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Two methods are available for creating the design of a privately-published book. The more cost-effective approach is for a book's cover and text to match an original design that's pre-established. Prepared as such, the process of typesetting the manuscript, creating pages, and providing final pdf files to the client takes just a few weeks. 

    The second method is for a book's cover and interior to be custom-designed. (All of the book designs in the Privately-Published Books sliding gallery on this website fall into this category.) Under this practice, the cover and interior design will be rooted in the spirit of the manuscript; (add more here to finish sentence) In addition, the client will have the opportunity to review each stage of production. Regardless of the approach selected, the same level of care will be applied to creating files for each privately published book. For details on both methods, see below.

 

 

 

Books with a Pre-Established Design

A standard book design that enhances a writer's work, while not relating to it directly

$000  Add price (on a new line) here or below, with each set of layouts?

 

A book's cover and interior pages are produced, based on one of the two book designs shown below. Specifically, working primarily in Adobe's InDesign program, the manuscript is typeset and pages are created following publishing industry standards. (Note clients should ensure that files are final before transmitting since there will be no opportunity to make changes before final files are transmitted without incurring additional costs.) Scan levels of photographs are adjusted to ensure best printing quality. Clients are supplied with final pdf files for uploading to a recommended on-line printer for digital or offset printing. Books will be ordered by the client directly from the printer.

 

IF YOUR BOOK IS MOSTLY TEXT

Specifications and options of the book are:

  • 6" x 9" trim size

  • Full-color cover

  • Option of either softcover, with a glossy finish on cover, or hardcover, with a matte finish on cover. (Note the hardcover will print as Image Wrap, showing type and images printed directly on the cover, with no paper jacket wrapping around it) 

  • Option of pages printing in either black & white or full-color (Note the color of the book's title and ornament can vary, depending on the photo supplied.)

  • Option of either standard or premium grade paper

  • 10 photographs or fewer can appear within the text; along with one photo on the front cover and one on the back cover. Scans of all photos should be supplied. Scans should be made in color with a resolution of 300 dpi, and saved in either jpeg or tiff format. (Photos that are smaller than 4" x 6" should be scanned with a resolution of 600 dpi.)

  • Manuscript length should be a maximum of 50,000 words, transmitted as an MS Word document.

 

Two weeks should be allowed for the preparation of the book files, beginning from the date the manuscript and scans are transmitted. Note an additional 3–6 weeks should be allowed for the printing of your book by the on-line printer.

     If you're interested in having a book produced with an established design, contact me here to start the process.

 

Pre-Established Design (for biographies, memoirs, and general nonfiction)   $000

Cover and sample pages

 

 

IF YOUR BOOK IS MOSTLY PHOTOS

(Put this is bulleted list form, list previous section) Books that consist mainly of photos are prepared with a 6-3/4" x 6-1/2" trim size and as either soft or

hardcover. The full-color color shows type and images printing directly on the cover (with no paper jacket wrapping around it); the finish on the cover of the hardcover book is matte, on the softcover book it's glossy. Book pages print as either black & white or full-color. Recommendations for the cover material and text paper selections will accompany the final pdf files.

 

Please note the following:

  • 75 photographs or fewer can appear with captions; along with one photo on the front cover and one on the back cover. Scans of all photos should be supplied. Scans should be made in color with a resolution of 300 dpi, and saved in either jpeg or tiff format. (Photos smaller than 2" x 3" should be scanned with a resolution of 600 dpi.) Note photos scanned should be in fairly good condition.

  • The photos can be preceded by an introduction, transmitted as an MSWord document.

  • Three weeks should be allowed for the preparation of the book files, beginning from the date the manuscript and scans are transmitted. Note an additional 3–6 weeks should be allowed for the printing of your book by the on-line printer.

 

If you're interested in having a book produced with an established design, contact me here to start the process.

 

 

Pre-Established Design  (cover and sample pages)

A Book Based on the Pre-Established Design  (cover and sample pages)

 

 

 

 

Custom-Designed Books 

The book is designed to match the tone of the manuscript

(Prices vary, depending on the nature and schedule of the project)

 

The process for producing a template-based book is as follows: The cover and interior pages are prepared following publishing industry standards; clients are supplied with finished pdf files for uploading to a recommended on-line printer. 

 

are prepared with a 6" x 9" trim size and either as soft or hardcover. The cover is full-color with type and images printing directly on the book (with no paper jacket wrapping around it); the jacket finish is matte. Book pages print as either black & white or full-color. Suggested cover and text paper specs will accompany the final cover and interior pages pdf files.

 

 

 

      One of my strongest skills in working on custom-designed personal history projects is the ability to determine how a diverse collection of manuscript components and photographs can be shaped into a book having a unified theme. I listen closely to a client’s needs, goals, and preferences; apply a meticulous eye; and deliver electronic files on time when working on the following:

 

Design of book interiors and covers/jackets

Composition of pages and preparation of subsequent passes

Liaising with printers (primarily those using print-on-demand technology) to ensure best quality

Photo evaluation, editing, scanning, color correction, minor retouching, and cleaning

Design and preparation of photo sections, family trees, and charts

 

If skilled professionals are needed in the creation of your book—a writer, editor, proofreader, or map-maker, for example—I'm happy to recommend trusted colleagues and work with them directly, if that's your preference. For those who are interested in (although haven't yet begun) the process of preserving their personal or family history, a visit to the website of the Association of Personal Historians, www.personalhistorians.org, would be a good way to become informed.

 

Please note the following:

  • Book format can be either landscape, portrait, or square. 

  • There's no limit on the length of manuscript; it should be transmitted as an MSWord document.

  • There's no limit on the number of photos that can appear within the book, or on the front or back covers. Scans should be made of all photos. Scans should be in color with a resolution of 300 dpi, and saved in either jpeg or tiff format. (If possible, photos smaller than 2" x 3" should be scanned with a resolution of 600 dpi.) This is a service I can provide.

  • The schedule will be dependant on the amount of work involved in the project. Note an additional 3–6 weeks should be allowed for the printing of your book.)

     

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