It depends on how well you know your market and whether you have a strong marketing and sales plan.  If you are unsure of your market, a more conservative print strategy that utilizes digital short runs.  Consider your budget for printing. Printing a larger quantity can often reduce the cost per book, but it requires a greater upfront investment. Evaluate your financial resources and choose a quantity that aligns with your budget.

Choosing the right paper for your book involves considering several factors such as the book’s content, intended use, budget, and aesthetic preferences. If environmental sustainability is important to you, consider using recycled or Eco-friendly paper options.  Paper quality can significantly impact the overall cost of printing.

In the printing process, a “bleed” refers to the area of a printed document that extends beyond the final trim size. When a document has a bleed, it means that the ink or images on the page extend all the way to the edges, without any white margins.

The best trim size for your book depends on various factors, including the genre, content, target audience, printing considerations, and personal preferences.

Yes, it is generally recommended to copyright your book. Copyright provides legal protection for your original creative work and establishes your ownership rights.

You can learn more here.

An LCCN (Library of Congress Control Number) is a unique identification number assigned to a book by the Library of Congress in the United States. It is used primarily by libraries and bibliographic systems to catalog and track books. The LCCN is a combination of letters and numbers, often displayed on the copyright page of a book.

You can learn more here.

The number of pages in a children’s book can vary widely depending on the age group, content, format, and story structure.   Picture books, targeted at preschoolers and early elementary school children, generally range from 24 to 48 pages.

Deciding whether to print a hardcover or softcover book depends on various factors, including your budget, target audience, book content, and personal preferences. Evaluate the content of your book and its purpose. Hardcover books are generally recommended for books that will be frequently referenced, have a longer shelf life.

To calculate the spine width for a perfect bound book, you need to consider the paper thickness, the number of pages in your book, and the type of paper you are using. Multiply the paper thickness by the number of pages in your book. For instance, if you have 200 pages and the paper thickness is 0.010 inches, the total paper thickness would be 200 x 0.010 = 2 inches.

You can also utilize our spine bulk calculator here.

3-D varnish, also known as raised or textured varnish, is a special coating applied to printed materials to create a three-dimensional effect on specific areas of the design. It adds depth and tactile interest to the surface of the printed piece, enhancing its visual appeal and making certain elements stand out.

A spot dull-gloss combination refers to an offset printing technique that involves using both matte (dull) and glossy finishes selectively on specific areas of a printed piece. It combines the contrasting visual effects of matte and glossy coatings to create a unique and dynamic design.

Soft touch film lamination is a finishing technique used in printing to create a velvety, smooth, and tactile surface on printed materials. It involves applying a thin layer of soft touch film onto the surface of the printed piece, providing a luxurious and pleasant-to-touch texture that also resists fingerprints and smudges.

The number of days it takes for your order to reach you after it has been shipped can vary depending on several factors, including the shipping method chosen, the distance between the printer and the ship-to address.  Standard domestic shipping methods typically take anywhere from 1 to 7 business days. Expedited or express shipping options may be available for faster delivery, usually within 1 to 3 business days.

Ordering a hard copy proof is generally recommended to ensure the quality and accuracy of your printed materials before proceeding with a larger print run. A hard copy proof allows you to physically examine and evaluate the printed piece, including color accuracy, image quality, layout, and any potential errors.

Other proof options include a soft-proof.  A soft proof is a digital proof that simulates the appearance of the printed book on a calibrated monitor.

Each side of a sheet of paper counts as a page, even if it is blank and has no printing. This means that one sheet of paper = two pages. Make sure to include any unnumbered pages in the front matter (such as title page or copyright page) and any back matter (such as index or appendices) in your page count. Color inserts (or b/w inserts that print on different paper) are counted separately.

The distance that your copy (text, images, or other important elements) should be from the edge of the page is often referred to as the “safe zone” or “margin.” It is important to keep a safe distance to ensure that your content doesn’t get cut off during the trimming process or look too close to the edge.

The appropriate DPI (dots per inch) for scanning artwork depends on the intended use and output resolution. If you plan to reproduce your artwork in print, a DPI of 300 or higher is commonly recommended.

Overs and unders in the printing process refer to the extra copies or quantities that are intentionally printed beyond the required quantity (overs) or below the required quantity (unders). These additional copies serve specific purposes and help mitigate potential issues during the printing process.

Inside delivery is a service offered by shipping carriers or logistics companies that involves delivering a package or shipment beyond the usual point of delivery. Instead of simply dropping off the package at the building entrance or loading dock, inside delivery includes transporting the package inside a building or to a specific room or location within the premises.

The binding edge refers to the side of a document or book where the pages are bound together. It is the edge that runs along the spine of a book or the binding side of a document. The binding edge is opposite to the open edge or free edge.

e does CHG accepted?