Another Rookie Mistake!

I named this blog Ramble Writings because it is about the journey through the learning to be an Indie Publisher process. It is also a reminder of how to NOT make the mistakes I have and continue to make since I seem to have a gift for making therm!  The latest if a really big one however knowing my way of thinking, isn't surprising. After talking to someone on Amazon Kindle Direct (great customer support by the way!!!), I learned I am at least, not alone in this really OBVIOUS mistake once you think about it.

You see, I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH PAGES! NOT EVEN FOR A PICTURE BOOK!!!! Being me, I take things quite literally and I went by the page count in the publishing program I use and also the upload process since in both cases, THEY WANT TO COUNT BACK AND FRONTS AS PAGES...THEY DON'T WANT FACING PAGES.

When you read the count from that, it appears I have more than enough pages! When however, you physically hold the book and count the pages, well, dahh, it is half!!!

So now what? Two choices, give up or make a revised edition (again!!!) and insert more pages. I am really glad now that now not many folks bought a bloody copy! How ironic though I find this error AFTER I start marketing the thing!!!!!

Needless to say, it is frustrating and discouraging to make such a rookie mistake. I just feel bad for the few folks who did buy the book since it isn't what it was advertised as!

First thing I did was immediately change the content write up and remove the number of pages it has since it isn't accurate. Second thing I did was call Amazon and ask what to do after I confirmed there was this error.

So what did I learn?

If I only needed to add a few pages. then I would not need to get another ISBN and make revisions. If however it is over 10% of the book, then I will need a new ISBN. Fortunately, I am Canadian and I can get ISBN's without paying and just make the current ISBN I use inactive! Whew since other folks I know, in other countries have to pay.

So What am I going to do? Well, I can't make the book inactive once it is out there in circulation although I am going to find out if it is possible.  I won't however, I have already started creating new images and will make a proper copy! One with enough bloody pages!

The colouring book, I am not sure of. It already is a side venture I hadn't intended. Adding a few pages to match the extra images is possible...although not sure I will however.

The primary purpose of the children's books originally was to get practice and get prepared for my murder mysteries. This really came before this little series which sort of took on a life of it's own.  I think that is going to have to return to my primary purpose once I get the revised book out there. These children's books are a ton of work and frankly, are nothing but a labour of love, without more than pennies for profit.

And frankly starting to feel more like work than fun! THAT was never my intention! I have spent a ton of time and energy on them. Fortunately, not so much in money, that is the nice thing about Publishing on Demand!!!

So my apologies to anyone who bought a book. It is the second major glitch and hopefully it will be the last!

For anyone else out there feeling discouraged, keep on keeping on! After all, it isn't like you HAVE TO do it! I do it because I love doing it. I love holding the results in my hands (even if it is too thin!). Keep plugging away and on the upside, you have me to make all the mistakes for you!!!!