The postman arrived with a book I had ordered from Amazon. It is a self published book, and I was interested to see the quality, because that is what I have been investigating for my proposed book.
I was so disappointed. I didn't like the shiny cover, I didn't like the typeface, I didn't like the startlingly white paper it has been printed on. The paper is awful and cheap looking. In fact the text looks just like it has been typed onto the page. You can see right through it. In fact it could, if you were so inclined, be used as a tracing paper, it is that thin. Also the book has no feeling of quality about it. The cover is very thin too. The whole book is very floppy. It wasn't cheap to buy either. Including the postage it came to over £10.
When the parcel arrived I thought there must be some mistake. Surely I thought, the book I ordered is not in that thin packet? This is all such a shame because the book itself, although I have just started to read it, seems like a good read.
It would certainly not be suitable for my pen and ink illustrations. They would show right through the page.. Still I suppose, as the old saying goes, beggars can't be choosers. If one wants to self publish for free, then I suppose one has to put up with it.
But no, I am not going to. Stuart and I are looking at other publishing options. I cannot abide the idea of putting out my book, unless it is the very best I can get it. Unless it looks like a proper book. I wish I was rich enough to have it all done perfectly. This week I shall attempt once again to win the lottery, then you can all have a free signed copy.
See you later alligator.
John, that picture will give me nightmares.
ReplyDeleteHave you considered a publisher 'across the pond'?
Jane x
Up the Nile, crocodile.
ReplyDeleteI knew what I was seeing right away when I saw your drawing. It is properly menacing. This is going to be a wonderful book. Knowing what you want and do not want is important. I will wait but of course I am impatient. Now I am off to see your new blog.
ReplyDeleteI commend you on wanting a decent finished product. You have put in the effort so it needs to look like you care about your project. We all know you do, but you're preaching to the converted here, old son!
ReplyDeleteNo need to rush, sell a few paintings and put the money towards your book.
ReplyDeleteTry Blurb or Lulu. Blurb is better for including pictures and the company has a UK branch. I have a book (written by a blogger) that Lulu printed - it's good, the pictures too. Good luck and don't despair, it's early days ... you'll get there.
ReplyDeleteForgot to say, I really like the cellar picture. It says it all, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Valerie above, it's still early, and you will find "the right" publisher in due time.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward even more now to reading your book....the illustrations are poignant.
I may need several boxes of Kleenex to get through it too.
I don't blame you for looking in to other options. If you are going to do this thing you may as well do it right :)
ReplyDeleteAnother good illustration. Now I am off to see the Ramshackle blog
Wow- That's really bad. (the book) Was it printed through CreateSpace (Amazon's POD arm)? I've seen some of those here and wasn't impressed although they were better than what you describe.
ReplyDeleteIt believe it was Joan. I don't want to say too much, just in case.
DeleteDon't rush it John, we can wait. Take it slow and you will get a product you love.
ReplyDeleteAfter a while crocodile. Hope you can find some better options for your book. I am in the process of self-publishing so if I discover something I will let you know. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteYes, keep us posted on your search.
ReplyDeleteI am like that too, I can do it unless it is in its most perfect state that a human can muster. I think you write well yourself, I appreciate your honesty in what you write about and your paintings, sketches and creations deserve a well crafted home to do them justice.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing the final product of your published work.