My Writing Process
Sub-Title
I imagine every writer has a process they follow when writing. When I’m actively working on a novel, my only focus is getting words on the page. For me, the writing environment is key to that process. I ditched standard word processors years ago because of inconsistencies in the page formatting phase. My go to writing app for years was Scrivener by Literature & Latte. I recently moved away from it as my choice for longer works, opting instead for Vellum. I’ve discussed this in another post (See My Personal Debate II) for my reasoning. The short version: Vellum gives me total visual control over both page layout for print and platform-specific ebook reader preparation. It does this while providing an on-screen visual representation of what your type will look like on the printed page and on the most popular eReaders.
The ebook prep is very important because instead of generating a generic one-size-fits-all approach to ebook formatting, Vellum produces files specific to the major ebook readers. With Vellum, I don’t have to worry about image compression, size requirements, or Amazon’s enhanced typesetting process. With Vellum, I produce properly formatted files according to each vendor’s specifications.
So let’s jump right in and talk about the three writing processes I abide by when writing novels.
Writing Environment
As briefly discussed above, the environment I write in is important. My only focus needs to be getting words on virtual paper. I’ve tried several writing apps over the years and I’ve eventually abandoned them for one reason - the complexity of use. When I waste time tweaking the app, I lose time focusing on getting my thoughts on the page.
I use ornamental breaks between scenes. The app I use needs to make those, as well as the page layout, visually appealing. The app I use has have to ability to work with local files or files on “my” server. Apps that require my source files to be uploaded to the company’s server are non-starters for me. I need total control over my source files and I need the ability to work on the entire manuscript, not snippets of it.
Page Formatting
Page formatting is a crucial step in the writing process. It can make the difference between a return reader and someone who just shrugs your book off. Unlike picture books, with novels, there aren’t a lot of chances to display artistic prowess, but we do what we can through page formatting and layout. Using drop caps or lead lines are examples of how we can capture the reader’s attention at the beginning of chapters.
Drop caps are the practice of using a single large letter at the beginning of the text of a new chapter. Lead lines are a bit more subtle than drop caps and use a different font to lead into a new chapter. For instance, using a Bodoni 72 Small-caps font gives a dramatic effect much like the drop caps to begin a new chapter.
There are, of course, other factors that go into page formatting. For instance, some help with readability. The choice of fonts plays a big role. Page breaks play an important role in readability as well. Writers can also take advantage of using headers and footers to place important texts at the top and bottom of each page. Using title pages can be an effective way to give the reader your contact information, along with word count and various other information you think the reader could use. For printed pages, here are some important ones.
Margins: allow for readability. They allow for bookbinding. They can also help prevent eye strain.
Spacing: too little can make your text hard to read. Too much can affect the flow of text.
Font: your choice of font can affect the readability of your book. The classic choice is to use serif’s such as Times New Roman.
Alignment: helps to make your composition look polished.
Formatting defines the visual appeal, the eye candy, that determines whether the reader can easily read the words on my page or move on to someone’s work they can.
Ebook Prep
Ebook preparation is the digital equivalent of a printed page layout. All the same formatting options need to be addressed, along with the digital format required to take advantage of the various available ebook readers. It is tempting to generate standard ePub files that attempt to make the file compatible with any ebook reader. Most times, you likely won’t run into problems. However, if an ebook uses images, especially hi-res images, I have to pay particular attention to the vendor requirements. For instance, the following chart outlines the different graphics resolutions vendors use for their ebooks.
Apple Books: Very High
Google Play: High
Kindle: High
Kobo: Medium
Barnes & Noble Nook: Low
Generic: Low
Generating ebooks that contain hi-res images using a generic ebook generator reduces the image quality to low in order to ensure the ebook file is compatible across all platforms. Vellum adjusts images according to the specifications of each publishing platform.
One of the last steps I perform before publishing is to proof ebook files by opening them in the respective store previewer app. This way, I ensure everything is as polished as I can make it before it gets into the hands of readers. Each store has their own previewer app.
Kindle: Kindle Previewer
Apple Books: Use the Books app that is included with Macs. Just double-click the ePub file and it should open in the app.
Kobo: Kobo Desktop App (Mac)
Google Play: Google Play Website
Barnes & Noble Nook: Use Adobe Digital Editions
So that’s it. This is my process and I try to stick to it as much as possible. I’ll admit that sometimes I fudge a bit, but, trust me, readers let me know about things I’ve fudged up.
One last note on Scrivener:
I still love this app. In my opinion, it is the greatest piece of software ever developed for writers. There’s a learning curve, but I haven’t come across any other app that duplicates the ability to keep all your research within the writing environment. The page formatting and compile process required to produce a print-ready manuscript can be clunky, but is not a deal breaker when compared to the overall features. I commend Literature & Latte for keeping the cost low and resisting going to the subscription model nonsense. I highly recommend giving this app a look. Get it here.
Note: I am not an affiliate of Literature & Latte
As always, I hope this was helpful.
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