Making a book?

Question

please help me!!!! do i HAVE to use adobe photo shop to get it published? could you give me some tips or something? please???????? please? ...ps, it's aa 8-13 girls guide book and i'm drawing, no photos

Answer 1

no you can handmake it the book, binding and all.
this is a pretty simple site with step by step instructions.
http://www.csparks.com/Bookbinding/index.xhtml

to do layout on your computer use quark or adobe indesign. maybe even MS word. photoshop wouldn't work very well.
indesign is the easiest to use and it will layout your pages back to back essentially.


if you don't want to bind it yourself take the layout to kinkos or staple and have it printed and bound.

Answer 2

Are you looking to self-publish your book through a vanity press, like cafepress or lulu.com? Or, are you looking for a traditional publisher who will handle this for you?

Either way, no you do not need to use adobe photoshop.

I only have experience working with lulu.com, but they have a process that will convert a Word document into their system, or you can upload a .pdf file (which would probably be the better alternative if you are illustrating. I would suggest browsing through their website, or the website of the vanity publisher of your choosing, and seeing what kinds of recommendations they have about formatting a book.

If you are seeking a traditional publisher, you can submit your work from pretty much any word processor that you prefer. As far as the illustrations go, you can and should submit them as well. However, if a publisher decided to buy your book they will most likely hire a professional illustrator to redo the images.

Where are you in the writing process? Do you have the story finished yet? If not, my first tip is to get it done! Keep writing every day. If you do have a first draft down on paper, then it is time to begin the editing process.

Once you feel your book is ready to be submitted to publishers, take a look at the book Writer's Market or at their website www.writersmarket.com for a wealth of information. It is the best reference for finding publishers who may be interested in books like yours. Also, head to the local bookstore and browse other similar books to find out where they have been published.

You might also want to check out the Guide to Literary Agents by the same company. Often, publishers will not look at unsolicited work that is not already represented by an agent. It's very difficult to find one, however it will be completely worth it to have someone that is on YOUR side while working with publishing companies.

It's a long road, and is not easy to get a book published. However, if you believe in it and work hard it can happen!

Good luck!