Online Book Publishers, eg Lulu, Blurb

[Jean Price]

Hello All,

I am doing a holiday photo book at the moment with one of the above firms, and then I plan to do a photo book displaying the official photos of all the sports teams that one of our families appeared in.

My question is - what is a good font and size to use - I do have lots of written material for both books. At the moment I am using "Lucida Sans", 12 point, but it seems too big.
And none of my books, ie from the library, are kind enough to tell me their font and size.

Any experience in self publishing out there?

Regards
Jean

[Jean Price]

Have just answered my question

I googled "fonts and sizes for photo books" and have enough reading for some time.

Regards
Jean

[andycand]

Hi

I can't help re Font Face but if you are doing a photo book using official photos you do need to consider possible copyright of the photos.

Andy

[jackhonour]

In future, look at Photoworld/Jessops Photo (same company but different names). They have a live chat function and have been very helpful when I've made photobooks in the past, you can ask them questions about the font or layout and they usually answer very quickly.

Prices vary between the two sites so if you do go with them in the future, make sure you check for the cheapest price. And also try haggling with them as I managed to gain an extra discount.

Jack

[Jean Price]

Andy,

I had not though about copyright. The photos are from the 1920's - 1930's - and are official team photos - so I will check with some one as to what I can do with them.

Thank You

Jean

[Jean Price]

Jack,

It seem as though there are now lots of programmes like this. Jessops does get some good reviews.

Thank You
Jean

[PaulStaffs]

I used Garamond 11pt for my paperback:

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/books_by_paul_robinson

If you're publishing in eBook format it doesn't really matter (provided that your text looks correct relative to any pictures/diagrams) as users will view it on so many different devices that it will get zoomed in/out as required.

The best advice I can offer is to use text 'styles' consistently throughout your manuscript while writing; it is painful to have to format the entire book afterwards. Also, resist the temptation to insert blank lines with the 'enter' key and use 'heading' styles for titles etc. Also, also (!), once you think you have it right, order a single copy to check - I discovered that my page numbers were incorrectly positioned due to incorrect formatting. Once you're happy with everything you can 'release' your masterpiece to the world at large. Consider this if relevant: http://www.bl.uk/aboutus/legaldeposit/

The advantage that Lulu offers is ease of distribution in various formats - you can publish in 'proper' book format and various eBook formats easily and get your work into various distribution channels eg. Amazon, iBookstore, Barnes & Noble etc. Their forums are also very helpful for new authors.

I have another book about 75% complete and intend to publish that with Lulu too so I guess that's a strong recommendation

Paul

[Greensleeves]

Amazon produces a free e-book which gives details of required fonts and formats for e-books which is very useful.

Regards
GS

[robbo43]

Andy,

I had not though about copyright. The photos are from the 1920's - 1930's - and are official team photos - so I will check with some one as to what I can do with them.

Thank You

Jean

Normally copyright lasts for 70 years after the year of publication so 1920s & 1930s material should be ok