The Bee Tree File Updated

     On June 12, an updated file for The Bee Tree was uploaded to the printers correcting a series of typographical errors. Copies ordered from the original file distributed to selected readers discovered errors not found in the original final reading by our proofing staff. This updated file should have eliminated this condition. We have records from Create Space for the number of copies purchased between May 5, and June 12 and because it had not been advertised, it is not significant. However if you are one of those and wish to return the book for a copy of the updated edition, we will be glad to swap it. The updated file has already replaced the original file in all e-book editions as of June 16. I apologize for this inconvenience.
     We use a print on demand service. It is environmentally responsible. I upload the file and can order a few copies instead of thousands that sit in a storage facility gathering dust and mold while I market them. If it is successful, they eventually are out in the world. If it is an unsuccessful gamble, trees were sacrificed for nothing. Using the POD method, if it doesn't go, nothing is wasted but my time. Unfortunately, in a spiral bound form, a manuscript can be read by seasoned readers and brought to a finely tuned point. In the case of The Bee Tree this amounted of months of rewriting, editing, re-editing, proofing, reading by a number of individuals who have not seen the manuscript before. All errors, marked by yellow tabs, are carefully entered, and the final product again read by new eyes.
     When the file is uploaded a few copies are ordered and distributed to new readers where typos jump out, if they were missed, and that comes back. Fingers are crossed that there will be no yellow tabs protruding, but alas this time that was not so. A new file was uploaded.


This wasn't meant to be a rationalization for sloppiness. At Arborwood Press we face the same problem that all small presses face. We operate with each of us doing multi roles. Author, editor, designer, publisher, market planner.


In an ideal world there would be a department for each of those functions. The author would spend his/her time creating and handing the product to the editor who makes it coherent. From there the design-printers-and public relations people do their jobs and turn it into a best seller.


Oh well.
I, along with thousands of others who wear all the hats of getting our books to print, am having fun at this time while I can.
Kenneth Fenter