Publishers do a lot of work for authors: They shepherd manuscripts through the editing and design process, create print-ready files, and market books to direct customers (as well as wholesalers and bookstores). But actually making printed books is a separate contracted service done by specialized book printers. The printers produce the actual books on sheets or webs using digital or offset printing methods. They trim the pages into sections and then bind them together inside, either stitching or gluing them depending on what type of book you want to print.
To get the best printing prices, you’ll need to prepare your book file carefully. You should start by having complete PDF files of the interior and cover. Then, you’ll need to decide what type of binding you want and choose paper for the interior and cover. After that, you’ll need to specify the number of copies you’d like to be printed.
A printer may offer both soft and hard proofs to make it easier for publishers and authors to see what the final product will look like. Soft proofs are digital images that can be easily reviewed on screen and can often be shared for feedback. Hard proofs are physical copies of the book on real paper using the actual printing process and are much more expensive to produce.
Once the book’s files have been approved, the printer will begin the prepress process. This involves analyzing and identifying any issues with the design files, and the printer will then provide a digital proof for review. Once the publisher approves this proof, the actual printing can begin.
Offset printing is a more expensive method than digital printing because it requires the creation of plates, which are laser-etched aluminum sheets that are used to transfer ink onto paper. These plates are then pressed against the book, which is being printed in one or more colors, to create the desired image. After the book has been printed, it’s trimmed and bound into sections with a spine piece, and then the sections are stitched or glued together to form a finished book.
Intaglio printing is a less expensive option for short runs of printed books. This method prints from an incised metal plate that is dipped into ink and then pressed against paper to produce the desired image. It’s also known as relief printing because the recessed area of the incised image stands out from the surface of the paper.
When selecting a Detroit print shop, it is important to find out how long they have been in the business. This can help you determine their level of experience in the industry and the type of services they can offer. It is also a good idea to check out their online reviews and customer feedback.