Preparing your book or publication for print is one of the final and most important steps you can make as an author or print buyer. This is the point where all your hard work, research and writing must come together technically and in the right format for the printer. In order to determine who is the best printer for you, you must be ready to discuss all the details of your job with prospective printers. Here is a list of essential information you should have ready at hand and also a list of questions you should be sure to ask each prospect.

Cover and Binding Style? There are numerous types of both hardcover and softcover options available. For an accurate quote, you should know exactly which one one want. Here is a list of the various types available:
Hardcover: Variations include Oversewing, Sewing through the fold, and Double-fan adhesive. Oversewing is the strongest and most secure, as it actually sews through the paper to form bind the cover, and it is recommended for large and oversized books. Sewing through the fold is a very common method and allows the book to open completely flat, but is not considered secure over time and can separate from the rest of the book. The Double-fan adhesive method is also very common. It applies a strong glue to the edges of each page then using perfect alignment, attaches all the pages to piece of cloth which is then attached to the spine. While there are many advantages to this approach one downside is that individual pages can come loose, depending on the type of paper used and other conditions, such as weather and wear on the book.

Softcover: Softcovers also have a large range of options. These include Wire Binding, Comb Binding, VeloBind, Spiral or Coil Binding, Perfect Binding, Thermal Binding, Tape Binding, Unibind, or Stiched or Sewn Bindings.

Dimensions? This information should include dimensions for both the book and the cover. Be prepared with all the measurements for your print project in both inches and decimals

Font selection? Is there a particular font or fonts that you need to use? If you have special font needs be prepared to provide the font file. TrueType Fonts are preferred by printers, but they may be able to work with other font types. Be sure you are using a font you have ownership to and be prepared to give the font file to the printer along with your other source materials.

Origination? What program are you or your designer using to develop your project? These might include InDesign, Quark, PageMaker or Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.Make sure your printer knows what program and version you are using to avoid any possible problems opening or interpreting your file. Also be sure to know to let your printer know if your files will be provided as CMYK hi rez files or does the printer need to do the scanning of original art/images and place in the files before proofing?

Are there seperations or halftones? If yes, then how many are there? The more specific information you can provide to the printer the more accurate their quote is likely to be. These specifics will include details such as the type of jacket or cover your book will have, if there needs to be a finishing coat applied, or if there are dye-cuts or other specials needs for your project. Also be sure to ask the type of proofs available, such as on-line or digital, and if you have the option for a press check at teh time of printing.

You should have a target quantity in mind, but is usually helpful to ask for several quotes at the same time, starting with the lowest denomination you can be succesful with.

Provide the full address for delivery and note whether the location is residential or commercial and if it has a loading dock or not.

If you are ready with your printing project and are for a free quote please use our online form and we will respond to your request within 24 hours. Or if you have a specific question or need assistance with your quote, please give us a call, we would be happy to help you! 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!