preparing for release day

With my book release only a few days away, I’ve been unable to think of anything else. And yesterday, I received the first proof for the paperback version of the novel. I hope to have it available for sale at the same time as the ebook, but depending on lulu’s distribution terms, that may or may not happen. I faintly remember something about six weeks after the proof is approved, but that could have been for a different distribution package.

I only have a few changes to make to the paperback. I have to add in a few blank pages so that everything shows up properly. I have to edit the page numbers so that they only show up in the actual story rather than beginning to end. Which was something I didn’t think was possible. Google proved me wrong. I never knew you could break a document into sections in MS Word. The more you know….

I also have to make some cover adjustments. Right now, it’s a bit too dark and blurry. The title on the spine is cut off a bit. The front cover graphic is too close to the edge, and the back cover blurb is too blurry. Something to do with all the resizing I had to do. Also, the back cover is a bit dull, so I’m going to add some gear graphics to it. I’m going to work on fixing those things today.

It’s so weird holding a copy of my book. Even though it’s self-published, there’s something about seeing it exist beyond a digital medium. I’m not exactly sure what I’m going to do with the proof copy. I’ve thought about giving it away, but it’s really not high-quality enough, in my opinion, mainly because of the cover problems. So I may just keep it for my own bookshelf. Or if I think of some creative use later, I'll do that.

Regardless, it will be available as a paperback eventually, if not straightaway. Here’s some pretty pictures of the proof:

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!