We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.
Admittedly, I’m tech-challenged. I know it, and I don’t mind saying so. But it frequently seems to me like people make things unnecessarily difficult. Guess they enjoy watching us dummies squirm. And what’s involved in today’s subject isn’t even all that high-tech.
For at least a week now, I’ve been trying to load Heaven Sent into CreateSpace so they will make it available for purchase as a paperback. As widespread as the use of e-readers has become, they still lack a bunch covering 100% of the market. Many of my friends and family members have asked me when they can purchase a paper copy to read because they don’t have e-readers. I’m sure there are many around the world who still buy paperback books.
At first, the problem was getting my 8.5 x 11 size manuscript to fit their 6 x 9 page size. After several attempts to conform it by adjusting the margins, I finally realized I needed to change the paper size in my Word document to 6 x 9. Duh!
That change move the process along, but then I had to go through several do-overs to get the margins and gutter right. In order to leave enough margin on the right side of the left-hand pages and on the left side of the right-hand pages, I ended up increasing the margins on both sides to the point that the outer-edge margins are a bit excessive. Okay, I can live with that.
Then, I found that the cover I used for e-readers didn’t have enough dots per inch to suit CreateSpace, resulting in a blurry cover. Back to my cover designer, Steena Holmes, for a redo. She graciously provided me a new .pdf cover that fit their requirements.
That done, I found that my bio photo also needed more dpi. Since it’s from my own photo collection, I didn’t have anyone to convert it, so I had to change to another photo from a vacation. Whew!
Finally, I received CreateSpace’s blessings. They sent me a message that everything was okay to proceed.
That’s when I realized I had a beautiful front cover but a blank back cover and spine. So I asked their support desk if I could transfer my bio page from the back page of the book to the back cover. They wrote back that I could use their Cover Creator to design front and back covers and spine.
When I tried to upload my front cover, their software would not accept .pdf, which is the format of the only cover I’ve got with 300 dpi. Arrrrgh!
I had to ask Steena for help once again, which she graciously and promptly provided. She may be wondering now why she ever went into the business of designing book covers.
When I received the new image from Steena, I wondered what would go wrong next. Sure enough, the image was too large for Cover Creator, so I used Microsoft Office Picture Manager to reduce the size, but Cover Creator continues to show it full-sized, which doesn’t allow all the words to get on the cover. *Censored* I’m wondering now whether or not I’ll ever get the paperback format on the market.
Do you have trouble dealing with the technical side of writing, blogging or publishing? Surely I’m not the only dummy around. Share some of your frustrations. I love hearing from you.
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For more information about David N. Walker, click the “About” tag above.
For more information about his book, click the “Heaven Sent” tag above.
Contact him at davwalktx@yahoo.com or tweet him at @davidnwalkertx
David N Walker 
When my book is finished, I plan to go here:
http://howtothinksideways.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=159
to choose helpers to get my book ready for the outside world.
You’re kind of ahead of me, as I haven’t used Word for years! Everything is in either Scrivener or MacJournal now, in my life.
If I recall, though, Word–or any good word processor–should have a way to set up the pages for right and left. You should be able to go to some part of Word and tell it you want the manuscript output as a book.
And I’m puzzled as to why your artist supplied you with a PDF of artwork. JPG, GIF, or PNG are the standards.
Anyway, good luck–and congrats on having a family that is supportive enough to want to read your book! That’s pretty special. :)TX
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I hear you. Tech ‘stuff’ gives me palpitations so thank goodness for wonderful people like Steena. Like everything else in life, it will all work out. Honest!
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Thanks, Pat. I do have friends who help me – a lot. I jsut hate to wear them out.
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Hey, if it as easy everyone would be doing it! You’ll get there.
Cheers!
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Yeah, Nigel, as soon as you help me. Or Charity or Jill.
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Well, Bro, your techo skills are surpassing mine pretty rapidly. There would be no point in my trying to write a book … I could never figure out the tecchy stuff. Kudos to you … and I’m excited for the upcoming book in print!
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I hope it will be upcoming, Sis. I’m at an impasse right now.
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Dave – I join the ranks of the tech challenged. Instead of sending my secretary to classes all the years I worked for the government, I should have been sending myself. I was in love with the yellow legal pad (still am) and she did everything else. Also, I have a Kindle – but as you know – I only review what I can get on paper. It’s simply the process I use. Additionally, I want the feel of the book in my hands and hear the paper swish as I turn the pages. Call me old fashioned, but this gal loves to roam the aisles of book stores. I don’t like to shop anywhere – I go straight to the internet for almost everything except for gardening and my hubby (sweetheart that he is) does all the grocery shopping. But – you can’t keep me out of a book store.
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Thanks, Sheri. It’s always comforting to know I’m not the only dummy around.
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David, there is no easy road to publication, but look how much you are learning along the way!
Meanwhile, do you think I call my son TechSupport for kicks and giggles? When he goes to college, I’m doomed!
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Yes, Renee, I’ve often been jealous of the availability of your in-house expert. Take advantage of these next few years for him to TEACH you instead of just doing for you.
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Oh yeah, I have similar problems with technology. Sometimes the tech language people use confuses me. I can learn almost anything, but I need to understand what a person is trying to convey, first. 🙂 Good for you for getting through it, David.
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Thanks, but your kudos are premature. I’m still wrestling with it. *sigh*
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It’s all a challenge. And I don’t have time to try to figure it out. So I find people to help. lol. Yes… I had a couple problems with my covers fitting, but if you ever have any publishing needs like this, you need to talk to Nathan Everett. Google his name. Great guy. Smart. Knows this stuff. Remember… good things take time. And life is a test.
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Thanks, Karlene. I may try Nathan.
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I think we can all relate David. There’s nothing worse than technology challenges but good for you for sticking with it and mastering it. And for reaching out to others to help. Steena is amazing.
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I agree, Natalie. I just hope I don’t wear out my welcome with her.
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