Frequently Asked Questions

What are your standard turn-around times?
Standard time is ten business days after Authorization to print is received. However, if circumstances require faster delivery, we can accommodate.

What are your standard trim sizes and binding styles?
Standard sizes:
5-1/2 x 8-1/2 (Best Pricing)
6 x 9
8-1/2 x 11

What binding options are available?
Binding may be Booklet Maker and perfect bind.

What cover options do I have?
8, 10 or 12 point weight with UV flood coating (Laminated covers for an added charge).

What are your standard payment terms?
50% down and 50% when completed.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa and MasterCard, money orders, cashiers checks and personal checks. Note: personal checks must clear before shipping.

What are your terms?
Payment is required before shipment.

How do I determine the spine thickness?
Spine Thickness when using:
60# text paper: Numbered sides x .005
50# text paper: Numbered sides x .004

What file formats can you accept?
We can accept most Adobe products, Microsoft Word.

Do the files I send you have to be postscript or PDF files?
We can use your native application files as long as we have the supporting files (fonts, high res graphics, Etc.). Before you start your setup of your book we recommend speaking to one of our prepress members in regards to how we need to receive your manuscript and cover.

Do you offer assistance in meeting the technical requirements?
We generally do not charge for technical questions. Work performed at customer's request will be charged to the customer at our current rates.

How do I copyright my work?
It is not absolutely necessary to copyright your work since your manuscript is automatically copyrighted when it is written or "born." The copyright laws were changed in 1978 to protect an author's work for up to 50 years after the author's death. However, there are some significant benefits to officially copyrighting your work with the Copyright Office. You may register your work prior to publication or after publication. Form TX is used for the majority of publications and may be obtained (with instructions) from the Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000
(202) 707-3000.
http://www.copyright.gov/register/literary.html

What is an ISBN and how do I obtain it?
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. This is a ten digit number that identifies the title, edition, binding type and publisher of a specific work. Most bookstores need this symbol for cataloging and sales tracking.To obtain your ISBN, contact:

The R.R. Bowker Co.
International Standard Book Numbering
United States Agency
Att. Mr. Don Riseborough
121 Chanlon Road
New Providence, NJ 07974 Toll Free (800) 526-4902, ext. 2872
Tel: (+1 908) 464 68 00
Fax: (+1 908) 665 28 95
e-mail: isbn-san@bowker.com
URL: http://www.isbn.org

An application for an ISBN Publisher Prefix can be found here http://www.isbn.org/standards/home/isbn/us/secureapp.asp.

What is your minimum quantity?
25 books.

Do you offer 4-color cover and text printing?
Yes

Can I get a PMS color printed on the cover?
Yes, it will be a CMYK match of the PMS color.

Can you scan an existing book?
Yes, we can scan from copy or an existing book. There is an additional charge. Please note that in order to scan from an existing book we must cut the pages from the book.

What shipping methods do you use?
We ship via UPS ground. We can use other carriers if requested. All shipping charges are billed at cost.

What is your normal turnaround time?
5 to 10 working days. Add 3 days if a proof is required. Turnaround time does not include shipping transit time.

Can I see a sample book?
It is our company policy to not send out our customers work as samples. If you send us your final book files we will send you a hard copy proof of your book. This will let you see exactly what you will get in the end. We do this at no obligation to you. It is free.