Lulu created an eBook - and the layout is horrible [ Edited ]

[guitar_player]

I just bought an eBook version of a guitar book I wrote.  Looks like it was formated by a computer program - a poorly written one.

The layout is aweful, headings are on the wrong pages, fonts are out of proportion, and the music notation is difficult to read.

If Lulu is going to make eBooks for us, they should have the sense to let us proof them and approve them first.

What can be done to fix this?

thx

[guitar_player]

Can't the eBook use the same format at the PDF file I uploaded to create the book?

I spent weeks formating this book.  Its pretty embarassing to think of anyone paying for it now in the eBook format.

here is a link to the eBook

[roymigabon]

There are two types of ebook conversion. The fixed and the regular type. In regulat type of conversion, book's layout in ebook wont be retained. Pages on the print wont be the same as in ebook. For example page one on print might not be contained in one page when converted to ebook, that's why the case like yours happened. As for the fixed type, it can retain the print layout, however, it will be in a lower resolution as the regular type. Fixed layout are recomended for children's book.

Roy

[Ken Anderson]

Guitar player, You may have formatted your book but you obviously formatted for print. You have to format it for an eBook reader such as an iPad. See http://www.kenandglen.com/publishing_3.shtm

[ErinW]

Hi guitar_player,

If you are using our free Word-to-ePub converter tool, you will need to format your book according to the instructions in our eBook Creator Guide:

http://connect.lulu.com/t5/eBook-Formatting-Publishing/eBook-Creator-Guide/ta-p/109443

If you want to create a PDF eBook instead (using the same PDF for your print book), you are welcome to do so by selecting "Make a PDF" in the eBook publishing wizard.

We do give authors the option to, and recommend that they check their eBook file before they finalize publishing. After the conversion is done, we provide you with the interior file to download and review; if you are not happy with it at this point, you can always go back and upload a revised file.

If you need additional help, we do offer paid eBook conversion services. You can learn more about those here:

http://www.lulu.com/shop/services/pre-publishing/cUS_LULU_SERVICES-cUS_LULU_SERVICES_PRE_PUBLISHING-...

Thank you!

[guitar_player]

Until I get the eBook formatted correctly, I want to remove it from my Author Spotlight page.  I tried deleting it and retiring it and making it PRIVATE from my project list, but it still shows up.  Does it just take awhile to actually be removed from the Author Spotlight page?

I'm assuming that once I get it off my Lulu Author Spotlight page, it will be removed from iTunes and Barnes & Noble too.  Right?

[Ken Anderson]

Providing you retired the project it will soon drop off the radar. 

You may like to flush your browser or just refresh it whn on the Spotlight page. 

Again providing it is retired no one will be able to buy it.

Like all things Lulu just be patient.

If you are still having problems with the formatting you may like to contact me Off Board. 

[daniel molitor]

"We do give authors the option to, and recommend that they check their eBook file before they finalize publishing. After the conversion is done, we provide you with the interior file to download and review; if you are not happy with it at this point, you can always go back and upload a revised file."

I don't understand. I had no idea Lulu was converting my print books to ebooks. I found out only when someone pointed out that they saw my books on Barnes & Noble's Nook bookstore. I've now seen the ebooks downloaded form B&N, and they look horrible.

I was (and still am) in the process of formatting all my books for eventually ebook publication, and those are the files I want to use for B&N, iBooks, Kindle, etc. 

So my questions are, 1) why didn't I know this was happening, and 2) how do I get rid of the ebooks formatted (I guess) by Lulu and substitute the files I am properly formatting?

[Ken Anderson]

Daniel,
This happened many, many months ago and Lulu did inform authors and it was discussed at length here.

You can just Retire (delete) all those eBook PDF projects and make your own new ones. 

[daniel molitor]

Hm. Let me guess...I was "informed" the same way I was informed way back when, after Lulu changed the pricing on my books because of the new contract with Amazon? 

Whatever. 

Thanks for the info.