Final week I learn a submit the place somebody documented how they created their very own leather-bound version of Gardens of the Moon. Protected to say I turned obsessed. I need to do it too!
My favorite e-book collection is Tairen Soul by C.L. Wilson. I’ve all the time been a bit upset that the books had been solely ever launched in mass market paperback (no hardcover!). Perhaps this could possibly be an excellent alternative to create my very own snazzy leather-bound version?!
I’ve began digging just a little into what this course of would entail. The above weblog submit is extraordinarily helpful, however I nonetheless had just a few questions.
Do I would like permission?
If I need to reprint a replica in a bigger hardcover measurement (not simply re-bind an present version), do I would like permission from the creator/writer? Conserving in thoughts it’s only one single copy for personal/private use and can by no means be distributed. I nonetheless don’t know the reply to this!
The e-book is revealed by HarperCollins. They’ve a really helpful permission request type, however they explicitly say:
Our permissions departments don’t advise as to what’s or not “honest use”. When you decide that the choice you want to use falls beneath “honest use” tips then you needn’t place a request right here.
I’m undecided if this use case can be honest use. On the one hand, that is utterly non-public, non-commercial, and I’m not promoting or distributing the books in any means. I additionally personal the paperback and e book (which I do know doesn’t essentially give me the best, however would make me really feel much less unhealthy about it). Alternatively, we’re speaking about reprinting (not picture copying) the whole e-book.
I may fill out the shape to be protected, however then assuming they approve the request, I’m committing myself to paying $100 minimal.
I’m nonetheless undecided how one can proceed with this but. I emailed the creator for her permission and haven’t heard again but. (Fingers crossed!)
I taught myself InDesign
One of many first issues I did was begin an InDesign trial. That is one element I wished to tinker with myself. I knew I wouldn’t be capable of bind the e-book myself or draw superior paintings for it, however certainly I may make InDesign work.
I spent a number of days studying articles and watching YouTube movies on how one can usually get this working. I feel I’ve one thing going that works now. (If this ended up being insanely painful I’d have put an finish to the concept proper then.)
I researched:
- Guide sizes
- Margins
- Font sizes / households
- Guide layouts (the place to place web page numbers, and many others.)
- Chapter headings (fancy or plain? I’m leaning in the direction of plain)
I’m certain an expert may do that means higher than me, but when I’m going to do that I need to have the ability to say I contributed one thing myself.
Inside paintings – exhausting to seek out!
I additionally love the concept of commissioning some paintings to incorporate within the e-book. Seems that is… actually exhausting! (I’ve by no means commissioned artwork earlier than.)
I began speaking to some artists to get a way of pricing and timelines. Just about each artist I’m enthusiastic about both hasn’t replied to me (but?), doesn’t take commissions usually, or is so booked out that they aren’t even placing new folks on a ready listing. I’ve a complete new respect for any creator that’s in a position to fee a stunning, illustrated e-book cowl. (If you understand of an illustrator, be happy to let me know!)
I nonetheless have just a few leads and I’m hoping one will pan out. Proper now my expectation is to have to attend 3-4 months earlier than an artist would even be capable of begin.
Discovering a printer who provides you with the time of day
One other exhausting one. I solely need one single e-book printed, which is a whole waste of time for many printers. I used to be rejected by two three proper off the bat (rely elevated whereas penning this submit lol). I do have a pair leads now, however it’s difficult. It doesn’t assist that I’m being just a little troublesome by not wanting a “normal” paperback or hardcover. I need no cowl (so it may be leather-bound individually), tip-ins, and customized endpapers! This implies I’ve to speak to pre-sales for any website I can discover (I can’t use a kind of “simply decide your e-book format and add your information” providers, as a result of I’ve particular necessities).
Rereading the e-book
I additionally reread Lord of the Fading Lands (my sixth learn of it!), taking notes alongside the way in which. I bookmarked character descriptions and scenes that I’m probably enthusiastic about having illustrated.
It’s been lower than per week since this concept first took root in my thoughts, however it feels prefer it’s been a 12 months. I’ve been by way of so many ups and downs, from:
OH MY GOD I THINK I FOUND THE PERFECT BINDER! THIS PROJECT IS GOING TO HAPPEN!
to:
I can’t discover an artist anyplace! This mission is rarely going to occur! It’s DOOMED! I ought to simply cease all my analysis now!
(Dramatic, I do know.)
I nonetheless have lots to determine, and there’s an opportunity I’ll surrender alongside the way in which. However I actually hope I handle to make this work!
