Book Printing Blog

When you want book reviewers to give their opinions, promote a book prior to printing it, or need to sell the book with distributors, use Bound Galleys.

Bound galleys are pre-publication versions of upcoming books to be published. Their cover may not be generally the cover of the book to be published. However, they contain the important information used in marketing the book to reviewers or distributors.

Though still in the review stage, bound galleys are already printed, perfect bound books, and are often not the same in size with the final finished edition. They are often termed as uncorrected page proofs or advance reader copies, printed using specially designed printing presses. Their designs are distinctive enough to readily distinguish them from a finished version or production copy of the book.

Pre-publication book printing in Boston, MA provides a means for book reviewers and editors to read and evaluate a reading material. Chosen comments and remarks from experts that book enthusiasts recognize are often printed on the back of the production copy of the book after it has been reviewed, making it more likely to be sold.

Bound galleys help the production copies of certain books to land on the shelves of the important independent bookstores and and best book chains. They can be an author's ticket to interviews and feature stories. They also assist publishers in marketing, promotional, and sales activities. Book buyers and distributors use them to get shelf space and sell books. Bound galleys are a cost-efficient sales motivator, effectively stimulating wholesalers' orders and public requests for bound book versions.

Today, authors and publishers go to The Country Press for all their printing and publishing needs such as Bound Galleys. Here is where the design, development, and dissemination of printed and published materials happen.

When it comes to printing projects, there are a lot more decisions than you might think. Deciding on the right paper, inks, and printing process to use so are important in order to get the finished product you are looking for.

PRINTING MATERIALS

When choosing the perfect paper, the brightness, finish, opacity, and weight are all considered. The weight of a business paper or printer paper is determined in pounds. It is important to know this because the heavier the weight, the thicker the paper. The thickness and texture of the paper can really make a significant difference. The paper also varies based on how transparent or opaque it is. This is important particularly when you are planning to use both sides of the paper when printing as in short run book printing. While opacity is measured by how much the paper stops light from passing through, brightness is measured by how much light it will reflect. The brighter the paper, the brighter the printed product. This determines whether a paper's finish is either matte or glossy.

Different print jobs use different kinds of ink, and the particular print you want to achieve may require a different type of printer. A printer can either work with pigment-based or dye-based ink. Pigment-based ink is more expensive and has lesser color range than the dye-based. But when it comes to print life, pigments are better. The advantage of dyes is that they are able to produce more colors and are a more affordable alternative.

PRINTING PROCESSES

Printing processes differ based on the printing project. Digital printing can be the best alternative when printing small quantities. Digital printing takes the image or text from the electronic source to the printer to produce a faster output. The advent of digital printing has eliminated all the mechanical procedures of offset printing. Also known as offset lithography, offset printing is prominently used for printing larger loads with guaranteed high quality. It is used when printing massive orders of books, brochures or newspapers.

During finishing and binding, the printed products are folded and bound. School books and magazines normally take a single fold finish. Manuals, cookbooks, and other publications can be done either in spiral, saddle stitch, or with loose-leaf binding.

Each type of printing material and process offers different advantages, that when used for the correctly can be a huge advantage. For more details, visit The Country Press.

The advent of digital printing has brought technical advancements, providing more options and modifications in conventional commercial printing. But it has also brought a dilemma to people who are in the printing and publishing industry. Understanding the pro's and con's of modern and traditional printing processes helps in deciding what to choose given specific conditions and anticipated results.

Offset printing is known for its high volume commercial printing capacity, where the content to be printed gets ink from ink rollers while the non-printing area remains ink-free. But because of digital printing, all mechanical procedures of conventional printing is eliminated for a faster output, particularly in short run printing. So, which is better?

Knowing what the advantages of these two alternatives for commercial printing can help in judging which is better.

When it comes to faster turnaround, accurate proofing, and customization, there is no doubt that digital printing beats offset printing. It offers more accurate counts with less mistakes and fewer variations. Digital printing also provides variable data printing features where changes can be made even on each piece while the printing process is on-going.

Cost-effectiveness of both options depends on the quantity that needs to be printed. Since unit cost is indirectly proportional to quantity, then short run printing can be more cost-effective with digital printing while larger loads are likely to cost less with offset printing. Many modern offset presses now use computer-to-plate systems so to not be outdated compared to digital printing. Thus, offset printing could still be a better bet for quality and cost-effectiveness for large volume printing jobs.

So before you choose digital printing or offset printing, consider factors such as colors, customization, features, printing media, proofing, and turnaround. For more information on printing and publishing, check out the Country Press.

Digital printing has allowed manufacturers of high-volume digital presses to improve printing in quality, format, and work flow. Several digital printing solutions are now provided to support both monochrome and color book printing. These solutions continuously provide convenience to publishers and other customers so printing can now be customized or personalized with reduced processing duration.

With the improved quality and quickness brought by digital printing, printing on demand is now possible and even more affordable. It means that, for instance, if the initial stocking order is running low in a bookstore, additional copies can be quickly printed to meet demand. Keeping books in print longer is another benefit in the digital age.

Digital Printing is now preferred since setup and transaction costs are very low; it is more convenient and economical. This professional printing has become a regular part of the printing and publishing processes of many companies. On-going efforts are being made to fully automate both print on demand and print-to-order so that publishers, retailers and other distributors can receive and process orders most efficiently.

It is obvious how digital printing has decreased the cost curve across order quantity and quality. With these advancements, publishers now can order fewer copies and replenish their inventory based on demand. This enables self publishers and other small distributors to take advantage of digital printing as it now involves reduced inventory risks and minimal initial investments, as compared to traditional technologies in printing.

To know more about how to improve inventory management and to optimally address client's demands on printing, visit The Country Press.

Book printing and binding are your last steps prior to publishing or submitting your work. The type of book binding usually depends on the function of the document you printed, its number of pages, and its author's budget.

Each type of book binding is designed for a different appearance and application. Here are 5 most common types of them:

Perfect binding
This type uses hot tape or a cloth strip of adhesives to bind the pages of the book together. This, often called as Thermal binding, is perfect for thick documents to be published. Often this is used in novels we buy on bookstores.

Plastic comb binding
Plastic combs are used to hold the pages together, allowing them to be opened flat. Often, the plastic combs can be removed and reattached. It is the simplest type next to saddle stitching. But its teeth-like plastic comb often break off, not holding up the pages for a longer time. This is though perfect for those who have said a collection of printed photos of something that are constantly updated.

Spiral binding
This type of book binding either uses coil or plastic wire which is pre-coiled and is flexible. The wire is inserted and twisted through small holes running along its spinal edge. Using this type allows users to open flat documents just like in plastic comb binding. Also, the pages can be wrapped around in full 360 degrees for easier copying and reading. This is often what we see on spiral notebooks.

Saddle Stitching
The pages are stapled in the middle to hold the pages in place. It is the most simple and economical type of book binding for thin publications such as comic books, manuals, magazines and booklets. But this is not recommended for bigger presentations.

Twin loop wire binding
This gives your documents not only a more durable bind but also a more professional feel. That is why this is perfect when doing product presentations or company proposals. But such elegance of the twin loop wire comes with a slightly more expensive price than simple coil or wire binding. Also, these wires might bend easily when heavier loads are laid on top of them.

Provide durability to your printed work. These are just a few of the options for binding you could choose from. Contact the Country Press, Inc. for more.

Short run book printing is a publishing option which allows authors to publish their books quickly and affordably.  Short run printing eliminates the barrier to large publishing houses. It is easy and affordable, and if you are self publishing, you will be able to keep the most of your profits.

Publishing novels is highly competitive, and if you choose traditional printing, it can also be very expensive. With short run printing, you can start your career on your own terms. Lower upfront costs, fewer books, and the ability to publish the book in a timely manner are all benefits of short run book printing.

The low risk short run printing option at The Country Press allows you to print a minimum quantity of just 11 books in just a few business days. This allows authors to be able to test their book's sales potential by printing books in small quantities. It also allows them an easy way to enter the publishing space.

Short run book printing gives authors who self-publish more of a position to set their own price and receive more profits. Achieve your goals quickly and without fear of considerable economic risk with short run book printing, contact The Country Press for more information.

Which publishing road does an author take today? With the Internet and today’s technology, traditional publishers are being turned on their heads, self and independent publishers are taking over.

The publishing road answer: it depends. Authors are choosing to bypass the traditional method that had been so coveted by the majority of authors just a few years ago. The five key factors that have moved authors to seek other avenues are: rejection, timing, control, quality and money.

Rejection that a traditional publisher has said, “No,” have led authors down the do it themselves path. Some choose the vanity format, others explore POD; pay to publish; eBooks; or create their own publishing house.

Timing—if your manuscript is completed, you can have it edited, cover and interiors designed, printed and in your hands within four months. With traditional publishing, you can have your manuscript completed and it will most likely be in your hands in 18 months.

Control—if you get a group of authors together who have traditionally published, one of the most common grumblings you will hear is that they don’t like the way their book looks—covers and interiors and they really have been in a fog when it comes to book sales.

Quality—overall, traditional publishers have been cutting down on quality and increasing prices.  A book published years ago used better paper and just  felt better than a book published today.

Money—is an important thing to look at. Most traditional publishers are pushing for “net” royalty deals. If your book is $20 retail, the net for sales to wholesalers and distributors will be less than $10 per book—meaning that the royalty is based on the less than $10 amount. The last two years have been brutal to the “average” author—non-fiction sales are in the 4,000-5,000 area. That means $4,000 to $5,000 in royalties—those lovelies that are paid twice a year, with a deferral of three months after each closing period; and usually with a hefty percentage holdback for reserves—meaning books get turned back and the publisher wants to cover their costs and not overpay you (and come knocking on your door to now pay them). In other words, this isn’t going to seed your retirement—don’t quit the day job!

As a savvy self and independent publisher—when you create a platform to reach out to your crowd, your sales will not only be greater, the financial reward will be significantly greater.

It’s your choice, but do the math always. Measure your time, investment and potential return.

For more information on self-publishing, contact The Country Press.

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There is a huge transition going on in the book publishing industry. With self-publishing and short run book printing, it is easier than ever to publish your book. You no longer need to go through a traditional publisher to publish a quality book.

But, because it’s so easy to publish a book, authors sometimes skip the critical part of editing. No matter how good you think the book is, you still need to hire an editor. If a book has too many typos, readers typically stop reading.

After you have written you book, you are ready for the next step in self-publishing: hiring the right editors. Different editors perform different job functions.

1. Developmental Editing

A developmental editor will take your manuscript and work with the content itself. They might reshape your work and rearrange sentences to make the book flow together better. This type of editor helps an author find their voice and help refine their vision.

When looking for a developmental editor it’s important to choose one who has experience in your genre or specializes in your book topic. Working with an editor who you connect well with is also key. When looking for editors get a list of some of the other works they’ve edited to make sure it’s similar to what you’re looking for. It also helps to interview the editors’ past clients to see what feedback they’ve gotten. Most editors will do a sample edit on a few pages or a first chapter to help you get a sense of their style.

Not everyone needs a developmental editor, but if it’s your first time writing a book and you haven’t had a thorough critique of your manuscript, then hiring a developmental editor is a good place to start.

2. Copy Editing

Copy editing is a crucial step in the publishing process. A copy editor goes through and catches spelling mistakes, adjusts for grammar, punctuation, capitalization and consistency. A copy editor will check your manuscript line by line to make sure your work is consistent and syntax error free.

When hiring a copy editor make sure to get a list of the work they’ve copy edited. Always ask your potential editor to do a sample copy edit of your manuscript to make sure you agree with their changes.

3. Proofreading

A proofreader makes a final check of the work before it gets published or goes live. They’ll catch any mistakes that a previous editor hasn’t caught yet: spelling mistakes, extra commas or spaces, and other minor errors.

When working with anyone it’s best to agree on timelines and a payment plan up front and ask a lot of questions. Editors will usually do sample edit for free but usually require a deposit before they start work.

By making sure you hit all the editing steps you can get publisher-level quality for your self-published book. For more information, contact The Country Press.

PBS

Short run book printing is a great option for the indie author. Short run printing gives the option for book printing for those with little warehousing space and smaller budgets to print their books. It is also a way of making your books truly custom.

In the past this meant that the apartment dweller, or someone with little space, could not get best pricing via volume orders as they had no way to manage the warehousing and fulfillment. That’s all changed as a result of short run book printing.

Short run book printing means that everyone -- not just mainstream authors -- should be able to publish beautifully designed books with first class production values. Short run books allow an author or publishing company to print anywhere from 11-5000 books at a time. This has opened up the world of publishing to everyone who has written and chooses to publish a book.

Short run printing offers self-publishers an option to create and sell beautiful illustrated books.  If you are a self-publisher and are looking for books to fill your distribution channel, The Country Press can fulfill your requirements very effectively. Our perfect bound and saddle stitched books are of the highest quality and can be sent directly to your distribution partners. We electronically save both interior and cover materials so reordering can be just a phone call or email away. For more information, contact us.

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Bookstores everywhere are facing extraordinary pressures. The switch to ebooks is squeezing them, while in many places they are facing massive rises in rents and rates.

Books are rarely their most profitable item. More and more of their selling space is given over to cards and gifts on which they can make a profit. Inevitably, this means less space for books.

On the other hand, independent bookstores often put tremendous time and effort into author events and local literary festivals, promoting and supporting books and authors with genuine passion. Those books they do put on display are those that the staff really believe in – not just ones publishers have paid them to promote.

So before you walk into a bookshop with that newly self-published book, pause for a moment and see yourself through the eyes of the bookseller. You might think you are offering them the next bestseller. What they see is someone bidding for a piece of their scarcest commodity – their space to sell books.

How Bookstores View You and Your Book

The first thing they look at is the appearance of your book. It may be unfair, but research shows that the cover is the prime factor in people’s decision to buy a book. If you are self-publishing, know that if that cover isn’t striking, if the inside is sloppy and cheap-looking, why should the bookseller give it precious shelf space?

The second thing they’ll consider is you. The author. You’re asking for their support, but if you’re an unknown quantity when you walk through that door, why should they care about you?

Your relationship with the local bookshop should begin before you publish. In the intervening time, buy books from them, attend and write about events they run. When the time comes to launch the book, you can pitched it, or participate in events.

Don’t expect to walk into a bookshop as a complete stranger and ask them to stock your book. Be a customer first. If they organize events, attend them. Follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook. Write about them on your blog or pitch an article about them to your local paper.

Get to know them and let them get to know you. It will pay off. For more information on self-publishing, contact The Country Press.

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