Today I got to choose the size, page colour, and cover finish for my novel, The Manhattan Mishap. It may not seem that exciting—but trust me, I was over the moon. Excitement was bubbling up inside of me more rapidly than a bottle of pre-shower champagne. And trust me, if you’ve ever been the victim of a champagne shower, it’s rapid. (One time, in my wild partying days, I had it sprayed directly in my eye and it totally ruined my mascara in front of my current crush. Beyond tragic.)

However, selecting the physical details of my book wasn’t all soirée and no stress. I was over the moon with excitement but I was also anxious to the core. How could I not be? This is my first book ever we’re talking about. Whatever decisions I make are going to either haunt me or impress me for the rest of my life. Not to mention, my career. However, I’m feeling 99% confident that I chose correctly.

See for yourself. Well, not actually see yet because I have to keep the visuals under wraps until I get the mock-ups back, make revisions, and then finally do the cover reveal. I’m thinking in a Reel on Insta? I did my first one the other day and it was really fun.

Self-Publishing Diary: Choosing the Book Size, Page Colour, and Cover Finish

Book size

Luckily, I had a stack of my favourite books sitting in front of me when I was about to choose the book size. I went with 5.5 x 8.5 inches. It’s similar to Bergdorf Blondes, The Debutante Divorcée, and Cocktails For Three. I chose this size so it’ll be thin enough to slip inside of your vintage handbag.

Page colour

White seemed too clinical for the page colour. After all, I’m not writing a textbook or thesis here. Instead, I opted for a smooth cappuccino beige. And now I’m craving a coffee so BRB while I go brew a dark roast café crème.

Cover finish

I went with matte for the cover finish. My story is glossy enough as it is. Plus, I just think there is something more dignified and elegant about a matte finish. In about three weeks, I’ll get the first round of cover design options back to review. Spoiler alert: It’s definitely going to include leopard print.

Eek! Can you believe this is really happening? Like, really happening. I still feel like I’m in a bit of a dream; my dreams are extremely vivid most nights so you can hardly blame my out of control imagination.

I’m one step closer to having a published book! Excuse me while I go and dance to Future Nostalgia while guzzling sparkling wine from a chilled coupe. That sounds like just the right amount of glam for me.

Next up: Cover design feedback.

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