THE BIG PICTURE

Pictures, renderings, graphs, charts, all increase interest in a book, however, there are subtle choices an author can make to enhance the project. Much of it has to do with personal style. These choices add to the polished look of a product. For example:

• POSITIONING:
• Arrange pictures on a page with the subjects looking toward the gutter (in-seam) or looking at an object blocking the edge of the page. Otherwise, the subject looks as though it's trying to escape.
• When taking new pictures for the book, think of the light source as though the reader is looking through an open window (referring to the open pages of the book). Study a table near a window (filled with food, a lamp or vase). Where is the light source at different times during the day? How do the shadows fall? Which is more pleasing to your eye? Does one portray the message and theme of the project better?  
• Try different techniques. Set a mood with a large block of color behind the picture. Use a soft focus. Add unexpected elements. Whatever you choose, make sure it adds to the story and doesn't over power the page.
• Unless it's a picture book, visuals are there to compliment the writing. Place a photo on a page by itself, cluster them around a theme or timeline, or add at the end of the book as a photo diary. Let your imagination and creativity blossom. 
• B&W or COLOR or BOTH
• There is something very dramatic and edgy about a photo taken in current times and developed in B&W or (with the help of special settings on some cameras)  highlighting one color, for example: a red rose with a B&W backdrop.
• Older photos are a challenge. Some are washed out or scratched from age. My suggestion is to handle as little as possible. Take a picture of the picture or take it to a professional for restoration. There is beauty in the markings on a photo if writing a memoir, especially if there's a family memory attached.
• Use different tones to establish a timeline or age of a photo. Sepia for the 1800s, B&W before 1945 and color for modern.
• IDENTIFICATION 
• If you're submitting an article to a magazine or news source, or working with a publisher, check their specifications and follow them . . . exactly.
• The most widely used formats in identifying photographs are:
• PEOPLE                            LOCATION
• (l-r) seated: add names  Subject: animal/plant/person
• first row: add names       Location: park, museum, etc
• standing: add names      Where: city/state/country
• Photo credit                    Photo credit
• Double check the spelling of all names.

Finally, open your rough-cut copy of the finished book and quickly flip-fan the pages. This quick, overview of all the pages will help you see the color balance of the pictures. Is one more intense than another? The goal is to balance. This is something that can be easily corrected in the printing process.

Whatever your style or story, I wish you much success in your writing career.

BUY ONCE - GIFT TWICE

We're happy to announce that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of "Begotten With Love" supports the A.C.M.E. Scholarship fund. This fund helps students whose education is in financial jeopardy due to the death of a sibling or parent. If you're looking for a present for the reader in your life and want to help another, visit our website www.BEGOTTENtheBook.com

To learn more about award-winning author, Jo Ann V. Glim:

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