Measure Twice, Print Once

Yesterday I got the ten pre-print copies of the book. Very exciting!! Turns out we didn’t quite get the format right, and there were two blank pages and a few other glitches in the introductory section – the part you number in Roman numerals before you get to the real pages with real page numbers. I’m glad I took the time to order a preview before committing to anything big. The problems are easily fixed, so after a few of my final reviewers check to see if there’s anything else that needs adjusting, I will order a quantity of the FINAL version and start processing orders.

You can order now if you want – just email me at LisaShafferWords@gmail.com or go to my Etsy shop. I am pretty sure I can get the books to you by mid-December.

There is no end of “learning opportunities.” Once I get the books printed, I also have to ship them. That means mailing envelopes and postage, aka shipping and handling. Yesterday I took a copy of the book to the post office to find out the mailing costs. Then I had to find suitable mailing envelopes – a 6×9″ book doesn’t fit in a mailing envelope that is also 6×9″. Luckily, my local Office Depot has envelopes that are 6.5 x 9.5″ so that problem was solved.

If I ship using the book rate, it will cost $2.80 to ship anywhere in the US. To ship more quickly, the cost will depend on the zip code. It seems everything is complicated! But these clearly are surmountable problems. I’m excited to get started actually shipping actual books. It will be 2-3 weeks still before I can do that. But still, in time for the holidays.

Meanwhile, I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!! Let’s stay safe this year so that by next year, we can enjoy a real gathering with as many family and friends as we choose, inside or out, including hugs.