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Click here for softbound information.
Click here for more information on using color.
Full Color
Hard
Cover Design Layouts
Go
here for more on HB Cover Files
Color cover art
files can be submitted in a variety of ways, click here for more details. We
suggest either a single file that contains the entire cover (back, spine, front,
and overlap-1"), or for component files (back, spine, front, background-for
overlap). If supplying one file that no additional work is needed on, there
will be no additional fees associated with the cover, provided you are
publishing at least 25-75 quantity. If publishing fewer than 25-75, a set up charge
will apply. If supplying component files, or a list on instructions, the
minimum service fee is $30.00, and additional hours are billed at $15.00, per.
If attempting your own graphic design, please keep this information in mind:
A hard cover file should include space for 1" on all four sides (regardless of actual book size), back cover, front cover, and spine allowance. Examples -
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5.5x8.5" with a 1" spine would be 14x10.5"
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6x9" with a 1" spine would be 15x11"
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8.5x11" a 1" spine would be 20x13"
It is important
to note that if a file is submitted in RGB, we convert to CYMK for a better
cover with our machinery. Conversion between these formats often results in a
difference in color.
Additionally, we recommend that no part of your cover design ever start (or convert) to something below 300 dpi. If you've ever seen soft focus covers, or ones that looked like the were FAXed, it is generally because of low dpi in the layout process.
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If you want to use a low resolution graphic, don't enlarge it at all, and be sue you are happy with a print out of the cover before submitting it. Some extremely large files (14x18", etc.) in low resolution, make very nice small format cover additions (4x8", etc.).
Be careful if scaling (enlarging or reducing) graphics. You can have a very high quality graphic, but if you enlarge it 800% to fit your idea of the cover, it will generally loose focus and/or pixilated. The lower the quality, the less you can enlarge a graphic. As a rule, reduction is not a quality issue, unless it is shrunk so small that little or no detail is visible. Keep in mind, if using a photo quality, or other high quality computer printer to view your graphic print outs that production machines do not always match or exceed this high end, consumer quality - unless specifically commissioned.
Graphic files that are layered should be sent in their native format, as well as being flattened into a single layer, for original artwork. If sending PDF, be sure that the conversion "locks down" all fonts.
Cover register runs 95-99%. Because of this, many collage type covers designed by authors don't always come out as desired. We suggest that your background continue throughout all cover elements, leaving at least .25" between your outside photos/graphics and the "edge" of the cover. Otherwise, you could end up with important elements folding around the edge of your cover, and/or spilling onto the edge of your spine.
A non-laminated cover flat can be mailed for approval before covers are put into production. The only charge for this is the shipping. If changes are needed on the submitted artwork, that service will be charged accordingly.
Color links for reference:
Color Work
Color Book Pages
Color HB Cover Files
Color SB Cover Files
Click here for royalty free clip art and cover design tools for sale.
All cover services are available as part of a complete publishing package and POD (small quantity charges may apply), as well as binding or graphic design only.
Page Last Updated: June 29, 2010
Note: All full color bound books shown on this page were printed and/or published by Gregath Company, Inc. Not all books are available for purchase through this publisher.
Home Page > Book Preparation Tips > Hard Binding > Four Color Hard Covers > Color Cover Files > Cover File Design
