[katie-baklinski Posts: 34 Status: Offline Tales from the Tip of a Brush]

I've noticed that some picture books don't have page numbers at all.

Is it expected to include page numbers on a dummy when it is submitted, or is it ok to see if/how the publisher would like to number the pages?

[alan-jordan Posts: 921 Status: Offline Writing that Entertains and Empowers]

I don't know, but I would plan to start on page 6 and wrap up around page 29 to 31.

[katie-baklinski Posts: 34 Status: Offline Tales from the Tip of a Brush]

Alan, I assume you mean not to include the endpapers in the numbering?

[Artemesia Posts: 4,527 Status: Offline WWW]

I've never put page numbers on a dummy. But I do include all the front matter and endpapers, and front and back cover, so it looks like a complete book. But I don't number the pages on the actual dummy. I think it's distracting.

[alan-jordan Posts: 921 Status: Offline Writing that Entertains and Empowers]

That would be my opinion too, but you could always use removable stickers.

[Artemesia Posts: 4,527 Status: Offline WWW]

 Alan, most dummies are done digitally these days, and are either uploaded to a webpage or emailed as a PDF.

But page numbers or no page numbers, if they like the work it won't matter. If you have a reason for wanting to include them, you can do so.

[alan-jordan Posts: 921 Status: Offline Writing that Entertains and Empowers]

I didn't know that. What software is used? PowerPoint? InDesign?

[christripp Posts: 1,359 Status: Offline WWW]

Alan, I know many "Illustrauthors" use indesign. I have actually used "Pages" with the help of a tech friend who showed me how to do it and it worked. The PDF is NOT fancy however, you can only scroll down. Cyn, what do you use? I think the professional clip art program allows for making dummies, yes, no?

You don't need to number your pages for the Editors Katie, but I do it for myself, to keep track of my pacing. I do as Cyn, I include end papers (2 pages front and back) the copyright page (blank) the dedication page (blank) the title page, then commence story on page 3 or 4. It's not too important, the likely hood is it will all be redesigned if acquired but it's nice to have it look as professional and book like as possible.
I still have made the old paper dummies too, printing out to show around but don't snail mail them anymore. Email as attachment.

[Artemesia Posts: 4,527 Status: Offline WWW]

Alan, PowerPoint is not suitable for dummies.

I have used InDesign to make a couple dummies, but because the subscription cost to get both InDesign and Photoshop was so much, I just do my dummies with Photoshop and Acrobat Pro now. I scan my sketches, place in a spread in Photoshop and add the text. Then I combine all the spreads in Acrobat Pro to make a PDF, as well as upload the spreads to a page on my website. My agent sends a web link and says we have a PDF if they want it. Some houses can't handle large attachments.

The nice thing about using a webpage is that if you also have statcounter you can actually see when editors view it.

[Artemesia Posts: 4,527 Status: Offline WWW]

Alan, you asked me in a message to point you to a resource for making digital dummies, but I don't know of one. There are a couple just on dummies in general (you'll find them in the threads posted below), but not on putting them together digitally that I know of.

We do have a couple of threads on making digital dummies that you mind find useful. I'm answering here in the thread so that others will also benefit.

https://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?topic=65680.0

https://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?topic=73597.0

https://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?topic=65052.0

[katie-baklinski Posts: 34 Status: Offline Tales from the Tip of a Brush]

Thank you Cyndi and Christine for the help!

[alan-jordan Posts: 921 Status: Offline Writing that Entertains and Empowers]

Thank you Arty.

[Artemesia Posts: 4,527 Status: Offline WWW]