Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Jordan
Speaking for myself, when I convert a book of mine into an e-book format, I have to:
- Alter the text file with appropriate headers, chapters, etc for the format;
- Possibly doublespace the paragraphs, or substitute paragraph tabs with an extra hard space;
- Input text into e-book creation software;
- Input cover (a whole 'nother ball game);
- Format the e-book meta-files with title, subject, author, copyright data, etc;
- Create e-book;
- Go back and proof the file, to make sure everything came out properly, and looks right. If something is wrong, I may have to go back to the original text file and start over;
- Repeat for the other 5 formats I save each book in.
You couldn't even macro that into just 3 clicks. And every serious publisher is going to have to go through at least all of those steps on each book they format. It may not be a time-consuming process (other than writing and proofing time), but it is step-intensive. |
Another very important element is the editor who works with the author. I'm sure that you can write good, grammatical English, Steve, but as you know, people who can are in the minority. Most authors need
serious help from an editor to convert the mess they turn out into something that can be published. Good editors spend a lot of time with authors, and that doesn't come cheap - it all has to be recouped as a part of the price of the book.