| Cookbook Printing. Print Your Own Cookbook |
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Cookbooks are probably some of the most beloved and well-used books around. Their daily handling and exposure to the ‘elements’ of the kitchen demand that they be well-constructed, durable, and easy to use. Cookbooks make great gifts and are a great way to promote yourself as a chef. If you are considering writing and printing a cookbook here are some guidelines for preparation that will help you achieve a high quality product.
Writing your cookbook can be done in any word program, but Microsoft Word or Corel’s Word Perfect are probably your best choices. Only after your manuscript is completely written and fully proofed should you begin the process layout and design. In addition to using the built in spellchecker consider hiring the services of a professional proofreader as well. You might also consider asking friends or family to try making your recipes to insure your directions are clear, all the ingredients are correctly listed, and that the recipe is able to be duplicated easily. If you are using photographs then hiring a professional photographer to capture quality photographs of each of the dishes is a must. If you are doing the layout of the cookbook yourself either of the two programs above will suffice and will provide an acceptable file for printing. If you are considering a more complex layout or simply want a more polished and professional look then you should use Adobe InDesign or hire a professional experienced with Desktop Publishing who uses that program. A qualified professional can capture the flavor of your book in a stunning visual interpretation and should offer you several creative concepts on how to present your recipes. While there are some specific sizes for cookbooks (5.5”x 8.5” or 6”x9” or 8.5”x11”.) that you might be constrained to by your publisher or distributor, if you are self-publishing you should work directly with your printer on custom sizing and pricing to best fit your needs. If you are using photographs you should be looking at a minimum of 8.5”x11”. The best bindings for cookbooks are Spiral, Coil and Cerlox for softcover cookbooks or for a more premium high end product a hardcover can be used. (Moshe, what is the type of hardcover they will open and lay flat? Is there a hardcover that also has a spiral inside of it?) Whether softcover or hardcover, the cover should be full color to best display the vibrancy and visual beauty of the ingredients and your finished recipes. Be sure to work closely with your printer to ensure adequate color proofs and press checks. Your printer should also be able to offer you a wide selection of shipping or even distribution options for your finished book. Want to find out more about what AsianPrinting.com can do for you? View our Print Comparison Chart or submit your information for a free quote or give us a call if you have a specific question, we would be happy to help you!
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