Now what do I do?

[sheilajim]

Hi All,

A few years ago, I started typing up on my computer, things that I have experienced through the early parts of my life, about my family, old childhood friends, school, the community, etc. These writings were supposed to go ,with the old pictures that I have, into some kind of giant scrapbook. My problem is that my project grew so large, that I now have at least 1000 pages of my writings on my computer.

I would like to put these writings into a book form, with the pictures that I have, but don't know how. Even the most inexpensive book printing would cost me thousands of dollars to make them into a book. If I run the pages off my computer and put them into 3 ring binders, the holes would quickly tear. Has anyone else had a problem like this? Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

[apanderson]

Hi Sheila,

What about creating a 'virtual book' - i.e. either leave the pages are they are or convert to pdf., then they can be copied onto a CD.

Anne

[sheilajim]

Hi Anne,

Thanky you for your interest. I have copied most of my stuff to CDs, more for protection against computer failure than anything else.

The main problem with CDs is that nobody in my family, including myself, like to read on a computer. We like to take a book to the table ,or sofa, etc., and read the old fashioned way.

Maybe I will print out all the pages and put reinforcements on them. What a tedious job that would be.
I thought of putting them in sheet protectors, but that would make 1000 pages seem like 3000 pages.

[Anne H]

Hi Shiela,

If you prefer the 3-ring binder, why not do what I do with my certiicates and family newsletter...print your pages and use the archival safe, acid free clear sheet protectors...they do a fine job for me.

Did you check the internet for other book publishers to compare prices?

Regards,
Anne H

[Anne H]

Just saw your post, Sheila. I admit it does make it a thick book, even with two to a page.

Hopefully someone else might come up with a solution for you.

Regards,
Anne H

[WilmaM]

Well Done Sheila,
that's quite an effort.

I'm inclined to agree with Anne, printing it off might not be the best way to 'publish' it.

However I've just had a word with my printer husband, he suggests using comb binding.

He doesn't think you'd get 1000 A4 pages in a single comb, but if you printed them double sided you might, or if it's just for personal use put it onto A3 paper and you'd have no problem with a comb binder [A3 is twice the size of A4/foolscap]

Another way would be to divide the 'book' into different chapters and bind each one separately.

The advantage of comb [or wire] binding is it's a series of holes along the spine rather than the 2/3/4 of a ring binder.

[Anne H]

Sheila...did you check out sites like this for ideas?
http://www.lulu.com/publish/?cid=en_tab_publish

Regards,
Anne H

[paddyscar]

Hi Sheila:

Mr. Wonka2's suggestion is good, but 1000 pages, even if it were printed one to each size would make it very difficult to handle. When I worked in a government agency library, we had tons of those for all the marketing research. The thicker ones were impossible and the combs would let go or the pages ripped, so it would need a few books rather than one.

What about asking at a local trade school? The students need something to be trained on, and it would be cheaper than a publishing house.

Have you checked at an office supply house? There are lots of 'vanity press' operations for personal printing, but that's not a very economical option.

My daughter-in-law's uncle canvassed the family, found out who wanted copies and charged each of them their share of the printing - I don't know how many hard-cover books he had printed but it was $100 per book

Frances

[Ina]

Hi Sheila,

I just published a book on one of my family lines. It was 600 pages. I took it to Staples here in the desert, and they printed it two sided and spiral bound it (I think that is what Wilma was referring to). It really looks nice and they will even do a cover page for you.

In order to save money I had the cover page colour printed and the rest of the book in black and white. I was surprised at how nice the photos came out in black and white.

I believe Kinko's will also do this but I think they are more expensive than Staples.

Regards,

Ina

[sheilajim]

Hi All

Thank you all for all of your input. You have given me a lot to consider.

I think that I will try to do one original book at home. My printer can do two sided copies. I will put them all in sheet protectors, and put them in several post binded books, rather than 3 ring binders. You can get more in post-binded books.

Ina, thank you for that info on Staples. I have a Staples right down the street from me. I might want to run off a few more boks for my relatives.

I have done about a 1000 pages so far, but I am not totally finished yet. For example, I want to add in the popular songs of each era.