BookMasters®, Inc. - The Source for Publishers

 


Prepress Preflight Instructions

BookMasters Prepress DepartmentBookMasters Prepress department provides complete instructions below for preparing your book project electronically for printing with us.

Printing prices are based upon customer provided, trouble-free PDF files for the text containing all screen and printer fonts, photos, and illustrations. BookMasters can produce a PDF from QuarkXPress, PageMaker, or InDesign if all supporting files are supplied. As an alternative, clean laser printouts and original photos or artwork may be used as scan-ready copy for unsupported applications. However, this will result in additional costs and/or schedule delays.

Should you be unable to supply a PDF or should the use of PDF not suit your needs due to the use of complex design elements (e.g. graduated screens, vignettes, or transparencies), BookMasters may be able to accept other file formats. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis with the understanding that any quality issues that arise from the use of unsupported file formats are the sole liability of the customer. Please contact us if you are using complex design elements before producing a PDF or if you would like more information on other accepted formats.

BookMasters’ hourly rate to manipulate customer files in any way is $75.

Through our "preflight" process, BookMasters identifies file issues that could potentially add both time and cost to your project. To resolve these issues and to help ensure a smooth workflow, customers are encouraged to preflight their files prior to submitting them for production using the link below. You can use "customer" as the login username to start preflighting your file.


STEP 1 - Digital Camera - With the advent of digital cameras it is important to know how to photograph and submit these pictures for the best possible reproduction. Read More ...

STEP 2- Compatibility - Once your files are complete, you should create PDF files from the application files. This will save you time and money. Read More ...

STEP 3 - Page Layout - Format your document to a page size that is the same as the final trim size of your book. We recommend that you set a 1/2 inch minimum margin for the top, bottom, left, and right sides of your book. Read More ...

STEP 4 - Fonts - Font issues are notorious for causing production problems and in turn, schedule delays. If you take the right steps, the problems they create can easily be avoided. Read More ...

STEP 5 - Graphics - All graphics used should be submitted in a PostScript format (TIFF, EPS file). TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) and EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) are the two most suitable formats for high-resolution imaging. Read More ...

STEP 6 - Color - There are two basic processes in using color. If the images are solid shades, and the overall design requires one to three colors for reproduction, the normal process is to use "spot" inks, known as PMS (Pantone Matching System) colors. Read More ...

STEP 7 - Create A PDF - A Portable Document Format (PDF) file is a self-contained, cross-platform document. In plain language, it is a file that will look the same on the screen and in print, regardless of what kind of computer or printer someone is using. Read More ...

STEP 8 - PreFlight - Welcome to the BookMasters online preflight page. Please note this process will only inspect your file, the PDF file will NOT be uploaded to the BookMasters' server. Read More ...

STEP 9 - EP Submit Form - Please include a completed copy of this form for each book
submitted to BookMasters for Electronic Prepress. Read More ...

STEP 10 - File Submission - BookMasters, Inc. would prefer that all new jobs be submitted on a supported media and in a supported format with a current set of laser printouts. Read More ...

 

 

BookMasters, Inc.