Comments on: Lightning Source, Gimp and PDF/X-1a:2001…NightMare!!!

By: deana72

deana72 — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:15:45 +0000

Most Self-Publishers are searching for a way to format the interior of their novels for Lightning Source without having to buy the Acrobat Distiller. I was trying to find another way at the time, myself...but unfortunately there isn't another way. So I created this blog post, 2-years back (Wow! It's been 2 years already!), explaining that fact--There's NO Way Around NOT having to use the Distiller for the interior. Fortunately, the cover is MUCH easier to do since it doesn't need the PDF/X-1a:2001 format, as you stated. It just needs to be High Quality, which the freeware Gimp can do. Someone suggested Serif Page Plus X5, and they didn't have any problems with Lightning Source accepting their files, and that software is SO MUCH cheaper to buy than Acrobat, but it also requires a large learning curve to use, just like any software. I updated my post with that information. Thank you for offering collaboration. If anyone else views your post, they might want to work together with you (This blog post gets a lot of views with people searching for an answer for this question). I'm focusing now on ebooks only, and using Createspace, which is a cheaper printer option for me...for now. Thanks Again! And I wish you luck with your novel: Black Shuck

By: Wena

Wena — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:43:12 +0000

Well, I have the v 6. of Acrobat Distiller and there seems to be no way of verifying the file, however it will not except any file that is n0 not in CMYK mode. After the process it will declare completed.

I had chosen the PDF/X-1a:2001 but as I said I want to verify the document.

If its gust a cover problem and you can get the CMYK then LS will except a Tiff file.

If our host would like to be in contact with me direct. Lets try and work this out together. Or you will find business e-mail at http://www.book-box.co.uk/index.htm.

See if we can do things together.

Wena

By: deana72

deana72 — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:17:08 +0000

Oooo! Yummy! More Free stuff information! I took a look at Scribus on YouTube and it looks pretty cool. I have instruction for the Distiller on my tools website for the book format on verifying the pdf format. Lightning Source also has a YouTube video on the verification process. It's just a shame that there's not something yet more affordable than the Acrobat Distiller to verify the PDF file for the PDF/X-1a:2001 format...that I know of. Maybe someone would comment on that some day. In the mean time, I'm focusing more on eBooks than paperback and just using CreateSpace for paperback because it's low cost. I'm not selling enough to use Lightning Source for my future novels. When I get to that point, I'll be using Lightning Source again for distribution. Good luck Wena!

By: Wena

Wena — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:19:01 +0000

I use Scribus v 1.4 (Open Source Ap) for the book and cover layout. It’s output is in CMYK. I am now at the stage that this blog is in. I have Acrobat Distiller 6. Which I believe will convert a EPS file to PDF/X 1a. I have been advised by LS that the output fill from Distiller can be verified by one of the Adolbe reader but I have not got that fare.

Hope this helps both you and I.

Wena

By: JudyMacD

JudyMacD — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:38:46 +0000

Hi all, I’ve just discovered this website, after struggling with Lightning Source for a few weeks and read all the posts with interest. I’m wondering if anybody would agree to work over a couple of files for Lightning Source for me, with InDesign and Acrobat, for a small fee? I’m a traveller from Australia, without a proper office, just a laptop. Have published three books with Createspace, have a fourth in the works, and want to get two picture books published in Australia. My efforts are all for charities. I’m at: gypsy1256 at yahoo dot com dot au. Thanks!