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Glossary
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Hardbound Information
Camera Ready
Softbound
Cover Files
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Hard Binding Color File Information
Please be patient as photos load.
Cover art files can be submitted in Adobe Photoshop formats or PDF. All cover layouts should be high resolution - preferably 300-600 dpi or better - and should always be a larger canvas then the exact size of the book. The size of the book, and the interior margins will determine the best overall size.
Our office staff will work with you - many times at no extra charge on basic cover (one color or b/w) design. If the design process is looking to become a protracted process, fees can be as low as $30.00 for graphic design. If contract design is needed, Gregath fees are $15.00 an hour/1 hour minimum.
The design process begins when the author provides the basis for the cover. This can be an itemized list, or as little as text to include and general colors of feeling that should be evoked. The more latitude the staff has, the more likely that all graphic design will be no charge.
Once cover idea(s)
are produced, a low resolution sample is placed online and a link sent to the
author for review - such as
www.gregathcompany.com/allen. Staff and author continue to work toward a
finalized cover.
Some Settings/Layout/Format Information
Color cover art files can be submitted in a variety of ways. For most bindings, we suggest either a single file that contains the entire cover (back, spine, front, and overlap), or for component files (back, spine, front, background-if a bleed is needed). Bindings such as side stitch, comb, and fastback will need files for front and back cover only. Many softbound options do not have a spine component. If supplying full file(s) 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:
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With soft bindings, please choose either RGB or CMYK for your file(s) and stick to that format throughout the design process. If you have an element that is the other format you want to use, print out a copy "as is", then convert it and print out a second copy before you use it. Conversion between these formats sometimes results in a visible difference in color. You should be informed as you layout.
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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.).
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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 pixilate. 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.
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Soft cover flat(s) can be mailed for approval before covers are put into production. The charge for this $40.00, if publishing quantities lower than 200. If changes are needed on the submitted artwork, that service will be charged accordingly.
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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.
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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 approximately .25" between your outside photos/graphics and the "edge" of the cover. Otherwise, you could end up with photos/graphics being cut off the edge of your cover, and/or wrapping onto the edge of your spine.
Select Softbound Method/Style Selections
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Currently, the most popular is the perfect bound or wrap around cover. Size suggestion: no more than 300 pages.
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Plastic comb binding is a lay flat option.
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Plastic (spiral) coil binding is a lay flat option - opening a full 360 degrees with ease.
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For books under 80 pages, there is the wire saddle stitch binding. A hardcopy of our tips booklet or catalog serve as examples of saddle stitch work.
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We still offer the traditional tape and staple (or side stitch) binding.
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Fastback cloth tape binding is a newer method for smaller publishing projects.
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3-ring binding offers ease and flexibility for frequently updated book projects.
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Post/Chicago Screw can use either plastic or metal fasteners.
A note to you from Gregath Company, Inc. One item that remains constant with our books, regardless of binding type, that needs to be highlighted when discussing softbound or "paperback" books is the paper quality. Many people equate softbound books with the paperbacks (perfect binding) with newsprint weight paper they buy at the bookstore. We feel that a book that is published deserves good quality, durable paper. Therefore, the standard paper used (8½x11" 50/60 lb. acid free book stock) is the same for hardbound or softbound books. While you may save a little initially by using newsprint, the book will not stand the test of time. The question then becomes, "Did I really save anything?" Increasingly, if this economic question is - save as much as possible, we suggest choosing to publish by disk - electronically. |
Other Color links for reference:
Color Work
Color Book Pages
Color HB 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.
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