Chapter One Book Design

02/05/2024

Do you have occasional legal questions about your business and wish that you had a quick reference guide to answer your questions? You are in luck!

Today, my friend Cheri Doughty Andrews launches the second edition of her book, SMOOTH SAILING: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LEGALLY PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS.

This book covers everything from entrepreneurial mindset to minute details of email marketing, and everything in-between. While dealing with US law, the principles apply to all countries, and there's a good section on GDPR compliance too.

Get your copy TODAY at smoothsailingbook.com and you’ll also get access to special launch day only goodies!

23/04/2024

Will you be reading this evening?

It's and the UNESCO International Day of the Book as well as, probably, the birth date of William Shakespeare!

World Book Night was started in 2011 in the UK to encourage more people to read. Although the first World Book Night was held in March, it's always been on 23 April since 2012.

I've been a giver for World Book Night on two occasions – the first time gifting copies of 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier (one of my all-time favourite books) and another year 'Someone Else's Skin' by Sarah Hilary who is now one of those authors whose books I have to get as soon as they are published.

World Book Night is run differently now with The Reading Agency collaborating with libraries and other organisations to encourage reading.

I'm currently reading 'The House of Mirrors' by Erin Kelly – another favourite author – which is a follow-up to her debut book 'The Poison Tree'. It may not be within the designated 7.00–8.00 pm BST, but I will definitely be reading some more later today.

What are you reading now? Would you recommend it to others?

More information about World Book Night here:

Today we’re celebrating everything we love about books and reading, and we want you to join us! At 7-8pm we’ll be doing the , taking time to dedicate to reading. Find out more and share what you’re reading with us online using the hashtag.

21/04/2024

LAST CHANCE!

Have you seen my posts over the past couple of weeks about the NONFICTION SUCCESS GIVEAWAY?

This gathering of gifts is for those who are or want to be nonfiction authors and includes support around writing, editing, designing, publishing, marketing, speaking, and publicity.

Access ends tomorrow, April 22 so dive right in. This could be just what you need to amplify that big message you want to share.

Get access here: https://catherinew.krtra.com/t/rCFbJGi0UwYf

19/04/2024

Whether you have been a published author for years, or haven’t yet started an outline, the Nonfiction Success Giveaway professionals have got you covered.

If you want to shortcut your learning curve to sharing your message in a bigger way register for some or all of the gifts that we have available for you.

It’s simple and quick … and it might just change your business or your life.

The Nonfiction Success Giveaway ends on April 22.

Take Action Now! https://catherinew.krtra.com/t/rCFbJGi0UwYf

18/04/2024

It's my business birthday! 7 years ago Chapter One Book Production – now Chapter One Book Design – came into being.

And it's been (mostly) a joy and a privilege to help so many people realise their dream of becoming a published author.

Have you dreamed of becoming a published author? As it happens, I've got just the thing to help you!

When you register for the Nonfiction Success Giveaway, you’ll have access to transformative gifts like:

• Mary E Knippel’s 'Conquering Content Paralysis'
• Judi Harrington’s '7 Stellar Resources for Writing Excellence'
• Katrina Sawa’s 'Sell More Books Now: Video Training & Checklist'
• Kerry Dobson’s 'From Pages to Practice: Making Ideas Actionable'

And of course, you’ll get my gift 'What to Discuss With Your Book Designer'.

The Nonfiction Success Giveaway only has a few more days to run, so if it speaks to you…

Get Access Now! https://catherinew.krtra.com/t/rCFbJGi0UwYf

I can’t wait to see your Nonfiction Success!

17/04/2024

There have never been as many published authors as there are today. Perhaps you have published a book already, or perhaps that is one of your dreams…

Either way, I’m taking part in an event with you in mind, and I’m delighted to share it with you!

Whatever stage of the publishing journey you are at – ready for writing, editing, designing, publishing, marketing, speaking, or publicity – inside the you’ll find amazing resources and professionals to support you.

Get Access Now! https://catherinew.krtra.com/t/rCFbJGi0UwYf

16/04/2024

Have you thought about becoming a nonfiction author, or are you one already looking for help with marketing your book and big message?

Get the support and resources you need in the NONFICTION SUCCESS GIVEAWAY. Twelve nonfiction professionals including Suzanne Tregenza Moore, Debby Kevin and myself have donated gifts around writing, editing, designing, publishing, marketing, speaking, and publicity.

You won’t want to miss it! Get Access Here! https://catherinew.krtra.com/t/rCFbJGi0UwYf

15/04/2024

I’ve gathered with a group of other publishing professionals to provide resources for nonfiction authors at every stage of their journey from writing their book to marketing it successfully.

Want access to the gifts we have for you?

Enter the NONFICTION SUCCESS GIVEAWAY by clicking the link below. But do it today because on April 22 this opportunity flies away!

https://catherinew.krtra.com/t/rCFbJGi0UwYf

11/04/2024

Heads up to all nonfiction authors – or those seeking to become one …

I’ve got gifts that will help you!

The NONFICTION SUCCESS GIVEAWAY is happening now and will help you with all parts of the writing, publishing, and marketing process.

CLICK THIS LINK https://catherinew.krtra.com/t/rCFbJGi0UwYf for instant access.

You won’t regret it!

10/04/2024

Do you have a big message you are trying to share with the world?

Have you written about it, or considering writing about it?

This might be your call to action to amplify that message.

Whether you’re already published or haven’t yet written a word, the NONFICTION SUCCESS GIVEAWAY has the resources you need for writing, editing, designing, publishing, marketing, speaking, or publicity.

And you don’t need to spend a penny or a dime.

All you need to do to get access to this treasure trove of support is CLICK HERE https://catherinew.krtra.com/t/rCFbJGi0UwYf and fill out a quick form with your name and email address.

When you do, you’ll land in an oasis of gifts waiting for you to claim them and move forward on your journey.

09/04/2024

Are you a nonfiction author or aspiring to become one?

If so, you’ll want to stop scrolling.

The NONFICTION SUCCESS GIVEAWAY is gifting resources to those who want support around writing, editing, designing, publishing, marketing, speaking, and publicity.

Click this link: https://catherinew.krtra.com/t/rCFbJGi0UwYf

And collect some or all the gifts inside. We want you to find success with your book, and your business.

08/04/2024

DOORS OPEN TODAY!

Are you a nonfiction author or seeking to become one?

Now that publishing no longer requires working with a traditional publisher, the floodgates have opened.

More books and authors are popping up every day.

There is a sea of information about hybrid publishing, self-publishing, book promotion, publicity, and how to use your book to amplify your message.

The NONFICTION SUCCESS GIVEAWAY is providing a small group of carefully cultivated resources to help you cut through that sea of information and make every step of the process easier.

From writing, editing, designing, publishing, marketing, and speaking, to publicity and revenue generation, focused and simple resources inside this GIVEAWAY will help you move any nonfiction writing project or already written book to the next level.

ACT NOW! Get access to these gifts and resources here: https://catherinew.krtra.com/t/rCFbJGi0UwYf

05/04/2024

If you are a nonfiction author or intending to become one, you will not want to miss this!

Free resources from publishing professionals, including me. It won't cost you anything other than a few moments of your time to register and decide which of the gifts you want to have.

The NONFICTION SUCCESS GIVEAWAY starts on Monday.

02/04/2024

Widows, orphans and runts …

All best avoided if possible in book layouts.

📘 A widow has a past but a short future – a single line (or even a word) at the top of a page.
📕 An orphan has a future but a short past – a single line (or even a word) at the bottom of a page.
📗 Runts are single words on a line at the end of a paragraph.

After I've worked my magic, virtually all of these issues will have disappeared.

Ssshh! It's not actually magic but adjustment of InDesign settings to ensure that all paragraphs – unless they are a single line anyway – keep two lines together at the beginning and the end. Sometimes, I will allow an orphan rather than having uneven bottom lines.

Occasionally, particularly in works with a lot of dialogue, it is not possible to avoid a runt. In the example shown, I felt it was better to leave the runt than to have the preceding line even more 'gappy' (technical term there!) or too tight.

Otherwise, by using GREP (a way of searching for strings of particular characters) in a paragraph style and a nested 'no break' character style, I can automatically ensure there is a minimum number of characters on the last line of a paragraph so that short single words don't end up on their own.

And after reading this, you'll never look at a book the same way again – or so I've been told by those who have heard my talk about book design and production.

If you want to make sure your book is beautifully easy to read, I'm scheduling new titles from June onwards. Let's have a virtual cuppa to discuss your requirements: https://bit.ly/3IIKKEx

30/03/2024

Coming soon!! Do watch out for posts about this giveaway, featuring free resources from several publishing professionals to help you with your book.

11/03/2024

That warm glow from another 5-star review … ☺️

I became a Reedsy professional early on in my business.

I get several enquiries each month but don't create an offer for all of them – almost always because the author has unrealistic expectations around time for the job to be done or budget or both.

Currently I have 9 books on my schedule at different stages so expecting me to add another one with a 2-week deadline simply isn't happening!

My services are not the cheapest but I do offer and give good value.

If you are planning to self-publish a book this year and will need help getting it ready for publication once the writing and editing are completed, we should probably have a chat soon.

Book a virtual cuppa with me – https://bit.ly/3IIKKEx

06/03/2024

It's Launch Day!

This new anthology, 'Heart-Centered Marketing: Proven Strategies that Naturally Attract and Nurture Clients', is published today by Highlander Press.

You’ll get many nuggets of wisdom from twenty-one women – including me – who have been marketing their businesses in a way that aligns with their feminine strengths and energy. We share our most hard-won knowledge in easy-to-read, bite-sized chunks.

Get your copy of 'Heart-Centered Marketing' TODAY at hpanthology.com.

"Each chapter is shared from the heart … this book is a must-have resource for any entrepreneur"— Wilson Writing Mentor

"This book reminds us to put people first and build meaningful relationships"—Mindy Van Vleet, Polka Dot Powerhouse, Regional Director

01/03/2024

Coming soon …

Coming very soon …

And I'm one of the contributors to this anthology.

Launching March 6.

With thanks to Jacqui Jagger for the review quote.

31/01/2024

I started a post yesterday about supplying images for a printed book.

And then I decided it actually needs to be a much longer article/blog.

To ensure it's as useful as possible, let me know what your questions are or would be about images for printed books.

Some starters that I am often asked:

📕 What does high resolution mean?
📗 What's the difference between dpi and ppi?
📘 How do you know when an image is good enough for printing?
📙 Are the requirements different for photos and illustrations?
📕 Why can't a book designer simply take the images from a Word file?
📗 Can you use an image acquired from a website?
📘 Can you remove the background or a person or an object from a photo?
📙 What is the best image format for printed books?
📕 Can you convert a colour photo to a black and white one?
📘 What is the difference between RGB and CMYK?

What else would be helpful to know about images in printed books?

***
I'm the owner and wearer of all the hats at Chapter One Book Design, working with book coaches, independent authors and publishers to get their books ready for publication. My mission is to make books beautifully easy to read.

If you're aiming to publish a book this year, I'd love to hear from you. Schedule a virtual cuppa with me here:

Dubsado, client management refined for the creative entrepreneur.

26/01/2024

They're giving away a Tesla!!

I recently joined Entrepreneurs Circle after seeing one of their ads, viewing a webinar that was very useful, and taking advantage of their £1 for the first 30 days of membership.

I've found it super helpful and am already implementing some of the guidance and advice. There are so many useful resources and it suits me to be able to dip into them as time permits within my schedule.

And now, they're giving away a Tesla when they reach 500 referrals.

So, here's my referral link https://vrlps.co/0c0bqbb/cp

You're welcome! 😍

Get all the tools, templates, resources and support you need to grow your business, AND the chance to win a brand-new Tesla!

03/01/2024

The beginning of a new year seems like a good time for an introduction (or reintroduction) to Chapter One Book Design.

I'm so grateful that I get to do something I love and, in the process, help authors to realise their dream of getting their book published.

The background music to the video is appropriately titled "Can't Stop Us Now". So, if you've decided that 2024 is the year to publish your book, I'd love to hear from you.

Link to my website is https://bit.ly/4890QRX (also shown at the end of the video) or email [email protected].

Let's get that book ready for publication. 📕😊

13/07/2023

🥁 🥁 🥁 🥁 🥁 🥁 🥁

It's official! I have a fabulous new logo thanks to Hanne Brøter – she is a genius with great imagination and ability to dive deep into brand values.

This totally reflects my love of books, love of the technology to design and produce the files needed for publication and that Chapter One Book Design is a heart-centred business collaborating with other publishing professionals to get your book to the best it can possibly be.

I hope you love it as much as I do!

17/05/2023

Evidently it's time for a post about who I don't work with!

If you fall into any of these categories, I wish you well with your book but we're not a good fit:

📕 Those who think their book won't need proofreading after the page layout has been done - I can guarantee that there will be some corrections needed

📗 Those who think their book is good enough without being copy edited

📘 Those who think what I do is "just typesetting" - my services are so much more than that

📙 Those who think it's fair to pay £120 for typesetting a book of over 100,000 words! I kid you not as that is what a recent enquirer was expecting to pay for "just typesetting".

I feel better for getting that off my chest!

If, however, you're a budding author who is willing to follow the long tried and tested practice of write/edit/typeset/proofread/correct, then I'm very happy to help.

Now scheduling new titles from mid July onwards - do get in touch if you want to publish your book in the last quarter of 2023 or make an appointment on my calendar for a virtual cuppa and a chat about your requirements.

https://hello.dubsado.com:443/public/appointment-scheduler/62c2b76acfbd30768f929761/schedule

Dubsado, client management refined for the creative entrepreneur.

24/04/2023

If you want to publish a book, when is the best time to contact me to help get it ready for publication?

📕 If you're a book coach or publisher with edited scripts ready to go, any time. Any time at all!

📗 If you're still writing, it's absolutely fine to make enquiries but you won't be ready yet for my services. I've learned the hard way that when someone says their book will be completed and edited by a certain date but they're still writing, it is very rarely actually ready on said date.

📘 If you've finished your first draft, we're getting closer and I'm happy to answer your queries but you still won't be quite ready for my services.

📙 If you have a revised draft that you've gone through with a fine-toothed comb, but it still needs professional editing – we're very nearly there so please do get in touch.

And I can refer you to editors if needed – there are plenty of excellent ones in my network.

We can schedule a mutually convenient time to have a virtual cuppa and a chat about your book and your requirements via Zoom. Link to my calendar here: https://bit.ly/3IIKKEx.

As things stand, I'm away from Wednesday (off to the USA again for more exploring around Sedona, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon) and back in the office on 15th May with jobs to complete and a couple of new books to start on. But I do have availability from mid June onwards.

Dubsado, client management refined for the creative entrepreneur.

18/04/2023

And now …

WE ARE SIX!

🍾 It’s my business birthday. 🎂

Six years ago today, Chapter One Book Production came into being. At least, that’s when I registered the domain name.

Six lessons learned:

📕 You can’t be a secret and a success – Thanks for that one Jacqui Jagger 😍
📗 When you’re providing a one-to-one service, you can’t spread yourself too thin – use one social media platform well rather than trying to be everywhere
📘 Find a way of networking that works for you
📕 When the going gets tough, don’t be afraid to reach out to your tribe
📗 Know your worth and charge accordingly
📘 Get some automation – using Dubsado and FreeAgent have made a big difference for me!

By way of celebration, I’ll be treating my business to a little bit of a makeover – more news on that after my holiday.

For now, THANK YOU to all my clients past and present.

And for those who may be future clients wanting a book made beautifully easy to read … let’s have a virtual cuppa and a chat about your book. https://bit.ly/3IIKKEx

A favourite poem from a favourite childhood book:

𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗪𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝘅 by A.A. Milne

When I was one,
I had just begun.
When I was two,
I was nearly new.
When I was three,
I was hardly me.
When I was four,
I was not much more.
When I was five,
I was just alive.
But now I am six,
I'm as clever as clever.
So I think I'll be six now
for ever and ever.

Except, I'm pretty sure that Chapter One Book Production can keep going for as long as I want it to. 😊

Dubsado, client management refined for the creative entrepreneur.

03/04/2023

📚 What sort of books do you work on?

Might be quicker to say what I haven't worked on! But here is a selection from my career in publishing so far:

📘 Biographies
📙 Business
📗 Cookery
📘 Crafts
📙 Health and Wellbeing
📗 History
📘 Lifestyle
📙 Memoir
📗 Religion
📘 Self-Help
📙 Sports
📗 Travel
📗 And a wide variety of fiction from crime thrillers to Regency romance to Western stories.

Some were text only, some were illustrated.

The principles of page composition for printed books remain the same whatever the subject.

And the overriding principle in my work is to make the content beautifully easy to read. The reader must be enabled to focus on your words and story or message.

Good design on page layouts doesn't get noticed.

Narrow margins, poor hyphenation, inconsistency of style, lack of a clear hierarchy, insufficient white space and typos are some of the issues to be avoided.

Need help with making your book beautifully easy to read?

Message me or schedule a call on my calendar. 😊

https://hello.dubsado.com:443/public/appointment-scheduler/62c2b76acfbd30768f929761/schedule

Dubsado, client management refined for the creative entrepreneur.

29/03/2023

😲 Impressed face! 😊

A cancellation and another postponement has meant I've had time to add a selected portfolio of books I've worked on to my website.

I'm immensely grateful to the authors for their permission to show sections of their books.

Also grateful for the Heyzine website which has enabled me to show these book sections like they are books, complete with page turning action – it's the little things! 😍 And you can follow a further link to buy the book.

Go take a look! https://chapter-one-book-production.co.uk/portfolio/

There's also another blog post about what to expect when you work with a book designer.

Are you writing a book? Do you need help getting it ready for publication? Let's have a virtual cuppa and a chat about your book and your requirements. Schedule it on my calendar here:
https://hello.dubsado.com:443/public/appointment-scheduler/62c2b76acfbd30768f929761/schedule

Dubsado, client management refined for the creative entrepreneur.

17/03/2023

Sometimes, life – not to mention the Covid pandemic – gets in the way of putting your book out there.

Thankfully, Karen Green persisted with her ambition and her book 𝘉𝘶𝘺𝘦𝘳-𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 will now be published next week. It already has several recommendations from influencers.

Talking of recommendations, here's what Karen had to say about her experience of working with me:

"Catherine has been inspirational in supporting me getting Buyer-ology print ready. She has been incredibly patient with my revisions and most important with a hard launch deadline, she has been always on time and accurate. Organised, experienced, and a pleasure to deal with!"

If you're writing a book and will need help getting it ready for publication, do get in touch. I'm now scheduling books for mid May onwards.

Let's have a virtual cuppa and have a chat about your book.
https://hello.dubsado.com:443/public/appointment-scheduler/62c2b76acfbd30768f929761/schedule

20/06/2022

Some books are an absolute delight to work on.

Linda's book was a true labour of love as she traced the history of her family and transcribed some of the ancestral documents she discovered.

Happily, she evidently thought I did a good job. 😊 Her book will be published next month.

Need help getting your book ready for publication?

Schedule a virtual cuppa on my calendar and we can talk through your requirements. https://calendly.com/chapter1/your-book

08/06/2022

🤔 "It's odd how it seems to look different once typeset," said one of my current clients. 📖

Not odd, actually. It does look different once typeset!

And that is why you will ALWAYS find additional things that need correcting once your book is in its page layout.

It's why I ALWAYS supply a proof in PDF format for checking. And a revised proof for checking when the proofreader's corrections have been taken in.

A professional proofreader is essential for finding those typos, spelling, grammar, punctuation and other errors.

The need for proofreading is one area where my stock answer is not "It depends"!

I may be a broken record on this matter but I will keep saying it.

DON'T SKIMP ON THE PROOFREADING.