Reflections on the perilous task of traveling with children

As every parent knows, traveling with children has its delights and its obstacles. But as The Copy Collective contributor Ursula Dwyer discovers, it can be your fellow travelers – not your children – who make or break the experience.

Pic source: www.bubblebum.co

Shrieking children on a long-haul flight seldom engender generosity of spirit in fellow travelers.

So with understandable resignation I dragged aboard my overtired two-year-old, who was screaming blue murder for no discernible reason, and prepared to endure the usual serving of surly glances and unconcealed displeasure.

But this time my neighbour was a truly gorgeous creature.

She nudged my near-hysterical daughter conspiratorially, pointed to a mouth-watering cake in her magazine, and with great deliberation pretended to extract it from the page and cram it greedily into her mouth.

My daughter froze mid-tantrum, fascinated, as she proceeded to chew enthusiastically, swallow convincingly, and smack her lips contentedly.

Blessed silence!

Casually, she continued flicking through her magazine, gasping loudly when she spied an enormous platter of tropical fruit. She grinned excitedly at my spellbound (still silent!) daughter and pretend-shoveled every last morsel into her mouth, slurping and gulping delightedly.

A giggle! From my daughter! Her little arm tentatively emerged to secure a handful of imaginary grapes and shyly pretend to eat them.

The game continued until, sated with make-believe food and very real fun, my daughter finally slept.

I mouthed a heartfelt “thank you” and pondered the rarity of such simple kindness.

By Ursula Dwyer

Let’s Get Technical: Preparing your digital file (Part 7)

Maureen Shelley turns technical in Part 7 of Blog series "10 Simple Steps to becoming a successful published author", on preparing your digital file.

The good news about digital files is that the ebook format takes care of all the extra formatting that are required in a print-ready manuscript. The bad news is that you have to take it all out: all those extra section breaks, foot notes etc you put in for your print book - they all have to come out. This is where you will thank yourself for using the inbuilt formatting available in word processors. 

Less is more:

 

Remove all section and page breaks, all foot notes and end notes, remove all underlining.

✎ If you want to emphasise a point use italics, not underlining. 

Remove the table of contents and page numbers. 

✎ Leave in your chapter headings. 

Remove any hidden commands. 

✎ The long dash in Word is an example: some digital programs don't deal well with these so use short dashes or change your punctuation. 
✎ Apostrophes are another punctuation mark that can cause issues. You may have seen a question mark in some digital files; it is usually in the place where an apostrophe would be.

Remove all blank pages. Remove all notes pages.

Your file should be continuous (no separate pages; the text should flow on) with your title page, frontispiece, the introduction and your body copy.

 
It may be tempting to save your file as a text file to get rid of all the formatting. This is a temptation you should resist, as it will only create additional issues, such as having to replace all the chapter headings' format.  

If only it were this easy. Source: http://donnielight.files.wordpress.com/

Ebooks aren't necessarily great places for tables and graphs. You may need to convert these to JPEG files. Then you will need to embed your images or convert them to outline files remembering to save them in the correct format if they are in colour. Your ebook platform will have specific instructions on each of these steps.

Hyperlinks need to be formatted differently for ebook versions, so if you include them read up on how to do it. There are plenty of digital publishing blog sites, so search and you shall find.

There are about 40 digital formats 

Source: newepublishing.com

and epub is the most widely used. However, as a self published author you will want to get onto Amazon and the Kindle uses proprietary software. Also, Apple's iBook store uses a modified epub (it has different cascading style sheets or CSS), so you may need at least three versions of your ebook.

Storyist is great publishing software that lets you create manuscripts (and screenplays) and convert them to popular digital formats. I recommend you investigate your options. When you upload your manuscript you will need two PDFs: one for the cover and one for the body copy.

There are dozens of ebook publishing sites and platforms. They will convert the file for you and publish to thousands of outlets. However, they will also manage your sales (which could be a good thing) and you will get the proceeds. Expect to receive between 30 and 50% of the RRP or recommended retail price.

Another way to publish is simply to use a PDF file, thereby avoiding formatting challenges. Scribd will publish PDFs and Scribd has a very large readership, or you could chose to have a downloadable file from your own website; that way you don't share your sales with anyone.

You will need to decide whether it is better to have all the money and fewer sales or less money on more sales. If you have good traffic to your website - say 2 to 3 million visitors a month - then by all means publish only on your own site.

You will need a separate ISBN (International Standard Book Number) for your digital manuscript and a separate National Library entry for the digital format. You will not need a barcode. If you publish on Amazon, you will be given their equivalent of an ISBN.

 

A last word on digital files: use the strengths of the format. 

Source: http://www.thebookdesigner.com/

You can add social media buttons and links, links to your GoodReads review page or Amazon listings for your other books - all from within your manuscript. It makes sense that if someone has just read your book, they may want more or they may tweet about it. Don't stand in the way of your readers doing your marketing for you. Read up on the HTML codes to insert these buttons into your manuscript. It could be well worth it!

We will publish a list of sites for self-published authors at the end of this series or you could just Google it if you don't want to wait.

Red Raven Books is the publishing and imprint arm of The Copy Collective. Find out how we can help you today.

 

Let's Get Technical: Preparing Your Book’s Print File (Part 6)

Maureen Shelley turns technical in Part 6 of Blog series "10 Simple Steps to becoming a successful published author", on preparing your book’s print file.

 

The least pleasant part of writing a book is preparing the file for the printer or digital publication. I recommend you save yourself a whole lot of pain and angst and send the file to a professional typesetter to do the job for you. 

Pic source: FaceGFX

If you have budgeted for nothing else, budget for a typesetter. 

Google typesetters in your area and send off your file and get back a nice PDF that has everything done for you. 

Most authors don't try to design their covers, yet many believe that they can do the work of a typesetter. 

What you need to provide if you're going to attempt it yourself:

• You will need to provide two files to your printer - one PDF for the cover and one PDF for the manuscript itself. 
• If you don't understand any of the points below, please consult Google as there are a myriad of resources available to the self-publishing author and most are available for free.

The Cover file for the printer:

• Send the checklist of the printer's requirements to the graphic artist who designed your cover. 
• They will follow the instructions and send you back your cover with embedded fonts or with the fonts outlined. 
• They will also supply the PDF in the correct format for printing, particularly if you have a full-colour cover. The details below are for the body copy file only.

The body copy file for the printer must have:

• Embedded fonts - all fonts are to be embedded, this is why I recommend Times New Roman and the use of one font only
• Mirror margins
• If the book is more than 150 pages, the right margin wider than the left (gutters)
• Manuscript margins (these are wider than standard)
• The correct leading and spacing that is consistent throughout
• The number of pages in the manuscript is exactly divisible by 16
• If the pages aren't divisible by 16 you have added  blank pages at the end
• If you have blank pages, there are fewer than 10 blank pages
• If there are more than 10 blank pages, you have typed 'notes' at the top of each
• The last page blank,
• The introduction and the first chapter start on right-hand pages
• The dimensions of the 'pages' are equal to a standard paperback form such as Trade B, B+ or C
• All options of the 'printing' of the file to PDF are changed so the page size remains the same at Trade B or C or what size you have chosen
• Section breaks, so you can change the page numbers before the Introduction to Roman numerals
• Page numbers after the introduction or Chapter 1 starting with Arabic numbers
• The file is 'printed' to PDF not 'saved as' a PDF from  Word
• Each page set so when the file is 'printed' to PDF the words don't move to the next page - resulting in changes in format and more pages than originally desired
• Standard headings used by your word processing program
• A table of contents created by your word processing program
• No extra spaces or paragraph marks - not one! Extra spaces and par marks can create havoc when files are converted to PDF and fonts are embedded
• Word processing commands for paragraphs (Ctrl (or Ctrl) in Word on a PC) - not the 'enter' key hit twice
• Uniform paragraph spacing - not the 'enter' key hit twice creating greater leading after 14pt letters as compared to 11pt letters
• Consistent spelling - chose Australian English as the review language and apply it to the whole document; unless your market is the US and then apply US spelling to the whole document
• Numbered chapter headings
• Spell checked - one last time
• A frontispiece - this sets out the requirements under
  
  the Copyright Act (1968), provides details of the author, printer, publisher (if any), the ISBN, whether the book has been catalogued at the National Library of Australia, a statement that the author is asserting their moral rights, a copyright symbol next to the author's name and details of the edition (1st, 2nd, Australian etc). Look at recent books in your genre to see how these are laid out.

Red Raven Books is the publishing and imprint arm of The Copy Collective. Find out how we can help you today.

6 Writing Tips To Prepare A Masterpiece Manuscript For Your Next Book (Part 5)

Read on for six winning tips to prepare and draft your manuscript, in Part 5 of "10 Simple Steps to becoming a successful published author" blog series by Maureen Shelley.

1.How many words are enough?

Authors often ask how long their book should be; and it is true that once 52,000 words was a de facto standard. However, these days with self-publishing the norm rather than the exception what ever you write that covers your topic comprehensively and cohesively will work.

Remember your spine width may be the first thing your audience sees, so a book with a spine width the size of the first joint of your thumb will present a nice wide 'canvas'.

There are plenty of self-publishing websites that can help you calculate spine width, so enter a few numbers and work out what a realistic length would be to achieve your goals for your book.

2. Size matters

Remember the number needs to be divisible by 16 if you are going to print and the last page should be blank. Aim for 300 or so pages for a Trade paperback B+ size, if you are writing a self help or business book. This size also works well for novels.

Say your aim is to write 300 pages on your topic.  If you write 10 chapters of 30 pages, then you have a good basis for your book. An A4 page of type may equate to up to three pages in a book, depending on spacing, margins and font.

3. A word on fonts

I would recommend you go old school and use Times New Roman. Use the same font for your title, chapter headings, any footnotes, page numbers, headers or footers, table of contents, glossary or indices. This will make life a lot easier when it comes to file preparation for your printer and preparation of your digital file.

4. Use a custom template

If you are using a standard word processing program use the book manuscript template. However, you will need to adjust the style to use the same font throughout. Once you have ensured you have used a single font for everything, save it as a quick style (in Word).

5. A beginning, middle and end

Many authors ask how to write their manuscript. If you are really unsure, then a writing course would help. However, if you have a reasonable idea of what you want to say then start with a plan.  If you are going with my suggestion of 300 pages in 10 chapters, then  start outlining your chapter headings. What are the 10 essential messages, key points or events that you  want to explore?

If yours is a cook book, then starters, entrees, main courses and desserts are obvious choices for chapter headings. You can divide up main courses into meat and vegetarian or beef, lamb and poultry - work out a plan and write to that.

If you are writing a business book, then what is the solution you are providing for the reader? In your introduction, outline the issue, your proposed solution and the steps to  get there. Then sketch the conclusion. Chapter 1 sets up the issue, Chapter 2 addresses your proposed solution. Chapters 3 to Chapter 9 then cover each step,  and Chapter 10  provides the conclusion and summarises recommendations.

If you are writing a fictional work, then think about the dramatic arc that your storyline will take. Plan your plot points and where they will fall in the narrative. Writer Blanche d'Alpuget says to tell the story to just one reader. Picture that person clearly and tell them the story so that it is engaging. This creates a virtuous circle between the author and the reader, she says.

If you are tackling a family memoir you have choices of periods - pre war, war, inter war, post war ; ages - chiildhood, adolesence, young adulthood, marriage, children, old age; or you can go with themes such as hope and joy, loss and grief. Whatever framework you choose, map it out, write your chapter headings and then write to each chapter heading.

6. The art of writing is to write

Treat writing like a job. Decide how many hours a day/week/month you are going to devote, set up a deadline before you start - you want it on sale by Mothers' Day, by October to capture Christmas sales, by Anzac Day if it is a war memoir - and work out the rate and frequency of your writing. DO NOT spend a decade writing a book - or two years if you are a child - because you will only need to rewrite it.

I used to own a block of polished wood that had chamfered corners that I called my writer's block. When I sat down to write, I would have it next to me. Then I would move it away as the writing started to flow, I would toss it on the floor and ignore it when things were going well; only to pick it up and cart it around when I was stuck.

Two years ago, I moved from a house to an apartment and I gave my writer's block away. Now, I don't worry about writer's block. If I sit down and can't write I will literally start with "The cat sat on the mat". 

As long as you are writing, it doesn't matter if it is a laundry list - the art of writing is to write. Write. Start now.

June is Author's Month to celebrate the launch of Red Raven Books. Red Raven Books is the publishing and imprint arm of The Copy Collective. Find out how we can help you today.

Author Photos: Putting Your Best Face Forward (Part 4)

"10 Simple Steps to becoming a successful published author" continues with the importance of the author's photograph, by Maureen Shelley.

Pic source:  Link Delight

The author photo is the most important piece of your marketing material. We recommend that you use a professional photographer. 

A professional portrait will range from $150 to $400, depending on the photographer.

What you'll need:

• You should ask your photographer to take portrait and landscape photos with a headshot, mid shot and full length. 
• You need to have these with a formal and informal look.  In one, wear a suit jacket and, if appropriate, a tie. The other can be more informal but should still be professional. 
• If you are writing a specialty book such as a cookbook, family memoir, children's book then you may need different photo choices. You should discuss this with your editor, graphic designer or writing mentor or group.

 

Can't afford a professional?

If you haven't budgeted for a photographer, you can use a digital camera or phone camera to take the shot. Ask someone to take the photo for you or use a tripod. You can improvise a tripod using a flat surface.  

Don't take a selfie but you can use the controls on your headphones to give you a 'remote'. Remember, to leave about 1.5m to 2m between you and the wall behind you, so that you control the shadows.

Also, if you can use multiple lights (standard lamp, desk lamp on the floor behind you - but out of shot), then do so. The more professional you can make the photo look the better.

Planning is essential

Multiple photo choices gives you more options for your book cover, marketing materials and digital assets such as website and social media pages.

Planning your shoot and thinking about your photograph options can ensure that your book looks like a professional production.

If you're looking for professional help. In Sydney, we use Toby Zerna Photography, Asterisk Photography or UberPhotography. Any of these studios will produce a great shot at a reasonable price. Mention Red Raven Books and they will look after you.

June is Author's Month to celebrate the launch of Red Raven Books. Red Raven Books is the publishing and imprint arm of The Copy Collective. Find out how we can help you today.

Book Cover Design and Editing: How to create a good-looking book that sells (Part 3)

Maureen Shelley continues with Part 3 of "10 Simple Steps to becoming a successful published author" series, on crafting a cover as good as your content.

Although we say "don't judge a book by its cover" everyone does. That makes the selection of the design for the cover of your book the most important decision you will make - apart from choosing the title.

"Hope in 60 Seconds" By author Graham Agnew

Front cover design

Graphic Designer: You should definitely budget for a graphic artist to specifically design the cover for your book. Although it will cost you between $250 and $500 it will be the best single investment you make in the creation of your work. Your designer should be able to offer you three choices of design. You will need to tell them what the book is about, who is the audience and what target market you are seeking. Your designer will know what are the current and upcoming trends in book design (yes, book covers have fads and fashions) and the colours that will appeal to your market segment.

Marketplace designs: If you really can't afford a graphic designer, then consider running a competition on www.99designs.com.au and set a budget for what you can afford. Please don't be too mean and please provide a reasonable budget for the competition. After all, if you are joining the creative community you need to respect your fellow creatives and provide fair compensation for their efforts.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY): If you really, really can't afford a designer then you could publish your book through a self-publishing website that offers standard book templates for your cover. This is the least desirable option but still at least gives your book a professional look. Try www.lulu.com or www.blurb.com.au for examples of book packages that can deliver a good quality result and a range of publishing options.

Back cover elements

Testimonials or endorsements: Once you've got the front cover design sorted, the back cover is the next important project. It is important to have organised your endorsements from people who have read your manuscript.

The blurb: You also need a good blurb of about 150 words that really encapsulates your book and its aim. Take time and care when writing this and ask someone else to read it for you before submitting it to your designer.

ISBN and barcode: If you are going to print your book, you will need an ISBN and a barcode. In Australia, the site to go to is Thorpe and Bowker at www.thorpe.com.au and they can supply both ISBNs and bar codes. However, if you use a site like Lulu or Blurb your package may include a barcode and ISBN.

The spine

Some people will first see your book as the spine on a bookshelf, so it has to work for you too. Before commissioning your design, study the shelves of your local bookshop and library. See what appeals to you. Look at other books in the same genre as yours - what elements do they include? You will most likely only have room for the title, your name and your publishing imprint logo.

This is where the title of your book has to do the most work, so ensure that your title sums up your book or is engaging or intriguing or all three. The width of your spine will depend on how many pages are in the book. If yours is light on, consider asking your typsetter to increase the spacing or the type size or the margins. A book that might be 60 pages of A4 text can turn to 300 pages in a Trade B paperback if the correct font, spacing and margins are used.

The wider the spine, the brighter the cover colours, the greater the contrast of type to cover, the more eye-catching your book's spine will be.

June is Author's Month to celebrate the launch of Red Raven Books. Red Raven Books is the publishing and imprint arm of The Copy Collective. Find out how we can help you today.

Editing: The Art of Asking the Right Questions (Part 2)

Maureen Shelley continues with Part 2 of "10 Simple Steps to becoming a successful published author" series, putting the spotlight on masterful editing.

An editor will proof read and undertake more substantive edits to a work. Proof reading involves checking for semantics, typographical errors and grammar.

Pic source: Tumblr.com

In searching for grammatical errors, an editor will consider a range of issues; and here are just some.

1.    Has the writer made the correct use of definitive articles?

2.    Has the writer avoided confusing modifiers?

3.    Are the subject and verb in agreement, in grammatical terms?

4.    Has the writer used appropriate punctuation within sentences?

5.    Does the sentence structure follow established principles? If not, is it appropriate for the work?

6.    Are there any spelling errors?

7.    What is the style for capitalisation and is it used consistently?

8.    Are the pro-noun (s) /noun (s) in agreement?

9.    Has the writer split their infinitives?

10. Are there squinting or limiting modifiers used?

11. Are there incomplete comparisons in the work?

12. Has the writer solved the great gerund mystery?

13. Are there redundant pairs?

14. Has the writer misused or confused 'like' and 'as'?

15. Has the writer taken the long way round to say something? That is, are there circumlocutions?

16. Has the correct punctuation been used, particularly in regard to question marks?

17. Has the writer confused self and personal pronoun use?

18. Is there pronoun and antecedent agreement?

19. Has the writer used double negatives?

20. Has the writer begun or ended sentences with a conjunctive?

21. Is there comparison of absolute adjectives?

22. Has the writer used unbalanced quantifiers or dangling modifiers?

23. In regard to semicolons; are they used correctly?

24. Is the verb form use appropriate?

25. Has the writer used prepositions at the beginning or end of sentences? If so, is that appropriate for the text?

26. Has the writer indulged in noun strings?

27. Do the verb tenses agree?

28. Has there been misuse of subordinate or subjunctive clauses?

29. Is there incorrect pronoun case agreement?

Apart from resolving these issues, an editor will also (if paid and directed to do so) check facts, gain permissions where appropriate, insert appropriate references (biblical, geographical and literary are just a few), index, mark citations, insert footnotes and endnotes and create a glossary.

In addition to all of this, a good editor will ensure that a work is readable and makes sense. That it has a consistent structure and sensible flow or a cohesive narrative.

A good editor is worth their weight in gold. (And they will check for cliches too!) Oh, and they will eliminate exclamation marks or 'screamers' as they are known.

June is Author's Month to celebrate the launch of Red Raven Books. Red Raven Books is the publishing and imprint arm of The Copy Collective. Find out how we can help you today.