As an indie author, you wear many hats – writer, editor, designer, and publisher. While the process can be overwhelming, it’s also incredibly liberating to have control over every aspect of your work. In this post, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of publishing your book, from formatting to printing, and offer some valuable resources to help you along the way.
Preparing Your Manuscript
A well-formatted manuscript is essential for a professional-looking book. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Use a clear, readable font like Garamond or Arial. Avoid fonts that are too ornate or difficult to read.
- Set your margins to at least 0.5 inches on all sides to allow for trimming and binding.
- Use a standard font size, such as 12-point, and avoid using multiple font sizes within your manuscript.
- Use headings and subheadings to break up your text and create a clear hierarchy of information.
- Proofread, proofread, proofread! A single typo can make your book look unprofessional.
If you’re new to formatting, it’s worth checking out resources like Mastering Chapbook Layout for Beginners for more in-depth guidance.
Designing Your Book
Once your manuscript is ready, it’s time to think about the design of your book. This includes the cover, interior layout, and any illustrations or graphics you might want to include.
For cover design, Canva is a great tool for creating professional-looking covers in just a few minutes. They offer a wide range of templates and fonts to choose from, and it’s easy to customize your design to fit your book.
Interior design is a bit more complex, but Vellum is a powerful tool that can help you create a professional-looking interior layout in just a few clicks. They offer a range of templates and customization options, and it’s easy to export your file as a print-ready PDF.
Printing and Binding
Once you have your print-ready file, it’s time to think about printing and binding. There are a range of options available, from online print-on-demand services to local printers. Here are a few things to consider:
Print-on-demand services like CreateSpace or IngramSpark are great for small print runs or for self-publishing. They offer a range of paper types and binding options, and it’s easy to set up your title for sale online.
Local printers can offer more flexibility in terms of paper type and binding options. They may also offer more competitive pricing for larger print runs. Be sure to get quotes from multiple printers to find the best option for your book.
When it comes to paper type, consider using a high-quality, acid-free paper that will ensure your book lasts for years to come. Look for papers with a weight of at least 80 gsm for a professional-looking finish.
“The greatest glory in living lies in giving life to a book that will outlast the writer’s own fleeting existence.” – Neil Gaiman
In conclusion, publishing your own book can seem like a daunting task, but by breaking it down into manageable steps and using the right tools and resources, you can create a professional-looking book that you’ll be proud to call your own. Remember to take your time, be patient, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. And most importantly, keep writing!
If you’re looking for more guidance on publishing your book, be sure to check out our other resources, including Write, Print, Repeat: DIY Book Success and Writing a Novella in 3 Months.