Selecting "Book" As The New File

Question

Hi,
I am starting a new file in InDesign and the options are "Document", "Book", " "Document From Template", and "Library".
I am interested in writing a book, so naturally I want to click on "Book".  The problem is when I click on "Book" nothing really comes up.  First it asks me to make up a file name (as in saving a copy of a blank file before I begin I guess).  And then, the only thing that happens is a small approx. 3 x 4 inch screen comes up with nothing on it.  On the other hand, when I choose "Document", it first asks me for all the layout specifications and then opens a white page I can start typing on and manipulating how I want.  The problem though is I want to write a book, so I would think that I should obviously be using "Book" and not "Document".   Anyone have any insight on this?
Thanks,
Blake

Answer 1

To InDesign a "Book" is a collection of individual documents that will be assembled into a single publication at output. In your case you might choose to make a book from individual files for each chapter, the front matter, index, etc., but you can do an entire book in a single document file if you prefer.
Advantages to the "Book" method are ease of organization and smaller chunks to scroll through, the ability to use the same documents in more than one "Book" and safety -- the odds of losing the whole thing are smaller if disaster strikes so you may wind up only remaking a chapter instead of 1000 pages. It is however, also less convenient in many cases, and size and personal taste will be the final determining factors.
In any  case, you need to start out with a new document at the very beginning. You can add it to a Book later.