Eventually …

this is a proof copy of my latest … as you can see, it didn’t go well

I eventually got the wrap round cover for of Black Bulls and White Horses sorted. It was, as it always is and never should be, a palaver. First you need a photo for the background you want to use – it needs to be landscape so it will fit a full cover. I used one I took a couple of years ago. Then you design the front cover, which is the marketing shot. I use canva.com which is excellent and free (if you need any detailed advice, then email me or add a comment), and not difficult if all you want is a picture background and then some text. For of Black Bulls and White Horses I used http://picsart.com to play with the image first, taking it from a photo I took and turning it into something more abstract. So far, so good.

the original



after Picsart playing



front cover – tick

Then, using Kindle Direct Publishing – the self-publishing arm of Amazon, I upload a copy of the manuscript and they then tell me what size wrap round cover I need. I download that template onto PowerPoint. I use it as the background to put on the full sized image, on top of which superimpose the front cover, then design the spine and the backpage – all using PowerPoint. The result is messy at the edges and needs trimming. And this is where it all starts to fall apart. However, it seems if you download the slide as an SVG image (the highest quality) and then crop it to the size Amazon want, that’s the start. Then you upload that to a pdf editor, convert it to pdf (the only format Amazon accepts) and ensure it has a resolution of 300 dpi. Now, I can’t guarantee that’s going to work first time … it took me five hours and 12 attempts – but, eventually it works. Hurrah.

the Powerpoint slide



the finished article … phew

The book is actually on Amazon now, if you want it, but I’m not marketing until the weekend – dead on schedule. There will be more details at the weekend. I do hope you enjoy it.

Other than that it’s been run/walk/admin. And today we popped up to see Jen and James.

We are fine. In fact, I think it’s fair to say, we’re running out of things to do. I’ve got the Cat’s Christmas letter to write, some minor work in Doris and the bikes to fully service, but that’s it. Ordinarily I’d be edging and waxing the skis and we’d be gearing up for Chatel, but that’s still a pipe dream. Never mind. We’re lucky to be able to even think about it.

Jen’s ragdoll … as thick as mince

Henry, Bex and Steven are fine. We get regular updates. They’re on their own for Christmas, but all their pals are in the same boat, so they’ve got plenty of people to see. And, of course, a baby to raise (I miss him …).

I really miss the little lad …

Other than that, not much to report from us. Keep safe, all of you. And do email me or comment if you want advice or support with any aspect of self publishing. I’m seven books in now and think I understand the process as well as anyone, including, horrors of horrors, typesetting. Let me know.