Hope I don’t muck up this mock up

Today I received the mock up from Createspace for my book. Essentially, I received the first two chapters along with the first pages that include copyright info, dedications, etc. I am to look over this mock up and determine if I like the indentation, pagination, fonts, etc. If I do, I notify them to go ahead and they will then format the whole book which will be another two weeks. From there, I will receive a proof. If that works for me, then they’ll make it available online and everyone can finally buy it. As I said a few weeks ago…baby steps.

So…I have to fight the desire to rush through this. I have edited this thing perhaps three dozen times and I want to get it out, but I have to truly make sure everything is as perfect as possible. For those of you who know me, you KNOW how anal I am. Yet it is possible to rush through something to get what you want and muck things up.

I’m weary but excited. I think this is a good way to be.

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The fat lady ain’t sung yet

So, in the continuing saga of POOR Bob Mulkey’s first book….

When we last left Bob he was actually a little encouraged. He had seen the proof of his book and, while there were mistakes, he understood that life is sometimes imperfect. Nevertheless, he was jazzed to see what his book could possibly look like and he was excited to work with Createspace, an affiliate of Amazon.com.

Then…(dramatic organ music)

After speaking to Createspace it turned out that it will be at LEAST another 3-4 weeks before the book is possibly ready and possibly 6-8 weeks. First, it must be formatted at which time Createspace will send a mock up of the book consisting of only 10-15 pages–this will take seven days. If that passes muster with POOR Bob, then Createspace will complete the book–this will take another 10-15 days. Then the proof will be sent to POOR Bob for his final approval. Barring any changes or corrections, POOR Bob will approve the proof and notify Createspace at which time it will take Amazon.com about 2-3 days to create the web page for purchase of the book. Although, people will be able to purchase it through Createspace before then.

So, to summarize the ongoing saga of POOR Bob’s first book–the fat lady ain’t sung yet.

And POOR Bob is striving to stay away from the razor blades…

Up, up and away– my hopes, that is

OK so I received a proof of the book. A few things needed to be corrected. The spine of the book was “bleeding” onto the front and back cover. Easily corrected. Found a couple of things inside, too, that can be easily corrected. Other than that, I thought it looked pretty darn good.

Has me a little scared. This is really going to happen. I’m not pulling the plug. What will be the result? As I’ve said before, at the very least I finally did it. That right there is enough for me to hold my head up.

In following through I’ve decided to pay Createspace (affiliated with Amazon.com) to finish up the book. If I try doing this, I’ll be here until the 22nd century. I don’t have the knowledge or moxie about online publishing and I’m tired of trying to teach myself when I can pay someone a reasonable price to take this the rest of the way. Plus, they’ve got marketing plans to help me out.

I have decided that I am going to have two book launches. An acquaintance of mine just published a book and had two book launches so I figure “Why not me?” I’m still going to have the one in Oregon City. The second will be in Salem. From there, I guess the world is my oyster. I will pull out all the meager stops I have. I will have a copy to take to Italy with me to present to my family over there in June. If I go back to Dubai at Christmas, I’ll have one for my brother and sister-in-law. Signed, of course.

I feel a big door opening for me. But it’s a big door, so I have to push hard.

So close I can almost taste it!

OK!  I submitted my manuscript with the cover to CreateSpace and it was accepted!  This means it met their specs and can be published!  Nevertheless, I still ordered a copy so I can check it out with a fine tooth comb before I give the go-ahead for publication.  They told me some photos didn’t have enough dpi (dots per inch) so I don’t know how it’s going to look in print.  The digital copy looked mighty fine, especially the front and back cover.  Could I be there?

I tell you, if it’s good, I’m approving it PRONTO!  I’ve asked that they send the book express mail so I don’t have to wait a week.  Once it’s approved, things are gonna move fast–publicity, news articles, phone calls, book launch prep, room reservation, a ton of things.  Kind of exciting!

Yet I have to admit that there’s a part of me that wants to turn back.  Why?  Fear of the unknown, I guess.  But I’m not going to do it.  Jazzed yet scared!