Choosing the Right Tools

I originally considered using Atticus writing software, which comes at a reasonable one-time fee of $150. However, upon discovering that it wouldn’t allow me to easily cut and paste my articles into chapters, I contemplated simply printing them out and arranging them on the floor. This idea quickly proved impractical due to the high cost of ink, leading me to search for a more efficient solution.

Having previously used a free writing tool called Reedsy for my self-published works, I decided to give it another try, focusing on the cut and paste feature.

And guess what? It worked like a charm!

I could likely have all twenty chapters organized in the editor by today, but I also need to chop more firewood. The weather is stunningly beautiful here in Maine, and I might film another YouTube video to showcase something amazing I’ve discovered.

Diving Back into Reedsy

Despite my limited computer skills, I found Reedsy to be user-friendly. If I can navigate it, anyone can! Once I’ve arranged my articles as chapters, the next step is to organize them in the desired order, which can easily be adjusted within the program.

However, my work won’t be complete just yet, as I’ll need to edit the chapters to ensure they flow seamlessly together. This is the part I look forward to the most since editing is my passion.

Once that's finished, setting up the rest of the book is a breeze. The Reedsy editor allows for easy formatting in both EPUB and PDF formats, and with just two clicks, I can download both zip files.

Reflecting on Past Challenges

I remember my first experience with this process; I was overwhelmed. What was a zip file, and how could I open it? After a bit of frustration (and my dogs seeking refuge under the bed), I eventually figured it out and uploaded the files to my KDP account.

The best part? Both Reedsy and KDP are entirely free to use. The only expense I incurred was for the cover of my first book, but this time, I plan to use Canva. I envision a cover featuring brilliant stars in a night sky, potentially using a free image with added text.

Looking Ahead

I could potentially have this book ready for publication within a few weeks. However, with spring in full swing, I have numerous outdoor projects to tackle. Yet, my excitement to complete this book might just sway me to postpone some of those tasks.

As a celebration, I plan to offer this first book for free for a couple of weeks. Your ongoing encouragement keeps fueling my inspiration to write.

If anyone has any inquiries, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m opting to self-edit this time, just like with my previous books, and I’m satisfied with the feedback I’ve received.

I hope my journey inspires anyone considering transforming their articles into books. With tools like Reedsy and KDP, it’s entirely possible to do it for free!