Self-Publishing, Step Three.

Step Three – Putting the book together and Proof Acceptance!

Ok, so you have formatted, you have edited, you have a cover design and a layout to match each media format. You have purchased your ISBN’S, and filed your copyright. You are ready to squish it all together and make a book.

This is where the printer comes in.

(Oh I should mention I am working with the assumption you are using a POD model. That is where your printer is printing a copy for each order processed. This means no worries about warehousing.)

If you followed your printer’s instructions, you will have files to upload for each format. This is where the fun happens. All your hard work and effort will finally culminate into something you can physically hold in your hand!

Usually within 48 hours of your upload, you will have the option to generate a proof.

Do not skip this step, no matter how “perfect” you think the book will be.

You need to see that proof. You need to make sure the book looks perfect.

Once you have that baby in your hot little hands, it’s time to go through it with a fine tooth comb.

Once approved, this is what the world will see. It has to be perfect.

Check the spine, make sure it is even. Check the cover design for flaws, Check the pages to make sure there is no fading on the ink. Make sure the page numbers are correct. Verify chapter headings. Look for spelling and grammatical mistakes (I bet you still find a few.)

On my first proof I found so many problems I had to go back for another round of editing.

Note that each round of revisions will cost you, so try to catch everything you can!

You will probably never catch all mistakes. I have already had people point out the mistakes in my new release. Thankfully they aren’t too many. This is one of the downsides to self-publishing. You don’t have a team of people hunting for each and every mistake. Try to make sure your book is as perfect as can be before you approve it.

On to step 4. What to do once it is printed.