Tag: Publishing

Using Inkscape for Cover Design: An Overview

15 February 2024
Cover design is a crucial aspect of book publishing, but can challenge independent authors who manage every step of the process. While outsourcing to a professional is an option, the cost is not always recoverable through book sales. Alternatively, getting all the tools to create a cover design yourself can be expensive.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Canva offer tools to help you create usable covers, but lack features needed for a truly unique design. Limitations include:
- Limited font support.
- Limited placement control.
- Limited support in end-products. E.g., Ebook, paperback, laminate hardcover, Hardcover with a sleeve.
Figure No. 1. Inkscape workspace of The Grand in paperback.

Inkscape is Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) that supports multiple platforms. While it’s primarily designed to support the Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), the capability exists to import bitmap images and overlay text, objects, filters, and effects.
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Ebooks, Image Manipulation, Tools, Tutorials

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Amazon, Cover Design, eBook, Hardcover, InkScape, Paperback, Publishing, Tutorial, Tutorials
Create Templates for Kindle Paperbacks and Hardcovers with Inkscape

15 February 2024
The Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) calculator is a helpful tool for designing book covers. However, Inkscape requires specific page sizes for exporting to print, and the KDP templates exceeds the limits.

While the KDP calculator provides dimensions for visual elements, adding front and back covers separately requires precise dimensions and coordinates. Misplacing these elements may get the cover rejected for publishing.

This tutorial shows a cover creator how to create visible templates in Inkscape for both paperbacks and hardcovers. Cover creators need to create four (4) centred rectangles to achieve the desired result.
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Ebooks, Publishing, Tools, Tutorials

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Amazon, ePub, InkScape, KDP, Publishing, Tutorial, Tutorials
Black and White Space

11 November 2022
Your manuscript is formatted with carefully selected images and Kindle Direct Publishing‘s previewer confirms everything is in place.

However, the images look different when viewing the proof. Those in colour, or containing shades of grey have added white-space. This is typically shown as circles of black ink surrounded by white-space. Why is that?

Simple answer: Halftone.

Below, a table demonstrating the effect of converting images in various states to halftone. Note, these were generated using a filter, so the actual look and feel on paper will vary.

Original Halftone

Colour

Greyscale

Black and White

Grey and White

All emojis designed by OpenMoji – the open-source emoji and icon project. License: CC BY-SA 4.0

What Can I Do About It?

Your options are straightforward:
- Keep it simple, limit yourself to line art;
- Convert to Halftone to take control of the process; and
- Accept the printer will process the images for you.
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Publishing, Tutorials

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Halftone, KDP, Kindle Direct Publishing, Manuscript, Publishing, Tutorial, Tutorials
Clara’s Proofs are Here

20 September 2018
Yay! My proofs just arrived! I have to admit that I was rather curious at first, considering the size of the box. Once I removed all the wrapping paper, the proofs beckoned me to peruse their pages.

Alas, there is a slight flaw in this printing, the index came out all wrong. So I had to change the manuscript and submit the changes through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing. Fortunately, this minor setback will not slow down release of the print version for too long.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Re Moran for her work on the cover. It looks even better in print!
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The Van Helsing Paradox

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Cover, Delay, Delivered, Design, Paperback, Proof, Publish, Publishing, The Van Helsing Paradox
Clara in Print?

16 September 2018
I just got notice from CreateSpace, that my proof of the Van Helsing Paradox is ready! So I’ve ordered a couple of proofs and my book should be available as a trade paperback within the next couple of weeks!

While it’s nice to be able to cuddle up to my Kindle Paperwhite. I know people like nothing more than the smell and feeling of inked paper between their fingers… Actually, that sounds like a great reason to catch up on my reading!

For now, you can get find my eBook on most platforms for free! Please visit the Van Helsing Paradox‘s page or its Universal Book Link to find a retailer.
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The Van Helsing Paradox

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CreateSpace, Dead Tree, Paper, Paperback, Publish, Publishing, Release, The Van Helsing Paradox
Coffee + Treat = Celebrate!

14 September 2018
A gal has to look out for herself after all.

Coffee and a treat? Is there a better way to celebrate the release of my latest book? The Van Helsing Paradox has finally wound its way through various channels and is now available on multiple platforms for free!

Explore a hunter’s origins, as a child born before the dawn of the twentieth century. Witness her rigorous training, how she faces adversity, and fights in the Great War to become the derringer wielding flapper she is.

Throughout her tale, keep in mind that no matter the threat, a gal has to look out for herself after all.
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The Van Helsing Paradox

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Amazon, Draft2Digital, eBook, Google Play, Publish, Publishing, Release, Smashwords, The Van Helsing Paradox
The Van Helsing Paradox is Popular?

9 September 2018
My latest work, the Van Helsing Paradox is making its way through various sites for release. I pushed it out a week or so ago through Draft2Digital, Smashwords, Google Play and of course Amazon. After all, it takes time to get the book visible, confirm links, and make sure there is a consistent pricing.

So imagine my surprise, when I learned that Scribd, a subscription based library connected with Draft2Digital, was showing my latest work as a popular download.

That’s great news and I am hoping this trend will continue!
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