Reading the Proof

Having read through the proof I was shocked to find so many errors as it looked perfect on screen. The formatting errors stand out better in the printed medium than on screen and I've managed to confuse the rules for writing numbers in fiction. Sometimes I have written 'he took 2 tablets' and at others I have used 'he took two tablets'. I have done a bit of research and discovered that generally, numbers 0-100 are spelled out and anything over 100 is written in numerals. But there are of course exceptions...

Today has been spent reading the printed version and making corrections, which I'm happy to report is now done. The next step is to redesign the book cover to include my new logo.

I am learning a lot about writing and self-publishing and I have to say that it's been very interesting and enjoyable. And of course, I am another step closer to calling myself an author and publisher!

The proof has arrived!

My proof has arrived!

I requested that it be sent using the cheapest postal option and was advised it would arrive by 3rd October.

According to the docket it was dispatched from Columbia, South Carolina on 28th August. That's 10 days by my reckoning. I am absolutely delighted and can now settle down to read the book and make any final corrections before publication.

Copy to proof ordered

The book has met the technical specifications at CreateSpace so I've been able to review the digital proof and downloaded a PDF copy. These both look good, so I've ordered a physical copy of the book to proof. I have chosen the standard shipping, rather than pay more to have it delivered sooner. The confirmation states it will arrive by Friday 13th October 2017. I'm not superstitious... fingers crossed :)

Proof-reading complete

Well, my husband has finished proof-reading my novel and it has been uploaded to CreateSpace.

I am now in the process of reformatting the file to upload to KDP to convert to an ebook. I discovered that the file I uploaded to CreateSpace, when uploaded to KDP, does not convert properly to an ebook, so I am having to tweak the formatting to get it to look the same as the book.

This is all a steep learning curve for me but I hope that what I have learned this time stands me in good stead for next time.

A kick up the proverbial

We all need a bit of a push sometimes, to get on and do something, and last week I met up with Cathy Shuter who reignited my enthusiasm to write.

Cathy has published several books herself, and I wanted her to sign a couple of copies of "Oh Ollie",  which I bought to give as Christmas presents this year - yes I am organised!  I also wanted to know about her experience of writing and publishing and told her that I was also writing. Within a few minutes, Cathy had me believing in myself, motivated me to get on with my novel and consider self-publishing.

She also kindly offered to help me by reviewing my work and show me how to set up an account to self-publish; which reminds me, I must send her a link to read the story so far.

My daughter has, to date, not had time to read it, but I am hopeful that she will be able to soon, as she has a week's holiday coming up and usually tears through a couple of books while she is away.

Another source of encouragement: In conversation with a cousin recently, I learned that he enjoys writing short stories and he gave me one of his to read. It was really very good and I asked him to read my story and critique it. I saw him yesterday and was delighted that he had made time to read it. He said he thought the story line was good, and encouraged me to carry on with it. He talked me through the plot of his latest story, as far as he has got, but says he has now hit a brick wall. I told him that I had my plot mapped out but I am being influenced by people and things around me as to how I write my story. As an example, a conversation about my parents' wedding led to a description of the bridesmaids' attire. The hats, I was told, were 'Dutch caps'. That caused a bit of hilarity and it was confirmed that that was also the name of a contraceptive device. The phrase opened up a train of thought which helped me write a particular character and bring her to her untimely end. JC, something or someone will provide the inspiration you need to break down that brick wall.

And Finally...

This morning, despite my broadband doing the Hokey Cokey, I have set up an account with CreateSpace - which was as easy as Cathy said it would be - in readiness for when I finish my novel. Now to crack on and finish it...