When I write a book, I basically format it the way it would appear for print: page size, margins, page numbers, etc. - they're all set up the way they will appear in the final product. In fact, all I typically do for the print version is save the file as a pdf and upload it.
With an ebook, formatting is different. For the final product to look neat and pretty the way readers expect, you have to do things like add chapter breaks, strip out page numbers, make an interactive table of contents, and more. As an example, I think once a reader tried to do something with the color scheme in one of my books - reverse it, I think, so that it was white text on a black background (instead of the opposite) - but when they changed the background to black the text stayed black as well, so they couldn't read it. Amazon asked me to change it so that the text could be changed if readers made the switch. That's another formatting item.
Truth be told, I could probably do the formatting myself, but (a) I'd rather be writing, and (b) I don't know how much I'd have to learn to be good at it. (Basically, at the moment, I don't know what I don't know.) That said, I published some stuff under pen names that I formatted myself, and it's passable. However, I prefer to work with a professional and have someone else tackle problems like black-text-on-black-backgrounds when they arise.
Lol unlike The Reader I have a little dignity,I will wait until a week has pasted then start pestering you for the next one.but I too will finish in a day and dream about the next one.
Your really not that bad.Rothfuss on the other hand sure takes his sweet time and lorna freeman has disappeared no one online seems to know where she went.
Any update on release? only a week left in Jan lol.
ReplyDeleteThe manuscript is in the hands of my formatting guy. As soon as I get it back I'll publish.
DeleteJust out of curiosity what goes into the process of formatting. I'm assuming it's not as simple as setting the margin of the pages on word.
DeleteWhen I write a book, I basically format it the way it would appear for print: page size, margins, page numbers, etc. - they're all set up the way they will appear in the final product. In fact, all I typically do for the print version is save the file as a pdf and upload it.
DeleteWith an ebook, formatting is different. For the final product to look neat and pretty the way readers expect, you have to do things like add chapter breaks, strip out page numbers, make an interactive table of contents, and more. As an example, I think once a reader tried to do something with the color scheme in one of my books - reverse it, I think, so that it was white text on a black background (instead of the opposite) - but when they changed the background to black the text stayed black as well, so they couldn't read it. Amazon asked me to change it so that the text could be changed if readers made the switch. That's another formatting item.
Truth be told, I could probably do the formatting myself, but (a) I'd rather be writing, and (b) I don't know how much I'd have to learn to be good at it. (Basically, at the moment, I don't know what I don't know.) That said, I published some stuff under pen names that I formatted myself, and it's passable. However, I prefer to work with a professional and have someone else tackle problems like black-text-on-black-backgrounds when they arise.
How're things coming with the formating?
DeleteI think my formatting guy is doing his thing; keeping my fingers crossed that I get it back soon.
DeleteI agree with The Reader it's the final countdown are you going g to make it?
ReplyDeletelast possible day in Jan if he wants to announce a week early. Maybe today is the day!
DeleteI'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying That I'll make it...
DeleteI hope you do. But be prepared to have me finish in a day and come back and bother you for the next one lol.
DeletePlease do. LOL.
DeleteLol unlike The Reader I have a little dignity,I will wait until a week has pasted then start pestering you for the next one.but I too will finish in a day and dream about the next one.
ReplyDeletePs.im Just kidding I loved your comment The Reader.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else feel like we're kinda like this seagulls from finding nemo except for mine it's like more more more :)
ReplyDeleteYa know for a drug dealer your a little slow on the supply side of things.
ReplyDeleteLOL. That's because I've been cooking up something special...
DeleteYour really not that bad.Rothfuss on the other hand sure takes his sweet time and lorna freeman has disappeared no one online seems to know where she went.
Delete