Make a mock-up of your chapbook. Take five sheets of paper, fold them in half and decide where you would like each poem or story to go. If you are adding pictures or photographs to your chapbook make sure you leave some pages open for these.
Now, number each page so that you have a workable layout for your book once the pages are laid flat. If you print a chapbook from scratch phase 2 will be a master copy.
The back cover of your chapbook should include:
* A short description of the contents that invites readers in.
* A short biographical note about the writer or (if it is a group effort) a list of the names or all the poets or authors and their contact information (if you choose to include it).
* Contact information for the publisher i.e. yourself (don’t leave this out - it could even turn into a lucrative business opportunity for you!).
The back and front covers can be printed on one side of one 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper.
Phase 3 of Printing a Chapbook
How will you print your chapbook? If you want to use your computer you can use any use a desktop publishing software program or a word processor program - if you have one that can do the job. Take a look at what you already have and see if you can make it work or buy some software if you have the ready cash invest.
Another option for your book, is to handwrite it or make photocopies of the pages and make copies of the completed book. If you plan to use it to promote your work to publishers try to make it look as professional as possible. Don’t forget to include a scheme for adding in your pictures or photographs for example using a scanner or drawings that you can photocopy.
Phase 4 of Printing a Chapbook
Always make sure you check your work for spelling errors before you print a chapbook and do any necessary edits. Now you are ready to type out your work (if it isn’t already on your computer or hand-write it neatly.
Using the master copy you created in phase 2 as a guideline, make sure everything is in the right place. Print out a copy of your chapbook so it can be proofread by you or somebody else to make sure it’s absolutely perfect.
Phase 5 of Printing a Chapbook
Once you are happy with the draft copy you can print a chapbook with the minimum of fuss! If you are using your computer you can simply print out everything you need. If you are working with hand written work you can set about making double-sided photocopies at a copy shop or at home.
