Trouble with templates

[VanityPrintingPress]

Hi All

I just finished editing and formatting my first book. I downloaded the Large Square MS Word template.

At first, I tried to use primo pdf to convert it, but I got a message saying that there was content outside the margins. I put that down to the limitations of primo and opted to upload the word file.

I've just checked the files before ordering a proof and was disappointed to see that all the formatting is way off, to the point that the text is cut off at both sides.

I used a template from Lulu's own templates page, didn't alter it, spent a day formatting the text and double checking it in the "view" window. In Word it looked absolutely fine.

Is there something I'm missing here?

Also, I'm using a trial version of word for now, but I'd ideally like to use open office, but I can't find a template for the 12x12 books that I want to make.

Any tips?

Many thanks

Sean

[Ken Anderson]

You don't need to use a template. Just ensure that you have reasonable margins and gutter.
You can upload a Word document direct to Lulu and it will create the PDF for you.
Just make sure that the file is in a .doc format and not a .docx format.

If you can use Adobe Acrobat to create the PDF.
The PDF must create the same page size as your original document which must also be the same size as the finished book.

[VanityPrintingPress]

Hi Ken

Thanks for advice.

Could you elaborate on "reasonable margins"?

I'm going to try using open office instead and export that as a PDF.

How do I ensure that Adobe converts and keeps the page sizes the same?

FYI - I'm trying to make a Large Square (12x12") premium case wrap hard cover.


Thanks in advance.

sEAN

[Ken Anderson]

That's a fairly large book and fairly ambitious if it is your first Lulu project.
It depends to some extent what the content of the book is going to be but I would suggest not to skimp on the margins.
Minimums 0.5". But better would be say .75" outer side, 1" inner, and .8" to 1" top and bottom.

Unless you've got adobe Acrobat I'd still recommend producing a native Word .doc file and let the Lulu Wizard convert it to a PDF for you. Don't use any fancy fonts.

[VanityPrintingPress]

Thanks again Ken, I'll give that a try.

[NickPopio]

Great advice, Ken! Keep up the great work!