FunkyL Loc: MD

Hi folks!

I've written a memoir of our sailing days as a gift for my husband. I'd like to make just 2 actual hard copies. In MS Word, at 8.5 x 11, it's about 100 pages, maybe 3/4 text, 1/4 photos. I have no interest in selling. I've made a few photo books through Snapfish, but their products seem not designed for that much text. In searching the topic here, I see good reviews of Blurb, Amazon, and Shuttterfly. With a lot of patience I could print it on my home printer and have it spiral bound. It would be nice to have something professional, but I'm not sure if I can afford it. I know actual price will depend on size, paper choice, cover choice etc, but can anyone give me a rough idea of cost? Also, I tend to assume "everyone" uses MS Word, but are these publishers' software compatible with Word documents? Thanks in advance for your advice!

carlberg

You don't mean "hard-copies" if you're planning spiral-bound. I've published nine books (technical, historical, novels) with Amazon and the initial cost ran about $6 per copy, as long as you do everything yourself. Most were ~200 pages, 6X9", "Perfect" binding (Paper-back). I designed the covers, set up the pages in MS Word, inserted photos (TIFF). Also you might try local print shops. Many are equipped to do small book runs. You don't have to print the book. They prefer to use your digital files. My wife published a family history, spiral bound, 8.5 X 11, 70 pages, about $8 each, but she did everything herself. Where self publishing gets expensive is when you leave tasks to the printer like cover and page design, setup, marketing, etc. Good luck!

FunkyL Loc: MD

Thanks, Carlberg. This sounds like it should be doable at a price I can afford.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I would highly encourage you to have them submit a proof of the draft they typeset that you approve before printing multiple copies. I would also suggest you submit in pdf format rather than Word. Formatting in Word may not necessarily translate into print. I had an acquaintance that had a large number of hardbacks printed directly from the Word file only to find to her dismay that the spacing was a mess, including half blank pages and sentence fragments.

carlberg

Few if any printshops typeset any longer. They print exactly what you submit as a digital file. You're right. My mistake . pdf files are preferred by the printers. And getting a proof copy is always a good idea.

FunkyL Loc: MD

Thanks Trix, Carlberg. Appreciate the suggestions. Don't want to put all the work into this and have any "surprises".

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...I would also suggest you submit in pdf format rather than Word..." Words of wisdom from TriX
That said, it may be wise to query the printer as to their preferences...
With a two copy run of a 200 pages pricing may reflect a vendor's current demands...
If you are not in a hurry you may find bid(s) that meets your expectations...

All the best with your endeavor...

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

I used Amazon KDP. It only cost you as many books as you want to buy. You can convert to PDF and pop it into their format that way. They provide a lot of written instructions. Great way to publish a book.

https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200635650

FunkyL Loc: MD

Thomas and Via the lens, thanks for your suggestions, and for the link.

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

Hi FunkyL,
My wife and I have published 15 books on Amazon in the size you want. They do not charge to publish but do charge for each book you purchase. Another poster suggested they would charge you about $6.00 for each book. They charge based on page count. Our last book was 112 pages and our cost is $8.69 plus SH (around $2.00 per book unless ordered in bulk numbers). You'll need to submit your manuscript AND cover using a PDF format. Go to my website (www.btsflyfishing.com) and at the bottom of the home page you'll find MS Publisher templates for the book layout and another for cover layout (no charge). Before publishing, you'll need to save the manuscript and the cover as 2 separate PDF documents. The publishing process is started with questions and uploading of the manuscript followed by uploading the cover. Once their "book machine" checks your document(s) for errors you can order "author proofs" for the amount they specify. Once you approve the book, you can buy as many or as few as you wish. If you want to spiral bind them you'll have to cut the spine off the book and install the spiral yourself OR get Staples to do it for about $10.00 per book (give or take based on page count). Take care & ...

TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

Everything Trix said, it is all good advice.

FunkyL Loc: MD

thanks, Al, I will do that. Hubby's into fly fishing, he might like to take a look at your website, too, assuming he hasn't already found it.

Straight Shooter Loc: Newfoundland, Canada