Offset Book Printing
Offset printing is a traditional book printing method that often produces higher quality text and photos than digital printing. Offset printing uses a plate to transfer images and text to the paper, while digital printing presses work much like extremely high speed copiers or laser printers. However, offset printing is usually only cost effective for print runs of at least 500 books. A wide variety of printers offer offset book printing services, and the ones that specialize in books generally have the most competitive prices.
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Instructions
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Search the Web for printing services that specialize in book printing, or use a directory (see Resources below). Not all book printers offer offset book printing, so look for one that does.
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Find out the minimum quantity for offset book printing. Some book printers may go as low as 300 copies, while others may require 1,000 or more. Particularly with offset printing, the fewer books you print, the more each book will cost.
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Look at the other services the offset book printer offers to make sure it has everything you need, such as paper choices, color printing, binding services and design, editorial or distribution services. Make sure you can choose only the services you want, without signing up for a complete package.
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Find out how long the printing process will take and at what stages you’ll have a chance to review copies of the book before the final printing.
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Get a quote for your offset book printing project from several book printers. Most printers offer quotes for free, and some will also send samples of their printed books for a small fee. Ask any questions you have about the quote or printing process, and note how adequately and promptly the company responds.
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Compare the quotes and choose an offset book printer based on the price and the services offered. You may also want to consider how helpful the staff was at answering questions.
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Follow the printer’s guidelines for preparing and formatting the book. Even offset book printers generally prefer, and charge less, to receive a digital file rather than a hard copy. Submit your book to the printer.
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Check the proofs, or bluelines, the printer sends you carefully for any errors or printing mistakes, then approve the proofs for final printing.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure your book is as error-free as possible before sending it to the printer. Most printers will not charge for corrections you find in the bluelines that are their mistake, but they will charge to correct misspellings or errors that were in the original submission.
