What to Expect from a Custom Book Printing Order

Custom Book Printing – What to Expect from Your Order.

When placing a book printing order for the first time, it can be difficult to know what the printer needs from you to place your order. Here is a step by step guide to help you through the process.

Table of Contents

Supplying Print-Ready Files

Fonts in your file should be embedded and images should be of sufficient resolution (at least 300dpi). The printer will also need a bleed on the cut lines of your file (at least 3mm). If you have put your book together using Word then the printer may be able to amend the file for you, however this should be confirmed prior to placing your order.

Choosing a Binding Style

There are three common methods of book binding, Perfect binding, Saddle-stitching and Hardback case binding. For most books of more than 60 pages Perfect binding (glued spine) is the most common. For smaller booklets of less than 60 pages Saddle-stitching is generally preferred. The Hardback case binding option is the most expensive option of the three but gives the book the most permanent finish. We can discuss the options with you and give you a recommendation based on the number of pages and how the book is to be used.

Picking Paper Weight and Finish

For the text of the interior of your book, 90gsm and 100gsm uncoated papers are standard and provide a great reading experience and a good feel. For more on this, take a look at Book Printers Cheltenham wheatleyprinters.co.uk/printing-services/marketing-materials/book-printers/cheltenham/.

Cover Options

The cover is printed on a 300gsm board with a laminate finish. This can be gloss or soft-touch matt. We can charge a little extra for the soft-touch finish as it feels so different from the standard gloss laminate.

Proofing and Copyright

A digital proof is usually offered by a printer before the book goes to press. Check your proof for the following: margin spacing and size, image quality and page order. For printed works within the UK and ensure that you are giving the printer files that you own or have a license to use.

Turnaround Times

uk/printing-services/marketing-materials/book-printers/cheltenham/). Typically a local book printing job will take around 1-2 weeks from receipt of approved proof to delivery. Larger print runs can take longer.

Go into the process with your files prepared, with all the decisions made, and the process will run smoothly.