self-publishing
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If I am self publishing a book what exactly needs to be on those first couple of pages before the actual story begins and is there a particular order? I know there is a title page, a dedication? Does there need to be a blank page after the last page? I know that the book pages need to be in multiples of four. I want to make sure everything is in order before I send it to a printer.
Marsha Ottum Owen
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If you are a member of the SCBWI they provide all the necessary layout information. If not, a quick internet search will provide you with various ideas for copyright and title pages. However, if you are self publishing, I guess you can start your story on any page you choose. I would highly recommend that you go talk with a printer before you start your layout. They will be happy to talk with you about your printing project and suggest ways to save on the printing costs. For example, they will be printing what is called a "signature." Which is a large sheet of paper with 8 pages on one side and 8 on the other for a total of 16 pages. So two signatures will produce a 32 page book. Pick out a reputable printer (one that's been around for a while) and go talk with them. They will even give you an estimate of the cost.
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Thanks, Randy. I actually am a member of scbwi but haven't really gotten too involved with the group. I will go check it out. I plan on using Print Ninja as suggested by Lee White in his class on the Business of Illustration. I'll give them a call. Thanks again.
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@Marsha-Kay-Ottum-Owen I don't know about "needs" but usually there is some copywrite info and maybe a dedication somewhere in the beginning.
The easiest thing would be to look at a couple of kids books to see how they did it.
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Thanks, Matt. I did pull out some of my books and look them over this morning. I think I'm starting to get it together :-). Just looking at copyright and isbn stuff now. ISBN #s are more expensive than I thought. Oh well......
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I looked into print ninja before as I am also working on a book project, but decided to go with createspace for this one. With createspace you can buy as many copies as you want and then sell them on amazon. They supply you with a free isbn for use with amazon. Since my project is more of a pet project and not looking to make any profit from it, I thought i was my best solution. Good Luck with your book!
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@Chip-Valecek Thanks Chip. I've been looking at Create space too. I heard their print quality isn't very good. I'm thinking of ordering a book to see what I think. They don't seem to have as much info on picture books either. I'm not that computer savvy and I get overwhelmed by the though of this whole process
AAAgghhh! It does seem a lot easier to go through createspace though. -
@Chip-Valecek Chip, did you do a picture book with Createspace? What is the title? I'd like to look it up and maybe order one so I can see how the printing, etc. turns out
I just contacted a local printer too and am waiting to hear back whether they could print a book for me, etc. Thanks again Marsha Ottum Owen
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@Marsha-Kay-Ottum-Owen I have not yet created it, i only created my account and started to set it up. I have the story written (my son wrote it) and it has been proofed by a friend of mine who is an advanced placement English teacher. I am working on character designs now. My goal is to have it ready by end of summer.
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@Chip-Valecek Oh! That sounds like a great project! I'll be interested in seeing how it turns out! After researching all day I think I might have found a possible printer in my area that can do my book. It's small so it doesn't need a spine and hopefully, can be saddle stitched
I've also been learning about isbn numbers, tax permits, registering a copyright, and so forth. I even made a logo for myself: Blue House Independent Publishing..ha! ha! ..and I finished the back page sans cool people saying my book is good It's been a long day but I'm feeling more in control now.
