Access the stuff in docx
I found this interesting. Bob Levine pointed out in InDesign Magazine that Word’s DOCX file format is a glorified ZIP file. “Change the extension to ZIP, unzip it, and you’ll find all of the document’s...
View ArticleThe use of InDesign & Photoshop is essential stewardship for DIY publishers
This morning I am reading an article by Marc Coker (the founder of Smashwords) about what’s coming in near future for authors and publishers. He has some very good things to say. Here’s a quote that...
View ArticleSmashwords now takes ePUBs!
This is really big news. This is especially true for someone who writes and works in InDesign. Up ’til now, I’d finish a book and spend a full day to: export the PDFs, export the KF8 file for Kindle,...
View ArticleTypography does not start with font design
This is the first major confusion in typography. Many believe that typography is font choices. They spend a huge amount of time on which fonts to choose, how fonts developed historically, and the...
View ArticleNook dying? B&N could go DRM-free and hook up with the iPad
Now I admit, I’m going on the words of others. I personally bailed on the Nook app and B&N a while ago. I am saddened by the troubles of the local B&N—it’s the only bookstore in town. I was...
View ArticleGraphics In InDesign: an excerpt from “Practical Professional Self Publishing...
This is the first portion of the new Practical Professional Self Publishing Handbook due out before summer this year. InDesign is the true replacement for FreeHand Many designers are still upset that...
View ArticleLibraries starting to stock self publishers
It’s just a small opening, and it’s in California, but the news is good from DBW this morning. Some California library systems buying from Smashwords Coker seems to have the knack of being in the right...
View ArticleJust released a 69 page preview of my Self Publishing Handbook
The book is due out in May, 2013. It will be called: Practical Professional Self Publishing Handbook The book is written for those authors who recognize that professional production is key to having...
View ArticleThe new Self-Publishing Handbook is released!
My handbook for the new breed of self-publisher is out! Why do you need to read this book? As I have become involved with the amazing variety of the new breed of authors—self publishing pioneers, it...
View ArticleInDesign CC begins the solution to ugly HTML lists
One of the real issues with ePUBs and Kindle books are the horrendously ugly HTML lists which have no typographical relationship with the rest of the copy in the book. InDesign CC has made a large step...
View ArticleContrary to common opinion, InDesign CC has helped ePUB export a lot
In the ePUB world, it is amazing how much bad press is given to InDesign. In fact, the coverage given to coders and developers of ePUBs matches the hype received in the media by Obama. But we won’t go...
View ArticleHow can I make the next book better?
How can I make it better the next time? This is the plaintive question I get every time after I have set up, formatted, and uploaded a book for a new author. It is also one of the most common questions...
View ArticleNew Release: InDesign Ebooks Conversions, 2nd Edition
Updating the ebook conversions techniques to InDesign CC Your book is ready to print How do I produce my ebooks? Here’s a set of workable techniques: InDesign Ebook Conversions for $2.99 If you had...
View ArticleCover Design: The seduction of type effects
Amateur covers are obvious! The number one mistake is made by adding all kinds of fancy trimmings to your type. Not only does it make the type much harder to read, but all trained designers have been...
View ArticleDesktop, laptop, or tablet?
I found a good article today which explains many of the issues. My main issue with the conclusions is that I cannot be productive with a laptop. If you are just writing, an iPad with Apple’s wireless...
View ArticleQuestions from authors about publishing their book
I received this email a couple days ago. It is typical of the type of questions I get from every author for whom I either publish their book or produce the digital artwork for their book so they can...
View ArticleOne main benefit to self-publishing and ebooks: unlimited shelf life
Here’s a quote from my new book, Writing In InDesign CC, due out soon. I don’t know about you, but I tend forget this in the heat of the moment as I am launching a new book. “Sales continue to grow:...
View ArticleAuthor beware! You are responsible to make good choices
Dave Bricker posted a long article today about the dangers of publishing without knowing the expenses and requirements of book production. You need to read the article if you are ignorant of the scams...
View ArticleMark Coker nails it again: we’re tired of the whining, just let us publish...
The Indie author furor! Big publishing isn’t dead, but it may be preparing to shoot itself in the other foot. 2014 will be quite a year. Mark’s article is real good—from Publisher’s Weekly.
View ArticleA prominent voice nows says Lightning Source is no longer recommended
Lightning8 – NOAA (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Aaron Shepherd has stopped recommending Lightning Source as necessary for self-publishers. This is a major reversal for a big name in self-publishing. His...
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