Getting print bids - Designing the cover - Designing text pages - Preparing files - Proofing and printing

 You've spent years writing your book and now you're ready to bring your "baby" into the world. What do you need to know as you embark on the production process? Here are five main steps required in getting your book ready.

1. Getting print bids
   This is your first step, even before the design step. Consult with several book printers before choosing a company to print your "baby." Start with printers that specialize in books for the best prices and service. Pricing is based on specific size presses, so ask about their most economical trim size for your book. Because text pages are printed in 32-page signatures, it's best to make your page count evenly divided by 32. Also, ask for quotes based on the papers they stock in-house. Choosing their recommended paper can save you dollars. Always look at samples to examine their quality and talk to others who have worked with them about their service.

Be sure to use the same specifications in each bid, including title of book, quantity to be printed, final trim size, number of colors on cover and throughout, page count, stock (paper for cover and text pages), cover finish (UV coating or lamination), hard cover or soft cover, type of binding, packaging, delivery destination, files on disk or camera-ready art. Your printer will likely ask you to complete a customer account form and/or credit application.

2. Designing the cover
   People really do judge a book by its cover. A professional cover adds credibility to your work. Especially if your name is not well known, you will have to rely on striking, design, eye-catching graphics, vibrant colors, and testimonials from VIPs to grab the book buyer's attention.

An attention-getting title is part of creative cover design. Make sure the one you want it is not already used by checking in Books In Print (at your library) and at Amazon.com. You may want to enlist several colleagues in a brainstorming session to come up with titles that fit your book's content and its marketing focus.

Be sure to request an ISBN number from R.K. Bowker, then obtain a bar code from a specialty that goes on the back cover. This bar code allows bookstores to scan information (name, price, etc.) into their inventory system and track sales. Most bookstores will not accept books without an ISBN number and corresponding bar code.

Put some thought into visualizing your cover, then work with a designer who can represent your idea and make your title come alive with color, typography and graphics. Professional designers have the experience, skills, and software to make your "baby" look great. Choose one whose style and way of working agrees with you.

3. Designing text pages Back to Top
   If you plan to lay out the book yourself, get the electronic file guidelines outlining specifications from the printer you've selected. Use a professional page layout program such as Adobe PageMaker or Quark Xpress to format your pages. Scan drawings, clip art and B&W photos and place them directly into the page layout. Combine all chapters into one file, then copy all graphics, scans and fonts onto a disk for the printer. Some printers accept Adobe Acrobat "pdf" files so ask about that option.

4. Preparing files
   Be aware that many technical specifications go into preparing the files for printing. These pertain to registration, trapping, dot gain, ink names, bleeds, fonts, graphic file formats, width of spine, line screen and resolution.

It's essential to carefully proof read your book in its final layout format before you send the disk to the printer. In addition to typos, make sure you've eliminated all widows (single words on a line) and orphans (a single line at the top of a page). Making corrections and changes after the file is transferred to printing plates gets expensive.

5. Proofing and printing
   Get a color proof of the cover and a "blueline" proof of the text pages to catch any mistakes before your book goes on the press. Examine these proofs, sign off on them, and return them to the printer. If all goes well, your "baby" will be at your doorstep about five weeks later.

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Karen Saunders owns MacGraphics Services, a graphic design firm specializing in book covers, logos, advertising and marketing materials. She can answer your questions about artistic and technical aspects of book design and press preparation. Contact Karen at www.macgraphics.net or 303-680-2330.

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