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Basic file preparation guidelines
Today’s technology has opened up many opportunities and advance in the publishing and printing arenas. The availability of desktop publishing applications has allowed publishers to expand their creative options for both book covers and text while technological advances in printing have enabled printers to work across many different platforms.
However, to ensure the successful completion of any printing project, the publisher and printer need to work closely together in terms of technology and communication. With that in mind, we’d like to offer some tips and suggestions from our perspective that will empower you to take full advantage of today’s creative applications while offering a smooth workflow from design to finished project.
Communication
Your printer is most likely the best resource you have when considering various design options on your projects. Whether you are considering various page layout options or the possibility of utilizing foil and emboss on the cover, start the conversation with your printer early in the process. Work with them to determine what the best options are an how to implement them correctly.
Designers
While most publishers have a staff of in-house designers for both the cover and the text, many also utilize freelance designers to a varying degree. One advantage of having internal designers is that the publisher maintains control over the consistency of the preparation of the files. While an outside designer may be able to offer a fresh look or feel to help keep your books current, incorrect preparation of the files could cause delays and added expense. One solution is to perform a final check on the freelance files internally before sending them to the printer.
File preparation
Having your files prepared correctly is crucial to having your project produced on time and on budget. The main cause of delays and extra expense in the process is from improperly prepared files. Bethany Press offers many resources here on our web site to assist you in preparing trouble-free, print-ready files. Please refer to the document that pertains to the design software you are using. If any question remains unanswered, our Prepress Department is here to help ( or 952-914-7420).
Text proofs
The second most common cause of extra expense and delays comes from incorrect assumptions about proofs and their function. A proof provided by the printer is a representation of how the files you prepared will produce an image on the press. This is another reason why it is crucial to prepare the files correctly. Not only should the files be prepared in the technologically correct manner, but they should also be complete in terms of content and editing. The purpose of the proof is to confirm that the files you submitted were prepared correctly to produce the desired final result, not to be used as a final chance to edit or alter the content of the book. If done correctly, your project should sail from the point the files are submitted, through proofing and right to the final product.
Cover proofs
While the same reasoning applies to cover proofs as text proofs, one other aspect generally limited to covers is color. Again, since the proof we generate is determined by the way the files are prepared, it will represent the look of the final product. In order for you to accurately design and prepare covers that will print to match your expectations, you must have an output device that will approximate the type of printing that a press will. A common mistake from designers is to adjust their files based on how they look on their inkjet or color laser printer and then expect a printing press to yield the same results. The proper procedure is to set up the files according to the color specifications you’ve decided upon in order to achieve the desired results on press.
See also
Read our detailed file preparation guidelines.
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