Apparently Size Does Matter...

So you get the brainiac idea to start writing books for kids. You figure out how to use Canva , and start using a template that works really well.

Hours upon hours, learning how to layer pictures, graphics and effects.

Next, which font may work best. Which fonts can be easily read, 谷歌 -ing what fonts are used most for children's books, trying one and changing it again.....and again........and again.

Figuring out that the text, layered over illustrations is not a great idea. Add solid backgrounds to make the text pop, only to figure out there are better ways.

Frustrated, I step back from the situation and seek an alternative way of thinking about the challenge at hand.

Let's go to the library and research what others have done. After a few trips to the local library, and having to explain that I'm not a weirdo stalking the children's books section, I find some valuable information.

That valuable information:

• The only standard is that there is no standard. If it's a series of books the only thing that changes is the colors on the cover.
• There is a lot of white space in children's books. Specifically for the text. Illustrations don't usually consume entire pages from edge to edge. And the text is typically on a separate page with no background illustration.
• Hard covers, soft covers - it's all over the board.
• Number of pages - it's all over the board.
• Size of books - it all over the board.

Maybe that KDP Amazon Publishers thing was a better idea. However, this kid doesn't have the budget and frankly, at this time, my stubbornness on how to figure this out on my own is overtaking any sense of reasoning.

In an earlier post a link was provided to download the PDF version of "The Upside Goldfish." Thank you to all that did. If you'd like another shot, hit the link for a good laugh. For the adults in the room, find the hidden Easter eggs (hint: song lyrics/references from the greatest generation of music).

https://online.flippingbook.com/view/625312352/

Back to trying to self-publish this one and the others to come. I start with Amazon and Kindle Direct Publishing. The PDF is not the correct format, you need to transfer everything to a 微软 DOC/DOCX. Or you can use a KPF files that allows your eBook to easily format and fit all Kindle devices. It’s a go-to method for avoiding any formatting issues. How about: "We support the EPUB format that meet the specifications outlined in the Kindle Publishing Guidelines." What's EPUB and where do I find it? Looks like MOBI may be an option, and PDF's are possible but I can't figure it out to save my life.

Next stop is a place called PrintingCenterUSA - fast, easy and affordable. Many choices and my PDF may be an option although page count needs to be adjusted. Front and back covers need to be separate. Does the inside of the cover count as a page? What about the inside of the back cover? My layout on Canva was designed as two-page spreads. What adjustments need to be made?

Sizes - 4.25 x 11, 5.5 x 8.5, 8.5 x 11, 6 x9, 8.27 x 11.69 for the portrait version.

What size template was I using in Canva? Haven't a clue. Although you can convert your finished product to a specific size.

Quantity is easy - how many and how much will it cost.

Pages - need the cover question answered to figure this one out.

Paper - gloss or no gloss or partial gloss.

It appears that this could be the answer. Uploaded my file(s). Cover needs to be separate, although the cover is included in the main file as well.

Now what do I do? It's a big file but how long is too long to wait? Do I screw everything up if I refresh. Do I start from scratch?

Can August, my new chat buddy, help me out. Clear cache, upload again she says and so I do. My 43 point inspection doesn't seem to be going well for a second time. So I wait. Do I need to create a login to make all of this work?

So I move on to Blurb to "Create My Book, My Way." Looks amazing although it seems to be a bit expensive to start. Upload my PDF and get the following message:

There is a way to auto-correct my errors so we hit that button and well I get this:

Close but no cigar. Page count is not right rendering the graphics are off on the two-page spreads.

They also provided a fancy ISBN number with bar code on the back cover which - now that I know - messes with graphics.

Crop marks - edges of each page will get shaved down 1/16 of an inch. Not an issue for 98% of the pages, but definitely screws with the cover and back cover. Easy fix but a curveball that got me at the knees.

Need to work through this one for each book may cost $72 but they do have an online bookstore to help you out. It's late, I'm tired and need to absorb the obstacles.

I can confirm that TikTok and Instagram are listening since my feeds are chock full of other companies that provide publishing services; Spines , IngramSpark , 48 Hour Books , and Vinyl Disorder (that produces cool looking stickers). Charlie, the raddest, Upside Down Goldfish you've ever met, will ultimately need his own sticker to be glued to every mirrored closet door on the planet.

So when they tell you, "Size Doesn't Matter."

Don't believe them.

It matters alright in many different ways.

Until the next time, Be You and Stay Weird.

#theupsidedowngoldfish #beyoustayweird #sizedoesmatter #softorhard

Cover - soft or hard cover weirdo.