Unless you need to play around with the layout of your manuscript after you have converted it to a PDF file (Portable Document Format), a free option is available, from CutePDF.com, called CutePDF Writer. We use this for converting our magazine copy to PDF, in order to convert to the virtual Issuu version. I also use it for my own purposes, although I have not used it when publishing with Lulu as of yet, preferring to let them convert my PDF ready document. As far as I know, it doesn’t add to the set-up cost per copy.

You can get CutePDF Writer as a free download here:  http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp

It supports Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista (x32/x64), and you will need a PS2PDF converter such as Ghostscript (recommended). Ghostscript is also available as a free download. Besides this, your computer must be able to print, as it installs itself as a printer sub-system. As it says on the site: ‘This enables virtually any Windows applications (must be able to print) to create professional quality PDF documents - with just a push of a button!’

The application is free both for personal and commercial use, so I find it ideal.

To convert your document, once you have formatted it to the correct format and allowed for margins and a little extra for the gutter (the side of the page that is bound into the spine), you simply click on File, then on Print, and select CutePDF Writer. It won’t print, just nicely convert your file.

I've had this for a while, Marit, and it works a dream. It adds a PDF copy to your computer while leaving the original untouched.

Some time in the last millennium, I had Cute html, which was a free web page builder. I trust them, so I've downloaded this program, Marit.

All right children, so I downloaded Cute and it comes with its own recommended converter which is, guess what, ghostscript. I've tested it and it works fine.

Now I'm sure I've posted this before, but I'm sure we must have plenty of members interested in s/p, so when they all join us, Marit and Sue, since you've been through the s/p process would it be a good idea to run advisories for them (and me) on layout, setting margins, allowing space for and the positioning of illustrations etc.

I know how to set pages in DTP and in it's easy in Word, but what I don't know what PDF conversion does to the layout.

Just thought I'd add, that if you are a user of Microsoft Office 2007 there is a free Microsoft add-in file that you can download from their website. Once installed it gives you an extra command on the Save As menu, allowing you to save directly to PDF instead of the usual .doc format. It works well too, I've tested it it once or twice.