Step 2: Uploading/formatting self-pub docs to Createspace – e’en a dummy can do it

I have the tech savvy of a squirrel. Computers make my brain hurt, and technological issues quash my soul. But even one as technologically small-brained as myself can format and upload docs to self-pub sites like Createspace. Those sites offer paid services (Createspace’s service is $249) that will do the formatting for you, but I think that’s a waste of money. Here’s what you need to do:

First, pick your fonts. Someone advised me that for paper books (as opposed to e-books), you should use serif fonts. I went with Cambria for the body of the book, and Futura for the chapter headings. Other fonts that were suggested to me: Palatino, Garamond, Baskerville, Caslon, Minion, FF Scala… I went with 1.25 line spacing, which looks nice on paper, but if your book is super long, you could go with 1.15.

Second, format the book. You’ll want a blank page (front and back) before the title page, copyright info on the back of the title page (keep in mind that you’ll be using 2-sided pages when you format). Then if you have a dedication, you can throw that in. You will then need a blank page on the back of the dedication page so that your first chapter starts on the right side of the book.

Createspace has templates that tell you the margins you’ll need in order for your book to look good on the page. I found that I needed more space than was recommended in order for the page numbers not to be partially cut off on the bottom of the page. You’ll also need a “gutter,” which allows for the extra room on the side of the page where the book is bound. My book was 5X8, and the margins I used were:
Top: .75
Bottom: .85
Right: .5
Left: .5
Gutter: .3

Once your book looks great, you’ll need to save it as a PDF. Then you can upload it to the Createspace website! After you upload your cover art (which I’ll talk about in mah next blog), you’ll be asked to order a “Proof” copy of the book, and if there are any formatting problems you can fix them ASAP. It takes about 5-7 days for the proof to arrive, during which time you’ll be staring out the window constantly waiting for the mail man to arrive with your precious proof package, but I can tell you that you shouldn’t even start your mail vigil until 4 days after you order the proof. You’ll just be tormenting yourself.

I gotta say – my Createspace-printed book looks fabulous. Super professional, good color on the cover, pages clean and well-cut.

You are delightful. Have a cookie. Head south for the winter. Mwah!