Need Help Opening and Editing My InDesign File After Creator Disappeared

[ryan_8071]

My other thread was locked.

The source file creator of my novel (and life's work) has ghosted me, but I do have the source file.  Problem is, I don't know how to use Adobe, and importing/exporting it just creates a huge mess.  The fonts change, the designs disappear and the occasional intentional spacing between paragraphs has large "F" in their place.

My question is, I have consulted an Adobe expert who claims to be able to see it as it is in print.  This contradicts some comments in my previous thread that only the creator will have access to certain this.  The instructor also claims to be able to teach me everything I need to know in 40 mins. 

Can someone advise me here?

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[BobLevine]

NOBODY is teaching you everything you need to know in 40 minutes! You've claimed to have the source files before, but then it turns out you don't. So, do you or do you not have the InDesign files because if my memory is correct, all you have is a low quality PDF that was created with a scanner?

[ryan_8071]

I do have the source file, not sure how that got misconstrued. I posted a screenshot, but I'd have to sign up for InDesign to work on it and I'm not sure I should spend the money when I have no idea what I'm doing..

All I'm asking the instructor for is how to import, keep the formatting, edit some text, and export. 

[BobLevine]

What do you mean by "import" it? If you have an INDD file that's been packaged with the links and fonts all you'd do is open it to work on it.

If you do indeed have all of that and you'd like me to look at it, put it on Dropbox or OneDrive and share it with me via a private message. I'll open it and let you know what kind of shape it's in.

[BobLevine · Accepted solution]

Just to fill in any lurkers.

The OP did send me the file which was just fine, but in checking the file history, I saw that it had only been exported as a version 2.0 reflowable EPUB instead of PDF. The file is fine and the OP should be good to go with the PDF I provided.

If he needs changes, he'll need to subscribe to InDesign for a month or hire someone to make them.