Holistic Practitioner's #1 Self-Publishing Tip

Happy new year everyone. I know it has been a while since I blogged last. In fact, I realize that I really do not blog enough. Blogging more often is one of my resolutions for the new year. One of my 2012 accomplishments is that I have graduated from nutrition school. So I've been quite busy. In addition to helping authors self-publish, I am now a board certified holistic health coach, and I love helping others with their health goals. Throughout my schooling, I had the super great opportunity to read yet even more books! Books about health and nutrition are on my radar screen daily so, as a result, I have come across so many new books written by health practitioners who have self-published. The content is fantastic. The quality of the physical finished product is not. I thought I would  share about that just a little. Here is something to consider if you are a health practitioner—chiropractor, naturopathic physician, allopathic physician, acupuncturist, etc.

You have invested your time and money in your education. You are now a professional in your field. You want to write and publish a book to spread your message in the area of  your expertise. You want to build your practice. As a professional in your field, it would seem important to have your book also be professionally produced, right? I know it is so easy today to self-publish through myriad web-based publishers. However, the finished product might not be of the same caliber as you! My advice for the new year is if  you plan on self-publishing a book, please have a professional book publisher help you and please do not rely on choosing from a pool of ready-made design templates, uploading your text file and then expecting your book to look as fantastic as you are. Seek out the proper help. Have a great new year.

The Inside Scoop

If you are self-publishing your book, how do you envision the inside layout? Of course, it depends on whether your book will be heavy in the text department or will comprise text along with supportive graphics and photos. It is important to make sure you decide on the best layout and design that will enhance and communicate your message or story most effectively.

No matter how you envision the inside of your book, unless you are knowledgeable in the typesetting and graphic design arena, I highly recommend seeking the advice and help of a professional book producer. Besides choosing the right font and layout for your text and graphics, you should follow some basic rules that make books more reader-friendly and marketable. Here are some questions to consider:

1. What font style is best—serif or sans serif?
Serif is a font where the characters have little "curly tails." Sans serif fonts have no tails on them, such as in my posting font here. One hundred years worth of studies to determine which style of font works best for legibility and readability still have no definite conclusions, especially for today with everything mobile and electronic. Depending on your type of book, e.g., a cookbook or a novel, font styles will make somewhat of a difference to your readers. Personally, for lots of text, I prefer serif fonts. It is easier on my eyes. For a cookbook, sans serif, I believe, enables the recipe ingredients to stand out more from one another and from the instructions or description of the menu.

2. An extra line of space should be between paragraphs, right? At what size should my indents be set?
Well, that depends, again, on the type of book. For a novel or heavy text, I say no to "double returns" and that extra line of space between paragraphs. I especially cringe at extra line spacing and indents! The usual individual paragraph distinction is a small indent. And the indent spacing is based on the type font size. It is called an "em" space and equates to the point size of the typeface. Typesetters know the difference. Again, for a cookbook, it is good to have that bit of extra space between instructions and ingredients.

3. What size margins will work?
One needs to consider the communication goals of the text and how much white space will enhance the reading experience. A certain amount of white space also plays a big part in communicating effectively. Also, most important, you should consider the final print size of the pages and take into consideration trims and what might be left. E-PUB rules are different in this case. You wouldn't want your text crammed and jammed into the gutter, lying there, bleeding for help.

4. What size type is best?

Once you begin learning about and using a variety of type fonts, you will find that the same size does not actually mean the same size. Huh? Yes, one particular font at 12 pt. might be a bit higher and wider than another particular font also at 12 pt. For fiction or non-fiction books, again one must determine who the target audience is, their age group, reader-friendliness, and production size and costs. Publishers know this stuff best.

5. How do I number my pages correctly?
If your book cover will be on a different paper stock and heavier, then it's just the cover. Your pages start with your title page and include all front matter, body of book, and back matter. There are guidelines to follow when numbering the inside pages of a book. Most front matter pages (and some back matter pages) use roman numerals, but the title page and copyright page do not show the roman numerals. Say what? Lots of rules, folks. Also, blank pages should be completely blank. The most major rule to always remember is that odd numbers go on the right-hand pages (recto pages) and even numbers always go on the left-hand side (verso pages).

6. Color or black and white photos scanned on my home scanner will work, right?
No. Remember, again, quality is key. For professionally printing your book, your images must be at least 300 dpi. Today's nifty digital cameras do quite a good job, but size, background scenery, props, and color, if not set up correctly, can cause some serious issues. Old photos oftentimes need "clean-up" work by a professional so they do not show cloudiness or cracks, etc. A professional also considers the size of the image and the color scheme and makes necessary adjustments. 72 dpi is out. Remember that. Tiny is out. Remember that. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

7. Do I start a new chapter on a new page, and which side, left or right?
Today, I see chapters begin anywhere, and it drives me crazy. As for me and my publishing house, we will begin all chapters on a right-hand page and with no previous chapter text above the new chapter title and text.

8. Where do I list my references, and how do I cite them?
Again, it depends on the type of book. I prefer all references either at the end of each chapter or in the back matter. Rules exist for how references are cited, e.g., what type of titles are set in italics, what type of titles are set in quotes, how to set the authors' names, how to set the dates, etc. You can find resources for help with this task such as the University of Chicago Manual of Style. Lots of help is on the Internet as well.

9. I can share information or photos from other sources as long as I show where I got them, right?
NO. Most times you must obtain written permission, and sometimes you have to pay for it. This procedure applies to art work, photos, music, and written and printed text. One good resource is: http://www.permissionsgroup.com/copyrightresources Years ago, I worked with the lady who started this business. They are very helpful. Check out their website and give them a call if you need help.

10. How important is the table of contents?
Very. A lot of, if not most, potential book buyers skim through the ToC for eye-catching titles. Your chapter titles should help sell your book. Not only should they support chapter content but they should draw the reader in, topically, to consider reading or purchasing the book.

Many more guidelines exist that are important to the design and layout of your book. I have not covered all of them in this post. For now, I'm going to get back to the layout of another new Aimazing Publishing produced book.

Self Publishing Quality and Control for Authors

Authors who want to self-publish today have so many options available to do so. Two key aspects an author should keep in mind when self-publishing are:

1. Quality
2. Control

Quality
When it comes to quality in a book, there are many factors to consider, such as, the actual writing, editing, cover and interior design, color, proper page layout, professional typesetting and easy and attractive type fonts, necessary copyright information, front matter specifics, resources and references, permissions, printing, binding, and so much more. This is a huge responsibility that many new authors have little to no knowledge or experience in managing or executing.

Control
As an author who wants to self-publish, you know that you will need to invest monetarily to produce your books, whether in print format or e-book format. You also should know that to meet the quality standards for your published book, you need to have control. But what if you don't know how to manage and control all of the different stages of book publishing? And what if you are not sure, exactly, what constitutes good quality in a professional page layout or cover design?

Let's compare your book publishing with designing and building a new home. Say you have a great layout for your new house that you'd like to build. You've thought of every little nook and cranny; you've thought of how many rooms, the floor layout, the size for the rooms, cabinets, closets, staircases, and even the type of flooring, counter tops, and lighting. You've thought of everything you'd like to see to make your life easier on the inside and the outside. You want a cupola; you want two fireplaces, and you want a cobblestone exterior with yellow shingles, and so forth. Moving forward, you take time to sketch out your dream house layout. You  may go through several attempts at drawings and even use that special paper with the grid so you can draw your home and rooms "to scale." You finally got it. You show all your friends, and they think you have come up with a great home design. You've got your money, your personal detailed plan, and you're ready to begin construction. Now what?

Well, you may very talented with carpentry skills, and you will build the house's frame. But what about the foundation? You know a little about it, so you call ABC Concrete Company, and they come out and give you "their best price," and pour your foundation in one day. You know a little about electrical work, but you don't know which type of material and piping works best? You want QUALITY. So you go to your local hardware store and start purchasing all the materials and products you've seen advertised to be the best. You continue with construction and follow the instructions you find online on your computer and keep on building. Then you go back to the hardware store a few more times, then the cabinetry store, and a few more. Finally, you've built your house. Unfortunately, it's not holding up. Things aren't coming together just right. It doesn't seem to fit the vision you had on your original sketch, it begins to fall apart, and it looks lopsided from across the street. Nobody wants to come over for fear of the roof caving in.

When authors want to self-publish, they are faced with similar challenges. Unless you're a professional editor, a professional graphic designer or typesetter, a book printer and binder, or one that knows about copyright law and permissions processes, you won't be able to produce the quality book you have envisioned.

A professional home builder and contractor knows the ins and outs of home design and building, just as a book publishing professional knows the ins and outs of publishing a good quality book. When you hire a contractor to build your home, you have the ultimate control for the building of your home. The contractor must come to you with blueprints, materials, and professional recommendations, and must obtain your final permission and approval each step of the way.

Be wise when publishing your book. Choose a book producer who can help you publish your book with YOUR vision and YOUR purpose in mind. www.aimazingpmc.com

Linguine or Chop Suey: Blending Long and Short Sentences into Your Writing

Laughing as I type this, I just learned that "linguine" in Italian means, "little tongues." Some people have tongues that go on and on—you know, the long-winded types. That's not me, however. I'm more of a chop, chop, and get to the point gal.

Since last spring, I've had to tackle a lot of linguine, aka, very long sentences. Stop your laughter right now. I realize I'm guilty of dishing up a bit of those long noodles in my writing. Just grit your teeth and read on.

Sometimes a writer might need to serve linguine. Keep in mind, long sentences are okay but not if they're narrow and flat. It's all in how the writer seasons them. A lengthy sentence properly fitted with many adjectives and adverbial phrases can have its place. When the writer wants to evoke imagination, emotion, or deep thought, long isn't wrong. You may want to place your reader on spot, directly into a scene. Lengthy sentences can also cohesively and accurately instruct or communicate technical or scientific information.

Other times a writer might want to use a short, emphatic sentence to convey the intended message. I've been on a kick recently writing short sentences. It's fun. Consider it a challenge to serve chop suey that's easy to chew and tasty.

Together, long and short sentences tactfully used can be effective in any of the following writing styles.

Creative
Expository
Descriptive
Analytical
Academic
Technical
Business
Narrative
Correspondence


Depending on the writer's literary objectives, both linguine and chop suey are good choices and should remain on the menu.

Oh, boy. My next topic may very well be about cliches. I'm very guilty.

The Era of Potluck Publishing

Admit it. You’ve been to at least one “potluck” dinner in your lifetime. What might be your memories of that fine delectable occasion? I would hope they'd be the company of friends, family, or business associates that wins hands-down. You see, I’ve never been to a potluck where I was absolutely floored by the fantastic, salivating recipes offered on the table. One never knows what one will get at a potluck. Agree?

Today, I view the publishing industry as a huge table offering a variety of choices—some good—some not so good. 

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines the term as:

• the regular meal available to a guest for whom no special preparations have been made;

• a communal meal to which people bring food to share —usually used attributively—a potluck supper; or

• whatever is offered or available in given circumstances or at a given time.

The term “pot-luck” originated way back about 1600 in England. An English Elizabethan pamphleteer, Thomas Nashe, used it in some of his works. To the Irish, a potluck was a meal with no particular menu, thus “the luck of the pot.” Groups of Irish women would gather together and cook dinner in one pot, using whatever ingredients they happened to have that day. I attend potluck dinners at my church, and oftentimes I have to call ahead to ask what might be included in the meal spread. Sometimes I end up bringing my own food as a result (I’m strict vegetarian). 

A good book is a meal—it feeds you, right? What goes into producing a good read today is far from what it took years ago. I know. I’ve been around long enough to have experienced and been a part of the so-called “conventional” methods. I’ve come up from the old ways of graphic arts by hand, and proofing and working my way through the big ol’ art boards—rubyliths and all. Then there were the galleys, brown lines, blue lines, and more. I remember so carefully cutting with my x-acto knife one or two small typeset letters from a word and replacing them with rubber cement to repair a typo. It took a lot those days to get a good-looking print piece. The art of lithography—don’t get me started—I love it. It is still getting some use today, but for the most part, we’re in the electronic and digital world.

Just as cooking and fine dining has, publishing has come a long way, offering a variety of ways to produce our good-reads and make them available to the general public or target market.

Do you appreciate a fine meal, a recipe carefully created with ingredients that blend well together that result in a tasty and appealing dish—one that doesn’t give you heartburn afterwards? I do. We can look at book publishing the same way today.

Opportunities to “get published” or “self-publish” are spread out on the table for the taking. If you’re an author or an aspiring author, be sure to have some knowledge about what you’ll get before you go to the table. Sure, it’s easy to grab anything that might look appealing on the outside but then have no valuable content on the inside. Or it may not look so good on the outside, but what’s inside could be really satisfying only with the risk of not everyone knowing it!

Anyone can publish a book quickly these days, but it takes more than a microwave version to get outstanding results. I have seen book samples by authors who have a great story with informative and impelling content to share. I was shocked, however, to see what they look like. And I’ve had to listen to their sad tales of working with “one of those website” companies. I have a website too, but Aimazing Publishing’s way of working with clients is quite different. Take heed and know whom you’re working with before you take the plunge.

Don’t fall for the quickie method where you are encouraged to lay out your book yourself, and even design your own cover or choose from a template of designs. Your book is unique, and it should reflect your vision and purpose all the way through. You get what you pay for, so the saying goes. Just like a potluck dinner, some recipes are outstanding due to the care and quality ingredients put into them. Others are obviously much the opposite and can even turn your stomach. Ouch.

There’s a smorgasbord out there, but who likes to communicate only through a website or e-mail, never having that person-to-person contact? Why put yourself through that frustration? Sure, technology has a lot to offer these days. But the proof is in the pudding. It takes skill, talent, and the right ingredients to put it all together.

Professional communicators, graphic designers, printers, editors, and writers who have studied, worked, and used their skills over a period of time have what it takes to produce an outstanding product. It’s the same with cooking, but please don’t fall for potluck publishing.

Sure, you can self-publish today easily and try to sell a lot of e-books or printed books by using the latest and greatest technology and social-networking media available to all. But if you’re really serious, you’ll want to talk with a professional who can help you create the best dish.

Bonnie Crutcher, Publisher

Aimazing Publishing & Marcom

“For books that are more than just words.”


References:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potluck
2. Partridge, Eric and Paul Beale. A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, 8th ed. (1984).
3. Bachelor, Lisa. "Surviving on a student budget." The Guardian, October 4, 2005.