FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- How long does it take to make a book?
- How much will my books cost?
- How much will it cost to ship my books?
- What is the minimum run and maximum run?
- Can I see a sample of your work?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
Test Prints Questions
- How do I get free test prints?
- Are test prints the same as a proof?
- Should I send just images / photos?
- How do I get a swatch sheet?
File Setup Questions - All file setup questions are answered in detail on our support page
- Should PDF files be in single pages or spread pages?
- Do I need to add bleed?
- If I have vector files, can I put them in my book?
- Should my images / photos be in CMYK or RGB and what color profile?
- How do I layout a cover or dust jacket?
Options and Materials - Full descriptions and pictures are on our options / materials page
- What papers stocks do you print on?
- Are custom papers or cover materials available?
General Answers
- Question: How long does it take to make a book?
Answer: On average, Soft Cover books take less than 2 weeks and Hard Cover take less than 3 weeks from the day we receive the final print-ready PDF files.
- Question: How much will my books cost?
Answer: Use our pricing calculator to estimate your cost. Unless your project requires custom ordered materials, the prices shown are accurate.
- Question: How much will it cost to ship my books?
Answer: There is no fixed amount for shipping as each order contains different sized books and different quantities. We bill your for the actual cost of UPS shipping when your order leaves our facility.
- Question: What is the minimum run and maximum run?
Answer: Minimum order is 5 copies per book. There is no maximum.
- Question: Can I see a sample of your work?
Answer: Our online gallery showcases many of our books. If you are in the Bay Area, you can email us to schedule an in-person visit. We will not accept drop-in visitors.
- Question: What forms of payment do you accept?
Answer: Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Personal / Business checks are all acceptable. If you would like to pay via wire transfer, please email us and we will send you the necessary info.
Test Prints Answers
- Question: How do I get free test prints?
Answer: Create a 10-page PDF file of your work. Page size must be 8"x10". Once the file is ready, email us to get a username and password for uploading your PDF file. For more details on file setup, please refer to our support page.
- Question: Are test prints the same as proofs?
Answer: No, test prints are limited to 10 pages, and are intended to introduce you to our printing. When you place your order, you will have the option to buy an unbound fully printed proof of you book.
- Question: Should I send just images / photos?
Answer: No. We cannot accept image / photo files (PSD, TIFF, JPG, etc.) We need one multi-page PDF file formatted to our specifications. support page
- Question: How do I get a swatch sheet?
Answer: Just email us requesting a Swatch Sheet, and we will reply with payment instructions. They are $25, and should you place a book order, that amount will be credited to your order.
File Setup Answers
- Question: Should my PDF file be in single pages or spread pages?
Answer: The PDF should be in single pages. When exporting from InDesign or other design application, please be sure deselect 'spread'.
- Question: Do I need to add bleed?
Answer: Yes, 1/8" (.125 inch) on each side of the page.
- Question: If I have vector files, can I put them in my book?
Answer: No, please flatten your vector files (i.e. Cad files) and save a 300 dpi JPEG or TIFF. Then place those in your book layout.
- Question: Should my images / photos be in CMYK or RGB and what color profile?
Answer: We recommend using RGB Adobe 1998 but we can print WITH either RGB or CMYK. More important is that all the color image / photo files in your book are tagged with the same color profile.
- Question: How do I layout a cover or dust jacket?
Answer: Email us to get the specifications for your specific cover or jacket. You will need to tell us the number of pages, and the size of the book. Also, we need to know if the book will be hard or softcover.
Options and Materials Answers
- Question: What papers stocks do you print on?
Answer: Our photo and art books are printed on super smooth, acid-free, uncoated bright white paper. Books with 140 pages or less are printed on heavy 162 gsm. Books with more pages are printed on slightly lighter paper.
Text based books are printed on rich paper with 'more tooth' (rougher). Both bright white and natural tone options are available, and the weight is 118 gsm.
- Question: Are custom papers or cover materials available?
Answer: For custom material needs such as special paper requests or specific cover material needs, please email us describing what you desire. We will do our best to make it happen.