter has quite an eye for photos. So, Saturday morning, since I was feeling in a relatively photographic mood, I asked her to take some photos of me. The one here is the one we chose. Normally, a very unhappy  photo subject, I'm relatively happy with this one!

 

Thanks sweetie!