Why My First Book Almost Didn't Make It
And what four printers, a lot of glue, and a little perseverance taught me about self-publishing
I had worked months on designing my book, gotten several rounds of feedback, perfected the design and layout, and was about to get it printed. This would be the fun part, right? Finally holding my book in my hands!
Except, it is an experience I still look back on and cringe.
I had chosen a pretty complex binding, with lots of handwork involved. Handwork that meant if glue wasn’t spread just right, the binding would be sticky and gooey.
I picked my books up from the printer and...
The majority of books had noticeable lamination streaks across the covers. Apparently this was a thing when you chose glossy covers. But no one had educated me on the difference between glossy and matte. In fact, I never even thought to have a conversation about this.
Endsheets were covered in glue. That was the hazard of human hands piecing together the books.
Covers had dents. This one still gets me fired up.
I was new at this. Was I being too picky? I didn’t think so. But, I didn’t want to be rude. I checked with a few people who confirmed, no, they shouldn’t look this way.
The printer graciously offered to re-do them, this time with matte covers.
Phew!
I drove a second time to the printer to pick them up and...
They accidently used a coil on the binding that was too small. The pages barely turned, and with an awful CREAKING sound. Not good for a scrapbook.
Plus, glue residue everywhere.
And still many dents.
But hey, the lamination streaks were gone!
Full refund. Bye-bye printer!
I’d like to say this problem was fixed by my second or third printer. Unfortunately, it took FOUR printers to get it right. I was at my wits’ end. I wondered if this book was meant to be. Had I misinterpreted God’s calling?
In reality, I think there were a few things at play:
I DIDN’T UNDERSTAND PRINTING TECHNIQUES.
Glossy versus matte. Different types of book bindings. These decisions matter.
I WAS EXPERIENCING WHAT ITS LIKE TO RUN A BUSINESS.
When you self-publish, you become the project manager and CEO for your book. There will be ups and downs. You might have to choose a new printer, editor or designer in order to execute your vision properly. It’s not always fun, but it is the reality of having this creative control.
I WAS MAKING THINGS TOO COMPLICATED.
I didn’t need to publish my very first book with the most complex binding out there. It was insanely expensive and not necessary for what I needed to accomplish. Especially, when you are figuring out your product’s viability, there are cheaper ways to test the market.
I WAS CHOOSING THE WRONG PRINTERS.
I’ve since developed a short list of printers I trust or have come recommended to me by others. I’ve started to see some trends and know what kinds of questions I should ask up front. Had I only known!
I WAS NOT PRAYERFULLY DISCERNING VERY WELL.
I was rushing to find new printers and asking printers to meet fast turnaround. Let me tell you... rushed decisions and timelines often don’t work out well.
All this to say, I’m SO GLAD I didn’t give up. But, I also understand why people do. It’s hard.
That’s exactly why I built the Fiat Self-Publishing Hub, a place where authors can get guidance, tools, and tips to avoid the trial-and-error I went through. The Hub won’t do your work for you, but it can save you months of frustration and help you make smart, prayerful decisions as you bring your book to life.
So hang in there. Keep at it. And share what you learn with others!