Illustrations for Createspace

Hugh

Hugh

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I found a manuscript in my father's effects and I've just got round to beginning the process of getting it out through Createspace.

It's military history, not SF.

Someone has offered to re-type the manuscript so that I can then check for typos/edit minimally. Someone else will organise the publication through Createspace.

This leaves the illustrations. My father had already selected illustrations from three sources:
(1) three paintings at the National Army Museum. I've found these online on their site. One of these will be the cover.
(2) five illustrations from the Illustrated London News. I'm sure these can be accessed
(3) eight illustrations from "Cassell's History of the War in the Soudan" by James Grant. This seems to be available in an archive online.

Before I contact these sources does anyone have any advice as to any dos or don'ts? I'm completely ignorant in these matters, so any information/suggestions at all will be very welcome indeed.
 
Cassell's is in the public domain. Just make sure you don't use the newer ebook as your source.

You may need permission to use the pictures from the National Army Museum and Illustrated London News, though. The museum may allow you to take your own picture?
 
Cathbad said:
Cassell's is in the public domain. Just make sure you don't use the newer ebook as your source.

You may need permission to use the pictures from the National Army Museum and Illustrated London News, though. The museum may allow you to take your own picture?
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That's really helpful. Many thanks!
 
I don't have any experience with Createspace, but I saw the results for those who have chosen self-publishment. My recommandation is that you ask for a copy before trying to sell it and do a last check-up of the set-up on pages, footer's numbers on empty pages or those not requiring them. It may look as not important, but it screems amator work nevertheless.
 
Many thanks indeed. I'll certainly do this.
 
Yes, that's referred to as a proof copy.

As it's a print book, you'll need to include a spine and back cover also, so prepare a short 'blurb' for the latter. Width of spine will vary according to the size of book you choose and also the paper - cream paper is slightly thicker but often has a more pleasing appearance. There are templates provided on CreateSpace for interior and cover layout, as far as I'm aware - still editing mine at present and won't do a paperback till the ebook is well established. The book size will vary how much it costs - there is a calculator on CS which shows, when you pick the size and paper, what they charge and what cover price you need. Sometimes it's necessary to go for a larger book size (trade paperback) than the mass market paperback size to bring the price down to something people will pay for an unknown author. As yours is non fiction and includes illustrations, that size will probably be more appropriate to you in any case.

You can accept the free ISBN - print books have to have one - that CS provides, but that will mean 'CreateSpace' shows as the publisher. You may be happy with this. If not, you have to set up as a publisher with the appropraite authority in your country and in most cases pay for a batch of ISBN numbers - in Canada, this is free, but in the UK or US and others you usually have to pay. The authority in UK is Nielsen. Think it's Bowker's in the States.

Do be careful that you have permission for all illustrations or they are definitely in the public domain and specify that they are free for commercial use. Also be aware that some galleries/museums do not permit photography or only do so for private use, not for publication.
 
pambaddeley said:
Yes, that's referred to as a proof copy.

As it's a print book, you'll need to include a spine and back cover also, so prepare a short 'blurb' for the latter. Width of spine will vary according to the size of book you choose and also the paper - cream paper is slightly thicker but often has a more pleasing appearance. There are templates provided on CreateSpace for interior and cover layout, as far as I'm aware - still editing mine at present and won't do a paperback till the ebook is well established. The book size will vary how much it costs - there is a calculator on CS which shows, when you pick the size and paper, what they charge and what cover price you need. Sometimes it's necessary to go for a larger book size (trade paperback) than the mass market paperback size to bring the price down to something people will pay for an unknown author. As yours is non fiction and includes illustrations, that size will probably be more appropriate to you in any case.

You can accept the free ISBN - print books have to have one - that CS provides, but that will mean 'CreateSpace' shows as the publisher. You may be happy with this. If not, you have to set up as a publisher with the appropraite authority in your country and in most cases pay for a batch of ISBN numbers - in Canada, this is free, but in the UK or US and others you usually have to pay. The authority in UK is Nielsen. Think it's Bowker's in the States.

Do be careful that you have permission for all illustrations or they are definitely in the public domain and specify that they are free for commercial use. Also be aware that some galleries/museums do not permit photography or only do so for private use, not for publication.
Click to expand...

Incredibly helpful. Many many thanks!
 
When I use older artwork on Createspace (in our Classics series), I always get a warning that they might not print well.

Yet, they always do. :)
 
Just an update and thank you to @Alexa , @Cathbad , and @pambaddeley .

The book has just gone on sale on Amazon via createspace.

In the end I didn't use any illustrations other than the cover and hand-drawn maps, as when I looked through them carefully I was not impressed.

I won't give details of the book here, as it's specialist victorian military history.

I found your advice in those initial stages very helpful.
 
Hugh said:
I won't give details of the book here, as it's specialist victorian military history.
Click to expand...
You're an established member and you've produced something which may be of interest to other members -- you never know what kind of history might appeal to someone here! -- so of course you should give details of the book. Here on this thread if you want, or better yet in Press Releases, with a link to wherever it can be bought.

Good luck with it!
 
The Judge said:
You're an established member and you've produced something which may be of interest to other members -- you never know what kind of history might appeal to someone here! -- so of course you should give details of the book. Here on this thread if you want, or better yet in Press Releases, with a link to wherever it can be bought.

Good luck with it!
Click to expand...
Thank you Judge, I may do so.
 
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