I’m coaching my friend, Jeanette, as she takes on the challenge of writing and self-publishing her first book. Her project, Walk the Pilgrims’ Path: Sacred Steps of the Black Madonna Shrine and Grottos (Pacific, Missouri), is about a fascinating and niche topic. She wants to publish her ebook and distribute it online to help support the shrine. She had the vision but needed a little guidance to bring it all together Here’s how I helped:
Formatting the Layout
Jeanette’s initial layout in Apple Pages had unusual dimensions that resembled PowerPoint slides. Her book is rich with photos, but this format wasn’t ideal for readability or or ebooks
GUIDANCE: I recommended reformatting the book to a standard size template to better suit digital distribution. This change ensured compatibility with traditional platforms.
Enhancing the Cover Design
Jeanette’s original cover photo, taken from a distant vantage point, lacked the impact needed to capture her audience’s attention.
GUIDANCE: I suggested zooming in on the grotto image for a more striking, up-close view. To make the title pop, I recommended enlarging the font, moving it to the upper-right corner, and adding a drop shadow for emphasis. A descriptive subtitle in the lower-left corner helped tie everything together. Including the shrine’s location beneath the subtitle made the book’s subject crystal clear for potential readers.
Improving Interior Pages
The initial layout of the book’s interior had room for improvement. Chapter pages had too much white space, while later pages featured striking full-bleed images.
GUIDANCE: To create a more dynamic and visually cohesive design, I advised moving the full-bleed images to the chapter opening pages and overlaying reversed text. This approach made the chapters more inviting and visually compelling.
Refining Image Use
While the book’s images effectively tell the story, there was potential to make certain pages more visually appealing. For instance, the table of contents lacked a distinctive touch.
GUIDANCE: I recommended outlining a few images to add visual interest and enhance the reader’s experience.
Revamping the Last Page
The book’s last page was a missed opportunity. It consisted solely of text repeating the title and credits, offering little closure or engagement.
GUIDANCE: I encouraged Jeanette to reimagine this “valuable real estate” by including a heartfelt thank-you message to readers. We also added her logo, website, and social media handles to leave a lasting impression and encourage further engagement.
Preparing for Self-Publication
Since Jeanette is self-publishing, I provided her with additional insights to ensure her book’s success:
- Write a compelling description: This is crucial to capture the interest of potential readers. It should succinctly explain what the book is about, why it matters, and why someone should buy it.
- Find the right keywords: Software tools like Publisher Rocket can help make your book easier to find.
- Set an appropriate price: Research similar ebooks to determine competitive pricing.
- Gather reviews: Reviews from people who have read the book lend credibility and encourage purchases.
- Leverage social media: Marketing a niche book requires consistent effort and creativity to reach the right audience.
Final Thoughts
Helping Jeanette navigate her first self-publishing project has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing her transform an idea into a polished ebook has been nothing short of inspiring. Jeanette’s experience is a great example of how the right support can make all the difference. Here’s what she had to say about working with me:
“I knew my book’s layout wasn’t quite right, but I had no clue how to fix it. When I asked Peggy for advice, I expected a few pointers—what I got was pure gold, mined from her 35 years of experience in design and publishing. Her eye for detail is incredible. She gave me simple, spot-on suggestions that completely improved the look of my book. And more than that, she gave me a bank of resources and the confidence to trust myself as an author.”
If you’re dreaming of publishing your own book and could use some expert guidance, let’s chat—I’d love to help you bring your vision to life!
