FAQs
How much will it cost?
The most important question for most self publishers is cost. Books, like all manufactured products, are the sum of their labour and material input. Based on an initial consultation we can recommend the most cost effective combination of format, stocks, print and binding technologies.
How many books?
The real question is: how many books do I need? Digital Books production is cost effective between 1-500 copies Offset Printing begins around 500 copies and runs into the ‘000’s Offshore Printing requires a minimum of 500 copies All three methods of production will deliver an identical level of quality
What is the Best Format?
When choosing a format for any new books design we are generally guided by how best to present the subject matter to prospective readers and the utility of the finished product. Some of the most common formats utilise in the ‘read for pleasure’ market are as follows:-
A5 Fomat 81mm x 111mm Portrait
B Format 198mm x128mm Portrait
A5 Format 210mm x148mm Portrait
B+ Format 210mm x 135mm Portrait
B5 Format 250mm x 175mm Portrait
C Format 234mm x 153mm Portrait
How do I present my files for print?
A range of commonly accessible software formats are acceptable depending on the complexity of the project.
Most manuscripts are presented in Word File format from which we are able to generate ‘Print Ready’ files utilizing software packages such as InDesign.
Microsoft Word
In the case of a manuscript the commonly used Microsoft Word 2007 or later is quite acceptable. From an A4 format we can easily advise a book format based on the Word Count supplied at the bottom of the file
Adobe InDesign
InDesign is the industry-standard publishing software from Adobe. As the preeminent page design and layout toolset It can be used to create works such as magazines, newspapers, books and eBooks.
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Whenever supplying a file it is important for printing to save all components as a PDF as it will ensure your printed or viewed file retains the formatting that you intended. By setting your PDF preference to ‘press quality’ you will ensure that fonts and images are embedded and that no loss of data can occur. If you are supplying your file in PDF format, please contact us for our specifications to ensure your PDF is ‘print ready’.
What stocks should I use?
As a general rule, pictorial based publications require the use of glossy stocks to enhance colour reproduction, whereas manuscripts and textbooks are more suited to uncoated matt stocks to assist the reader
Which form of Binding should I use?
Variables such as the final pagination, cost, portability and utility of the book will influence the type of binding adopted.
Options include:
Saddle Stitching: effective up to 96pages and sits flat when opened
Wiro & Spiral Binding: Suited to a range of paginations and also sits flat when opened
Perfect Bound: Individually glued pages with squared spine, preferred method for novels using uncoated stocks
PUR Binding: similar to Perfect Binding offering stronger bond for coated stocks
Burst Binding: Glued Square Spine for larger paginations suited to either coated or uncoated stocks, used mainly for reference or text books
Section Sewn: Pages held with Cotton Thread general incorporating Hard Cover Case
What are the Advantages of offshore production?
Generally books requiring Section Sewing and Case Binding are printed in Asia due to the additional labour required. Depending on specifications and quantity, the savings can be as high as 50%. While the design and layout requirement is similar there are limitations in stocks and the lead time to delivery is generally around 9 weeks.