“Part 7: Crossing the Finish Line: published” Guest Blogger: Kevin Cullis

Proofs. Once my book is near completion I need to order book proofs, examples of how my book will look published. When I was about three-fourths of the way through with my book I ordered my very first proof copy, for two reasons.

First, it was a technology issue, would the interior and book cover PDF files made on a Mac go through the POD publisher’s technical specifications without any hiccups? In publishing I had heard that MS Word was the writing tool of choice and I am using iWork Pages to write it. My Pages document went through without a problem, but then I had done work up front to know the correct book formatting specifications discussed above. Whew. That was a huge relief.

Second, now onto what it looks like when it is printed. What you see on your screen is the nearly 100 percent the same that is printed out, but it’s the feel of your book and what it looks like in your hand that makes the overall difference. At each stage of ordering a new and improved proof I shook with excitement as I opened the box and touched it producing a smile on my face. My wife and family also became more excited, going from a three ring binder printed out to, “it really looks like a book now” type comments from my family and friends. At one point as I neared completion my dad asked, “Can I read it now?” as it looked more like a finished book. Each proof was a step closer to my book’s “birthday” and I looked forward to tell the whole world that it was done. I’ve ordered five proofs because each change was a challenge to me and the capability of both iWork Pages and my POD publisher. Just like most entrepreneurs, I had to spend money wisely, the time I took for the changes I made I learned how each change affected how my book looked to my readers.

Acceptance. When I finally was convinced that my book was ready for publication, I needed to make a decision to accept it, ready to go. To accept my book proof all I had to do was push a web button saying that I accepted the book and within an hour is was ready to buy online.

Published. I sort of shook some as I pushed the “publish” button on the web site. Once you push the button to accept your proof, as scary as it might be, you’ve now made the decision that you’re going to be criticized, commented, and patted on the back for what you have accomplished.

I did it.

Now all of my hard work to complete my book was done. Finished. Acabado. Rifinito. Fertig.

The real work was now just beginning.

Kevin’s Bio.

Kevin Cullis is a former Air Force officer. He has his Masters Degree in Administration, as well as over 12 years of face-to-face experience selling both Mac and PC hardware and software solutions to businesses. He loves helping entrepreneurs and small business owners integrate, utilize, and optimize the use of computers in their sales, marketing, and management processes. How to Start a Business: Mac Version ( https://www.createspace.com/3403435 ) is his first book. Contact him at kevin.cullis@gmail.com or visit his web site, http://wwww.macgetit.com.