In case you missed it, here are my tips for what Self-Publishing authors SHOULD do this year: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1P8WB2buBFw.html
Always have fresh eyes to read your manuscript, because others might find mistakes you didn't reailize you had. Take deep breaths during the writing and publishing processes. Take care of yourself.
Yes and thank you. I'm dealing with rejecting the proof now because it's off. I didn't realize that the formatter used one trim size yet I chose another. That is the reason it's off, waiting for IS to get back to me. My gut is telling me to use the trim size they used because if I stay with my choice, it's going to cost me. Either way, it's going to cost me though.
@@1MKWilliams Thank you, me too. I didn't realize the formatter used a standard trim size, yet IngramSpark gives you options regarding the size of your book. If I stay with the original size I chose, the formatter will have to go back in...so there's yet another charge, but if I stay with the formatter's size that will increase the cost of having the book made so either way. 😢
Yes! I just published my cookbook and I used Canva. 🙁 I liked the layout I created, but editing was horrible. I put everything into a formatter, to get page numbers and make sure I had the proper margins, but once I realized Canva was a mistake I was way too far in to start over, so lesson learned. I did use all my own photos and luckily it wasn't a super long book. I also had to create an entirely new document for the Kindle version so it was like doing it twice. Thanks for all of your tips. I'm working on another book now and want to have a better experience.
When you say, do not format in canva, do you also mean coloring books (medium content)? I have finished my first coloring book on canva. I do have text, though very little of it.
I have not dont coloring books before, however there are many issues with Canva. One is the bleed and trim you'll need to add for print. Also, many of the images on Canva are not eligible for use in commercial endeavors. So unless you uploaded your own images to use for the coloring book, you may be violating Canva policies. Best to check with them for approval.
I am new and SO OVERWHELMED. I've got a book series I've been working on for a long time. I write on paper for God's sake. I don't even know where to start
There is a lot to learn and there are a lot of options. If you know you want to self-publish, I'd suggest starting here with my books on how to self-publish (1mkwilliams.com/self-publishing-for-the-first-time-author/) or my mega checklist workbook to walk you through each step and decision: 1mkwilliams.com/workbook/
@1MKWilliams Thank you! I have 50 books in this series. Not crazy long.(200 pages or less) Looking like a couple thousand bucks per book? From a cover design to proofreading to 4 illustrations per book... I'm trying to go thru fiver and 99 designs bc I don't know where else to go. I will definitely be glued to your channel!
😅 I'm new to your channel, and love your funny comments and the way you express yourself. You make me smile. 😊 I'm a 66 year old lady living in Durban, South Africa, who just recently began writing about 2 years ago. Finished my first historical romance about a S. African family, and currently writing my second sci fi romance novel. 😊
I just spent the last two weeks, taking my book from Word and placing it in Canva because I’m trying to have cloud background behind all the poems, essays, and quotes. It’s formatted for a 6 x 9 soft cover. Just discovered you on RU-vid and really like your energy energy and wisdom.
I have been using CANVA to illustrate my children's book (limited wording). I thought this was the way to go - after hearing what you have to say on the issue - I am reconsidering. What is the best service to use for illustrations - what do you recommend?
In this video I am very specifically telling people to never use Canva for book formatting. I used to do my own formatting but now I work with Formatted Books and they do an amazing job: formattedbooks.com/?ref=31
@@1MKWilliamsI tried going to their website and it says their website is suspended. Did something happen to Formatted Books? I saw 100 Covers offers formatting. Any opinion on their work?
@@enlistedmoney yes, they closed their doors last month. I recommend 100Covers instead, they do equally great work at great prices 100covers.com/?ref=49
I recently uploaded my manuscript to Amazon. It was a finished one. I requested an author's proof copy. It came back fine. I then went to release it for publication and Amazon, after two days came back and said I had margin errors on three pages. Those three pages were full page images, I inserted them in order to properly align the chapters. They were totally fine with the final book size and viewed well in the proof copy. After a few unsuccessful attempts to right the ship, I then removed the images and replaced with text - mainly quotes. I have now resubmitted and so far all is good. But this prevented me from launching on my original release date for the paperback, though the ebook released on time.
Oh no!!! That is terrible, I'm so sorry that happened. Especially since the proof looked good and no errors showed initially. What a bummer, glad you were able to correct
I want to give away my kids activity books to people in my town. I can announce this through our community FB page. But how do I do this through Amazon? I’d like these to be verified purchases so I can get reviews. Is there a way to reduce the price on Amazon to free or a very low price (perhaps just above the KDP printing costs). Also to limit who and how many people get this offer?
I'm not aware of any way to do a print book for free on Amazon because the printing cost needs to be covered. Also they dont seem to have a coupon or code system where authors can give discounts to specific groups. (If anyone else knows of one please let us know!) Id suggest if you want to do a giveaway, print and give them away yourself. They can still leave a review and say they received the book as a gift.
Great tips! I've been hearing that tip about not uploading the dummy file quite a bit lately, and I wonder if this is like a trend or something. Never would have thought about using Canva for my book. Seems like a lot of work! Thank you for these 💙
Happy to help. Yes I've heard of several people doing the unfinished file and then having a mess, I think it only takes a few people giving risky advice for author heartbreak
Thank you for this. Im working on a dummy for my first childrens book , so thank you the heads up on all of this before i get out there. I agree with Canva. I only use them to promote my writing and encouragement posts. You rock.
You would need to have the most premium level of canva to use one of their images for a book cover and yes it should absolutely be credited on the copyright page
Hey MK thanks for video. My wife’s book coming out this September will be in Adobe InDesign. I was lucky to have a friend that teaches this course and he said he would do it for us. Are you a fan of this format system or do you prefer another?
Adobe InDesign is the professional standard so knowing how to use it is great (and if you need a designer to step in, being able to send the indesign files will help and they can adjust as needed in their system)
