Many writers are happy when their book has finally – FINALLY – been published, and they immediately order 10, 25, 50, or whatever number they choose, and begin selling them and/or giving them to friends. And it’s not a bad thing to do, but it can generate a little embarrassment. I know about this because I’ve done the same thing. The basic problem is simple, but since I cannot speak for all formatter/publishers, I’ll just speak for us at P&L Publishing and Literary Services.
At the end of the formatting process, we email a PDF version of the formatted document to the author. The author is supposed to read the document very carefully and assure that the book says exactly what he or she wants it to say. The author will then notify us that it is ready to publish, or that there are a few changes or corrections that need to be made. We make the adjustments and publish the book.
However, many authors do not read it carefully. Another issue is that the document often looks different in a book than it does on your computer. It even looks different than if it were merely printed at home. Authors will often find what I call Little Stumbling Blocks that they wish they could fix. Well, they CAN fix them, and the fix should take place before everyone starts buying the book.
I recommend that, after your book has been published, you order one copy for yourself and read it carefully. Make a list of corrections you might want to make and send the list to your publisher. There may or may not be an additional charge – that will depend on the contract and the complexity of changes to be made.
But please follow the above advice, because we want you to be happy with your book. Then, order your 10, 50, or how many you want, and enjoy selling or giving them to friends.
For more information about P&L Publishing and Literary Services, please click on this url address. The web site is undergoing a New Years renovation, but the basic information is easily available. https://plpubandlit.org/
Have a great day, and Write Creatively.
Gene Linzey 