Tag: publishing

The Book Begins Here – Your Input Needed

It is now an empty or blank page on my screen. Adobe InDesign CC is the current industry standard for book design and layout, and was recommended by Johnny Ong. It was formerly PageMaker, I think. Johnny used it for his book. It is a new software for me and I am currently stumbling and feeling my way through.

I have the original images selected and stored in a dedicated folder, all saved in its original high and full resolution lossless psd format. Buyers will be getting the best resolution and see gorgeous colours that will jump out at them. That depends on the capability of the book printer, of course. I think some additional time may be needed as I need to rewrite some captions, if need be,

Will get Johnny to come over in to tidy up when needed. I think I will also document the process and challenges to help other future authors. Once the design and layout is completed, it can be sent to a specialist printer to do a full size, full colour, properly bound mock up to present to potential sponsors and backers.

Thing is I can’t decide on the size. It should be big enough to show the glory and sharpness of the pics. At the same time, I want to keep printing costs down and the selling price reasonable. The more affordable it is, the more people can own one.

I also need to keep weight down so is easier to transport for signing events and mailing to overseas buyers. No hard covers then. I don’t want it to be one of those bulky, heavy coffee table books. It ought to be small and intimate enough to pick up anywhere, anytime. It is basically a picture book with text, so what is your preference or suggestion on size? Appreciate your input. Thanks.

Some standard sizes mentioned on the web are:

5 x 8 in., 13 x 20 cm
6 x 9 in., 15 x 23 cm
7 x 7 in., 18 x 18 cm
8 x 10 in., 20 x 25 cm
10 x 8 in., 25 x 20 cm
13 x 11 in., 33 x 28 cm
12 x 12 in., 30 x 30 cm

Do you prefer portrait or landscape such as a Lat cartoon book? What you are seeing at this stage is only a screen capture of a rough draft; so please provide only constructive feedback.

My Life Story

Two columns, actually; with another under Sharifah Intan as editor, also at The Star. They are two ladies I respect and admire greatly.

Happy to read about June’s childhood bond with National Geographic Magazine in her column today. Unlike her, I depended on tattered and outdated copies found at the local barber shop. Admittedly, the photos and travelogues did influence my style later on in life.

By a fortunate twist of fate and serendipity, I met National Geographic’s American photographer David Alan Harvey when the magazine did a story on Malaysia.

Chatted with him at the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in Backfields on Wesak Day. I was a kid then and was greatly impressed as he had a porter and was given thousands of rolls to shoot.

He was humble and friendly for a man of such stature. This is why I always listen patiently when strangers come to me with questions about gear and techniques. when I am out on location.

The tragedy was; without a regular subscription or the intenet then, finding the upcoming article was a a hit and miss. It appeared a year later and I found it by chance in a 3 for RM 10 bundle in Sungai Wang Plaza.

The irony and tragedy was that the image of my childhood hero was destroyed when I joined social media. I hated his personal, non-assignment pics so much I unfollowed him! No doubt I admire his great body of work but am glad I was able to make decisions without being a fanboy.

One thing I learned early was; after I developed my own style, I decided to not follow any photographer. I don’t want it to influence my style. It can be subconscious or unintentional.

l’ll let you in on another secret:

I hope to publish my book soon and generous Johnny Ong is helping me understand In Design for self-layout and to do a mock up, being a published author himself.

Next step will be to find a sponsor, publisher or to crowd fund the book project as kindly Kashminder Singh suggested. Will need all the help from experts or people with experience such as publisher Amir Muhammad.

May also need an editor and someone to write a preface too. Was thinking of the accomplished Cy Leow for the preface. Maybe Ivy Ngeow, Ellen Whyte and others can also offer tips on crowdfunding or insights on the process.

Attached are some recent Buddhist Maha Vihara images I can find. There are more.