Tools

Tools: not the people we know who do stupid things, but the programs and devices we use for perfecting our craft.

I do understand how difficult it can be to keep up to date with the latest versions of any number of programs available for writers to use.

Someone’s working environment may not be conducive to using various types of software on a regular basis. If you have a job-to-pay-the-bills that has you working in an office environment, then you have a greater chance of being up to date with software. Other environments, such as retail, or trades, generally don’t have the same needs for software conducive to writing. Therefore, newer versions often become something left until there is no other option.

Sometimes with large companies, software upgrades are done at the IT level, without taking into consideration if the actual end users are software savvy. Usually not enough training or tech support is available.

If you do use word processors for your writing, upgrading, and updating can be expensive and daunting. Keep an eye out for good quality, open-source options that will allow to keep up with tech improvements.

Everybody DOES work differently when writing. However, when you begin to prepare your work for publication – either by traditional publishing methods, or self-publishing – having access to the latest software becomes important. Knowing how to convert a standard text document to a pdf document can be quite important. A pdf document is most often the required format for uploading a file for publication. This will include the cover. They are a stable document that will preserve your choices of image, font, and layout. Uploading a word processor document leaves that document open to unwanted alterations, especially if the receiving computer does have the same fonts that you used.

 The ability to transfer files from your device to that of an editor, proofreader or publisher becomes even more essential. Transferring files electronically allows for a much quicker turn-around when editing is involved, or when you are loading your final files. Of course, you may only be interested in a basic device that will allow you to capture your creativity. Once you have gone over it a few times, you are happy to transfer your story to someone else to do the polishing. That’s where finding the right person, or company, to handle your product becomes important.

Take your time to select who you use, once you have determined what it is you want them to do. Self-publishing has become much easier over time and will continue to do so as time progresses. How your product looks therefore becomes a critical factor.

I may have already covered this in an earlier post, but for me, a manuscript that has not been professionally edited or grammar checked, let alone assessed, is a poor reflection not only on the author, but any person who allows their name to be attached to the work.

Harsh, you might say? I disagree totally. Poor spelling and grammar have no excuse in a published work. Yet people still put their work ‘out there’ for others to read. I would hate for a book, that may have a fantastic storyline to it, be put down and never read because by the end of the first chapter, the reader has become too distracted by the number of errors. Don’t worry, no work is perfect. If in a 300-page book, you come across about 1%, or less, of errors, the spacing of those errors will not be a distraction. They will often be forgiven as an oversight.

Another thing I have come across, and invariably always forget about, is the size of the images being used. The company I happen to use for my printing and distribution requires an image file of 300dpi (dots per inch). Photo editing programs will have an option that will allow you to adjust this. This is only relevant if you are planning on creating the book cover yourself. In theory, if you choose to outsource that task, it is fair to presume that the designer would know this. However, it is always good to check that they have done the right thing. Even if you are uploading a pdf file, a lot of systems can still detect the size of an image. The reason for the image size is that the smaller the size, the lesser the quality of the printed image. The last thing you want is a dodgy, and/or blurry image on your front cover when it’s not meant to be that way.

Now that I’ve scared, or is that scarred, you all let me encourage you. Write, write, write. As in a lot of things, no less writing, everything old is new again. Don’t let the seeming similarities between your story and others put you off, it is still YOUR story. You are its creator, its designer.

Find the tools that are right for you. Stay up to date as much as possible. Always be prepared to ask for help.

On a final note, have you missed me?

Write to your heart’s content.

Be fulfilled.