Welcome to the 21st Century
Publishing Update newsletter. Published about twice a month it is
your source for news and trends in the changing publishing world.
Issue 06 (August 2001)
In This Issue:
-JD Writes
-New This Week
- Will Print On-Demand Work For Me - Technical
Considerations
- Print On-Demand Makes It In Writers
Digest Awards
- Author's Q & A
- News & Updates
- Resources
-New Last Time (in case you missed it)
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JD WRITES
Hi, Julie here.
Apologies for the late arrival of this issue - I've been moving house and things were a bit chaotic for a while
there. But the world of writing and publishing continued on, and you can catch up in the News & Updates Section.
I hope you are all enjoying your summer - or, for those of you in the southern hemisphere, your winter.
Well, I'll get back to unpacking boxes, and let you read on...
Best,
Julie
NEW THIS WEEK
ARTICLES
Will Print On-Demand Work For Me -
Technical Considerations
by Julie Duffy
Second in a series of articles about Print
On-Demand Publishing
Desktop
publishing has made producing a publication much easier than it ever
was. It is a mistake, however, to think that ‘easier’ means
‘easy’. There are still many technical considerations when dealing
with digital printing and with specific print on-demand companies. This
article does not aim to answer every technical question about POD, but
it does aim to help you ask some of the right questions of yourself and
of the POD companies you are considering using. As always, if you have
any questions, please email me at jd@jdwrite.com
.
The
most important questions concern your book itself.
General issues
Print
on-Demand books are usually produced in one of two sizes: 5.5” x
8.5” or 6” x 9”. By producing books of the same size, the POD
companies can print many titles at the same time, with the minimum
set-up time.
Although
these formats are increasingly common they are not the perfect format
for all types of content. In these sizes, the text width is only
4.5”-5” on each page. If your book is a technical or non-fiction
book it may contain columns, sidebars or forms. This kind of book may
require a wider page, if it is to have the layout you want. If you still
want to proceed with Print On-Demand and this book format, you could
rework your book to present the sidebar information as in-line text -
perhaps at the end of a chapter, or separated from the main text by a
line separator or different font.
If
your book is too short or too long it may not be possible to bind using
the POD company’s standard methods. POD books are usually cut pages,
glue-bound. This method does not work well with fewer than 100 pages and
more than around 600 pages.
You
should also consider the kind of binding you want for your book. Most
POD companies offer ‘perfect binding’ only. Even hardback POD books
are glued, rather than sewn or stapled. If you want a staple-bound
chapbook or children’s book, or if you want a spiral or comb-bound
cookbook, you will probably not be able to use a POD company - yet. In
future companies may offer more binding options.
Digital
printing makes printing more flexible and affordable in some ways, but
less so, in others. For example, today, color digital printing is still
prohibitively expensive. Although a color cover can be produced,
printing in color inside the book would make it impossible to sell the
book at bookstore prices. Therefore, most POD companies do not offer
color inside the books…yet.
In
addition, interior graphics may be produced at lower quality than if you
were producing them as traditionally printed ‘plates’. Most digital
printers will reproduce your graphics more like art in a magazine than
art in a glossy art book. For most illustrations and most people
photographs, this is sufficient - and it is certainly more economical.
The high-quality prints in coffee table books are what make these books
so pricey.
One
final point about the manufacture of Print On-Demand books: they
generally do not allow for glossy separations to be printed and bound
into the book. Your art will be printed on the same paper as the rest of
your book. This means that you can sprinkle the art throughout the book,
with no need to send it to a ghetto in the middle of the book.
Reprints
If
your book was previously printed it may seem that you should have fewer
problems. After all, you already have a book, can’t they just
reproduce it? Unfortunately there are many questions to ask about a
previously published book.
The
first thing you must do when planning to bring your book back into print
is establish that you have the right to reproduce your text. Consult the
publisher’s contract to find out when the rights revert to you. Even
if you think the rights have reverted to you, you should contact the
original publisher and request written confirmation of that fact. Also
check that you have the right to produce any other formats that your POD
company produces (electronic editions, audio editions, etc.). Sometimes
publishing contracts cover different editions in different ways.
Artwork
and graphics that were included in the original edition may need special
attention when you are clarifying copyright issues. Look closely at any
book with artwork, particularly photos, and you will see
artist/photographer credits. On the copyright page, you will see
copyright information for any quoted poems, essays or reports. This
permission to reprint probably existed only for the original edition. In
order to reproduce the book, you must obtain these reprint permissions
again, from the copyright holder, or omit the copyrighted material. You
may find you can use the original cover art or some interior graphics,
free of charge, but you should consult an Intellectual Property or
Copyright lawyer to be sure of where you stand.
Re-publication
also raises the questions about the format. Do you want it in the same
format? Will the originally formatting work in the 5.5” x 8.5” or
6” x 9” formats used by Print On-Demand companies?
Getting
Your Previously-Published Book Into Digital Form
There
are three main ways to convert your printed book into a file that can be
sent to a digital printer. Simple scanning, Scanning to Optical
Character Recognition software (OCR), or retyping.
Simple
scanning a book essentially photographs each page and creates an image
of it. This means that you
cannot easily make changes to the text or layout. It also means that the
text quality will be a little fuzzier than it was in the original when
reprinted (compare a photocopied document to its original and you will
see this effect). If your original book was a different size from the
new edition, it is possible to resize the scanned pages or to increase
or decrease the margin around the edges of the text. Neither of these is
a perfect solution, though. Resizing the text can render it unreadable:
the original designer chose the font, font size and spacing to work
together. Scaling a layout up or down can interfere with these
relationships.
It
is possible to scan a book and process it with Optical Character
Recognition (OCR) software. This method creates a word-processor file
from your printed document. This word-processor file can then be
changed, updated, and prepared for a new layout. Unfortunately OCR is
not perfect - and even a error rate as low as 2% yieldsup to 2000 errors
in a 100,000 word book. This error rate increases as the quality of the
original declines (in other words, if the original copies are in small,
close-set type on frayed or yellowing pages, the software will not be
able to ‘read’ it as accurately).
The
final option is to have your text re-typed. This creates a new,
word-processor document that can be changed, updated and prepared for a
new layout. If you decide to have the book retyped professionally, try
to find a service that uses ‘double-keying’. This means that the
book is actually entered twice. Computer software eliminates errors by
comparing the two versions. This is a little more expensive than having
your granddaughter type it as a summer project, but may end up saving
you money in the long-run.
Artwork
and republication
The
final issue to consider when copying a previously published book is the
quality of the artwork. If you do not have the original artwork, the art
in your book must be scanned. As with the text, scanning reduces the
quality of the final product. If you are using photographs or other
‘half-tones’ you will find that the quality of a scan from a
previously-printed version decreases dramatically. Line art will
reproduce better. If possible, supply the original art to your printer.
Preparing
a manuscript for layout
[this
section assumes that you are not simply scanning a previously-published
book]
The
world of word-processors and desktop publishing have made it relatively
easy to produce a professional publication economically. This does not
mean, however, that anyone who can use a word-processing program can
necessarily handle the complexities of manuscript preparation and book
design. This is why some Print On-Demand companies handle the layout of
the book in-house. Others rely on the author to produce a good-looking
layout by providing detailed specifications that the author must follow.
Preparing
for a professional layout
If
you are preparing your text for a professional layout, you may need to
follow very explicit instructions (unless you are paying for highly
customized work - unlikely with print on-demand companies -- you may
find they are not willing to spend time coaching you through the
preparation process). If you do not follow the instructions exactly, you
may creating difficulties with the layout. Difficulties and corrections
usually translate into additional cost.
If
you find lists of word-processing instructions hard to understand, if
you do not know how to combine all your files into one master file and
transfer it to a floppy disk, or if you do not know how to re-format
your existing file to different specifications efficiently, consider
hiring someone who does.
If
you have an index, you will probably have to learn how to use the
tagging feature in your word-processor, so that the index can be
imported into the new layout and retain its integrity.
If
you have graphics you will have to ensure you can provide them in the
correct size and resolution for best results on the digital press (a
resolution that looks good on your computer screen, at 72 dots per inch,
will not necessarily look so good output from a high resolution
printer).
Doing
it yourself
Artistic
considerations
Word
processors are wonderful inventions, but they do not replace a good
artistic eye and experience. Knowing where and when to use features like
underline, bold, italics, shadow boxes and columns, comes with study and
practice - things a designer has, things that the average writer does
not have. Even a good artistic eye cannot replace the help of someone
trained to know what font size goes with which spacing; just how much
white space is enough; and where to put the chapter titles for best
effect. Unless you have design experience - and book design experience
at that - be very wary of designing your book without expert help.
Technical
considerations
You
must be sure how the Print On-Demand company wants to receive the file.
Will they accept a word-processor file or do they need something more
‘high end’? If you are concerned about your book looking ‘real’
you may want to use high end graphics tools. A book expert can usually
tell the difference between something designed by a designer and
something created in Microsoft Word. If you are not experienced in using
Quark Xpress or Adobe PageMaker, it will take time to learn them. Then,
once you have mastered the program, you must master the the temptation
to use all the new bells and whistles you’ve discovered. Less is more.
In
this article I have attempted to cover a lot of ground, quickly, and
have not tried to give all the answers thoroughly. If I have raised
questions and you want a more thorough answer, email me at jd@jdwrite.com
and I’ll be happy to clarify, expand on any point in this article, or
address new questions.
back
to top
Print On-Demand Makes It in Writers Digest
Awards
by Julie Duffy
This year, marked
the first time Print On-Demand books were allowed into the Writer's
Digest Self-Published Book Awards. POD title Monkey Wrench, by Harland
W. Carson, won its category (Genre Fiction) and six others received
honorable mentions. Not bad when you consider that only five years ago
the idea of books printed on-demand was dismissed as 'science fiction'
by many experienced publishers.
Print on-demand trade books first appeared, commercially, in 1997. By
1999 hundreds of authors had discovered this new, inexpensive way to
self-publish. The big publishers and media were beginning notice. That
same year, however, the Writer's Digest contest still required a minimum
print run of 500 copies - not a large number, but one that didn't allow
for this new method of producing books.
This year, however, things were different. Writer's Digest Editor,
Melanie Rigney, explains:
"The rules were changed for the 2000 competition...to
acknowledge the changing marketplace."
With more than 15 Print On-Demand companies producing books for
thousands of authors today, the marketplace was certainly changing -
fast.
But were the books judged on content or manufacturing quality? The
rules said that, in the event of a draw, the quality and design of the
book may be used to decide on a winner.
Editor Rigney answers,
"Content and writing quality were the primary determinants for
category winners and honorable mentions."
The comments handed back by the judges definitely bear this out. Most
of the comments on the 'score sheets' praised content and style. So what
do you have to do to impress next year's judges? Read on.
Carlos Ledson Miller received honorable mentions for two books,
Panama and Belize. He says most of the comments cited "quality of
the writing, the compelling plot, and well-developed characters" as
reasons for the award, although one judge did comment on Panama's
"professional-looking, eye-catching cover".
James Ignizio, author of Gone Awry, felt that content was definitely
the reason his book received an honorable mention. One of the judges
raved,
"You seldom see a genre novel that works this well on several
levels."
Robert Barlow Fox's Inherited Family was commended in the Children's
Fiction section, not only for his style, but also for keeping his
audience in mind. Fox says the judges cited, "the unique style, yet
interesting telling of the story that would be certain to hold a child's
attention" as the reason for his honorable mention.
Jonathan Linn's Dada Means Death did receive the double-edged comment
"the only thing that I didn't think was top-notch was the
cover". This didn't stop it from winning a glowing review and an
honorable mention in the Genre Fiction section.
Judges of Paula LaSala's fantasy novel From Honor Bound also took
time out from praising her style ("the writing is wonderful")
to comment that the book was nicely formatted, although they added,
"I wish the cover gave better insight into what the book is
about."
Even if the physical book did not have a huge impact on the judging,
it is encouraging that WD Editor Rigney was pleased with the quality of
the bound books they received,
"The production values of the POD books that received honorable
mentions were excellent."
So, it seems that self-publishers can't rely on content alone to
please readers, but content and style are still the most important
factor.
***
Next time: how does it feel to have your book judged as one of the
best self-published books of the year? These authors' surprising
answers...coming soon!
AUTHOR'S
Q&A
This
week Michael asks:
Hi,
How does one get listed as a writer
resource or newsletter or whatever?
---
………………………………….
Hi Michael,
Hmm...I would LOVE it if there was one way to 'get listed as a
writer's resource', but sadly, like everything else in life, you have to
work at it.
You can start by getting involved in online communities, newsgroups
etc., and including a subtle link in your signature file. This
establishes you as someone with worthwhile contributions, someone
trustworthy -- assuming you are ;)
You can also offer free advice, articles, offers, to the editors of
newsletters that writers read (like writersweekly.com and writing-world.com).
They will reprint your information along with your bio. If your site is
good enough, these people may add you to their lists of resources. Try
contacting the editors of the sites on my
resources page if you think your site would interest them. If you
can't get free publicity in these newsletters, you can usually pay a
little to advertise.
There are also the standard search engines, each of which has
information about how to register your site with them. Then there are
specialist lists that you can find and apply to.
Everyone who likes your site may tell another couple of people, and
that's how word of mouth support happens. There is also a list called
WriterZines at Yahoo Groups, in which writers of newsletters can post
details of their newsletters, in the hope that people will subscribe.
It's free and I usually pick up a couple of subscribers every time I
post.
Basically, you have to pound the virtual pavement, and try to get
listed at every writer's resource site you come across.
Oh yes, and use a signature file that tells people about your
site/product, on every email you send.
Good luck!
Julie
NEWS
& UPDATES
First US
National Book Festival To Be Held, Sept 8, 2001
31 July 2001
First Lady Laura Bush and Librarian of
Congress Dr. James H. Billington have announced the first US National
Book Festival, to be held in Washington DC, on Sept 8 this year. The aim
of the festival is to celebrate the wonders of reading. Taking place in
the grounds of the Capitol, the Festival will feature appearances by
well-known authors such as Sue Grafton, Stephen Ambrose and Scott Turow.
Other attractions include, readings, music, tours, exhibits and story
telling.
More:
Information from the Library
Of Congress
Related Stories:
Reported
in The Washington Post
Writers
Digest Announces Self-Pub Book Award Winners
20 July 2001
Writers Digest announced the winners of it's 2000
Self-Published Book Awards. For the first time, the awards featured one
winner and several honorable mentions for books produced using Print
On-Demand. WD Editor Melanie Rigney says, "The rules were changed
to acknowledge the changing marketplace."
More:
An interview with the authors
The
Writers Digest site
Amazon Launches
eDocuments Store
15 July 2001
eDocuments, defined as 'short works read on screen'
are now available at Amazon.com. Amazon hopes to succeed whether others,
like MightyWords.com, have failed, by ensuring quality content, offering
short works from established research companies like International Data
Corporation and Accenture.
More:
Amazon's
eDocument Store
RESOURCES
New
this week:
new!Coffee
House For Writers
With the friendly slogan 'grab a cup and come on in',
the Coffee House is a good site for new writers. It has a publication
called 'Beginnings' which aims to help new authors get that first
publication credit.
new!The
Local Writers' Workshop
Started in 1997, the LWW grew out of a San
Antonio-based writers group that truly was local, but also posted works
online, and critiqued them. This group is a serious workshop. You will
not be allowed to post anything for critiquing until you have
established your credentials by critiquing others' works for a set time
(3 works each week for 3 weeks). Sounds elitist, but creates a community
of dedicated writers. A great alternative to a physical local writers'
workshop.
new!Fiction
Factor
An increasingly impressive online magazine aimed at
the fiction writers, but often containing advice useful to all writers.
Interviews, guest columns, resources and more.
new!The Marketing Minute
Marcia
Yudkin's sound marketing advice that can be read, unlike most
e-newsletters, in a minute. Great if you work in marketing, or if you
need to know how to market your work.
To subscribe send an email to marci@yudkin.com
with "sign me up!" as the subject line.
new!Bright
Ideas
Creative marketing strategies from Cathy
Stucker, The Idea Lady. Great for writers working in the marketing
field, or for writers thinking about how to market their own work.
To subscribe send an email to ideasub@idealady.com
new!Writers'
Press, Inc.
A
small operation run by a print publishing veteran. Doesn't take rights
but doesn't provide a clear contract either (yes, contracts can be bad,
but having something legal on paper is a good thing too). Promises to
help with marketing, but I have to question how much one small
organization can help. Has produced 150 titles. Owns its own equipment.
new!Guerrilla
Marketing For Writers by Jay Conrad Levinson, Rick Frishman and
Michael Larsen
This book contains 100 tools, or 'weapons' to use in marketing your book.
Each is rated by how much they will cost the author - and many cost
nothing but time.
NEW LAST TIME
THE 21st CENTURY GUIDE TO PRINT ON-DEMAND PUBLISHING
First in a series
The appeal of Print On-Demand to self-publishers is easy to see: no printing costs, expert help with layout and cover design,
along with distribution support. But with so many companies springing up, singing the praises of
this new technology, how do you get to the truth?
The introductory article in this series gives a history of
printing technology and a primer on what Print On-Demand Publishing really means!
JDWrite uses experience gained in three years building the first
of the Print On-Demand Publishing Services Providers, to bring you the first in a series that will show you:
*if POD will work for your project,
*what to expect from your service provider,
*what's in a publishing agreement,
and more...
AUTHOR'S Q & A
..............
This author's question focuses on what to do with all that extra space on a CD-ROM,
since she is selling an electronic edition of her book.
NEWS & UPDATES
US Supreme Court Backs Freelancers' Rights
A CONTROVERSIAL case covering copyright, availability of information, and good old money, has finally passed through
the US Supreme Court....
Barnes & Noble Launches 'New Writer Nights'
AFTER ANNOYING self-publishers by last year's decision to stop accommodating signings for Print On-Demand authors, Barnes &
Noble extends the olive branch...at least authors using their partner company,
iUniverse...
E Book-Store, Not E-Books At W H Smith
W H SMITH HAS launched a new e-book kiosk at its airport stores. Essentially a high-tech vending machine with books, the
Zoom Systems E-book Stores may be just a taste of more sophisticated things to come...
ABOUT JDWRITE
JDWrite is the online home of writer, journalist and former Xlibris Director of Author Services, Julie McCarroll Duffy.
Julie has expert knowledge of the new world of publishing: Print On-Demand, self-publishing, online publishing, eBooks, the
evolving publishing industry and more. Her role at Xlibris was
to work with authors to help them understand these developments, to listen to authors' needs and communicate those to the
company. She has been a speaker at writers' conferences around the US and seeks to continue to educate authors to understand
their ever-increasing opportunities in the publishing world. After following her husband's career from their native Scotland
to the US, Julie is working on a book about Trailing Spouse Syndrome,
and a book about Print On-Demand Publishing.
All content copyright 2001 Julie Duffy.
For permission to reprint articles, contact the editor at
jd@jdwrite.com.
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