If you're planning to print your book with a professional children book printing company and would like to know what questions to ask before you do, we've prepared a list of them for you that will prove useful:
Basic questions
Question1: How long have you been in printing business?
You should always check about their reputation and history, to get a better idea of the quality of service you will receive.
Question2: What's your turn-around time?
Make sure you learn about what timeframe they offer for production, the faster it is the better!
Question3: What kind of customer support do you offer?
Make sure that you know about their customer service and policies, and how they handle errors.
Printing questions
Question4: What type of printing do you offer?
There are a number of different types that you should understand: digital printing, lithography and screen printing. There is a big difference and they can all affect the final appearance of your book.
•Digital printing：this type of printing is also sometimes called direct-to-plate or digital offset. If you're familiar with traditional presses then you'll know that plates are required for each color on the page. To offset is to reproduce. In this case, digital printing means that the process uses one plate with an image on it for each color of ink printed on the page. It's important to note that four colors is about as small as you'd want to go with digital offset printing. Each additional color requires another plate or more work on your part.
•Lithography：this type is most similar to offset printing and uses a printing press. With lithography, the image is transferred from the plate to a rubber blanket. The image on the blanket is then transferred onto your paper with ink. You can print one or two colors at once with this process, but it's more expensive than digital printing.
•Screen printing：this type of printing is the cheapest and most common. It uses a screen made from a mesh material stretched tight across a frame. Ink is forced through the screen to your paper by a squeegee, leaving behind a printable image on the page. You can easily print one or two colors with this process, but not more.
Question5: Does your company offer digital printing?
Digital printing is another great option for books, but it's not always feasible. Digital printing involves using heat transfer (for some cloth-type materials), or inkjet technology (for paper types) to print onto products directly. The products are then cut and finished by hand. It's important to note here that digital printing is not an option for hardcover books, or photo covers on dust jackets.
Question6: What are digital proofs? How accurate are they?
Digital proofing is a process of reviewing the layout of your book on the computer before you approve print files. Although this can be viewed as an opportunity to proofread, it does not replace standard proof reading. Digital proofing is an excellent alternative to hard copy proofs, but it can be time consuming.
Question7: What is the difference between offset printing and digital printing?
Offset printers are typically used for high-volume printing jobs, while digital printers are ideal for short-run print projects. While both technologies will work with your computer files, offset printers require the use of plates to reproduce your images and text. Your printed documents are created by transferring ink from these plates to a rubber blanket before being pressed onto paper.
Digital printing does not require plates and works directly from a computer file. The small print runs that are typical of digital printing jobs keep the cost per page down, while offset presses produce a higher number of printed pages in each job.
Question8: How do you set up type for printing?
Setting up type is the act of adjusting the spacing between letters and adding punctuation, symbols and other accents to your document. Each typeface (erasable font) has its own set of characters that are different from all others. Typesetting is an essential part in creating books with text because everything must be precisely positioned before being sent to print.
Question9: Can you print an entire book onto one large banner?
Banner printing is great for placing advertisements or photos in high-traffic areas such as a place of business or trade show booth. To get started, you will need to know the dimensions of your whole project and mark them on the banner.
However, it is important to be aware that banners with images tend to make your design look busy and difficult to read from a distance.
Question10: How many sides can you print on?
There are some limitations to the number of sides that can be printed on according to how you are binding your book. Perfect binding, spiral coil and wire-o bindings allow for unlimited sides to be printed. For hard cover books which are perfect bound or adhesive bound, four side printing may also be available depending on your project size.
Related article：When Children Book Printing-4 Environmental Standards You Should Consider
Binding questions
Question11: What types of bindery can you offer?
You can expect your childrern book printing company to offer a number of different bindings including perfect, saddle stitch, spiral coil, wire-o and more. Be sure to ask what will work best for your book, as it could make a big difference.
•perfect binders: these use a strong glue to adhere the pages together;
•saddle stitch/welt binders: these sew the book together;
•spiral coil (or smythe) binders : these types of bindings use a spring loaded device to secure pages;
•wire-o binders: these bind with a small metal wire that runs along the outside of the spine and is hidden by lining and trim.
For more information about wire-o and spiral binding,please check Wire-o Bound Book Printing｜A Full Guide and The Introduction to Spiral Bound Book Printing .
Question12: What is involved in perfect binding books?
Perfect bound books are created when the pages of a book (usually 28 or more) are printed, then stitched together with a thin thread that is glued to the spine of the book. Perfect-binding books are commonly bound in hard covers, but this process can also be used with soft cover editions as long as they are printed on heavy weight paper or cardstock.
Perfect binding is an excellent option for short print runs without high costs. This makes it ideal for books that will remain in print for a short time, such as brochures and pamphlets.
Question13: What is the difference between perfect bound and saddle stitched books?
Perfect binding (see above) is the highest quality option for paperbacks as it provides maximum durability and flexibility. The perfect bound spine allows the book to open and lie flat without cracking. Perfect bound books also give you the option of having a dust jacket cover with rounded corners.
Saddle stitching is another commonly used method for short-run paperback printing projects. This process uses staples to hold your book together, making it easier to lay flat when open than perfect binding books. Saddle stitching is slightly less expensive than perfect binding, but you'll get more of the stapling look without paying for the fancier cover.
Question14: How do I bind a paperback with a comb binder?
Combs are small teeth-like prongs that are glued into the spine of a paperback book. Combs help your book lay flat when it is opened so readers don't have to use two hands while reading.
To bind a paperback with a comb binder, you will need to know the length and width of your paper back, as well as how many faces will be printed on each page.
Question15: What is the difference between book binding and print binding?
Bookbinding refers to the process of physically assembling your pages into a finished product. Bookbinding includes all elements necessary to complete your project, including materials, printing, cutting, sewing (for hardcover books), cover assembly, and even shipping if required for final assembly.
Print binding, on the other hand, only refers to attaching your pages together so they can be distributed or stored flat without damage.
Paper questions
Question16: What factors should I consider when selecting paper for my book printing?
As with many things printing related, you'll need to consider a few factors when selecting your paper for your projects. The two main factors you'll need to consider are thickness and weight – both of these will determine the quality of your book and how well it will hold up over time.
They'll also affect the amount of ink your printer can put on the page, how heavy it is and any special treatments you might need to apply to make it suitable for what you're printing.
•Paper thickness：this is measured in points. The higher the number, the thicker or heavier weight your paper will be. Thicker papers are more durable and stand up better to everyday use, but they also create a bulkier book. You'll need to decide whether or not this will impact your audience and final projects before you make your decision. For most printing jobs the standard weight is around 90 points (or 38 lbs.). This is close enough to letter weight that you can consider them one and the same.
•Paper weight：this is also measured in points, just like paper thickness. The higher the number, the lighter your paper will be. While you'll find some applications where a heavy weight is needed (books are at the top of that list), most printing jobs use lighter paper weights. They are easier to handle and allow for greater flexibility with your designs. The standard weight for lighter paper is 24 points (or 10 lbs.).
Question17: What type of paper can I choose for my book printing project?
There are several choices when it comes to the kind of paper you use for your book.
Glossy papers have a shiny finish that can make colors more vibrant .They are often used for magazines and brochures .
Matte papers have a dull finish that can make text sharper.They are more commonly used for books and stationery.
Premium uncoated paper is usually ideal for most books and tends to be the most cost-effective choice. For projects that include color, you will want to go with uncoated gloss.
Coated text paper is best for textbooks or manuals that require printing on both sides. You can also use coated papers for specialized books like cookbooks and children's coloring books.
Question18: What type of paper is the cover made from?
Depending on the children book printing company you are working with, there are many different types of covers available. You should inquire about paper weight and quality, finishes if they are embossed or debossed, laminating capabilities, UV coating capabilities, the type of binding the cover is compatible with and the cost of each.
Color questions
Question19: How do I use color effectively in my book design?
Color can be a lot of fun when designing books, but you might not know how to best utilize it within your projects. There are some guidelines that you should keep in mind to ensure that you're getting the most out of each color while staying true to your brand.
•Color theory ：if you'd like to dig into color theory, you'll find that there are two main systems for creating colors through mixing others together: subtractive and additive.
Subtractive mixes have a natural tendency towards greater variety as they allow mixing of colors like blue and yellow (both primary colors) to produce secondary ones. When it comes to printing, subtractive color tends to mimic the CMYK primaries – cyan, magenta, yellow and black – which are used for offset printing.
Additive color mixes have a natural tendency toward greater saturation as they allow mixing of colors like red, green and blue. This is the type of color theory you'll find used for screen printing. If you want to be true to your brand, sticking with one system will make it easier to keep a cohesive palette across all projects.
•Volume：if you're going to use more than two colors in a design, consider whether the project might be better served with another color instead. You can still give your book visual interest using just two colors, perhaps by changing the value (how light or dark) each color is printed.
•Color ratio：you'll want to keep your primary and secondary colors close to equal in weight if possible. The best way to accomplish this is through smart design. If you're using two colors with four pages each, make sure that they are paired together on the same page whenever possible to keep things simpler. You can always use a splash of color across several pages to liven things up if needed.
Question20: Can I print full-color images?
There are some instances where you'll need to use full color images in your book designs, especially if you're trying to convey a message or sell something. Fortunately, there are methods for making this happen without greatly increasing the price of production.
Premium color - this is the standard method for creating full-color books. You'll see a full-color cover and inside pages made possible by printing each color on different paper, one after the other. This is done in a machine called an automated process machine or APC.
The printer has multiple ink tubes that carry all of the colors needed to produce images as well as text. APCs are known for their ability to reproduce accurate colors and sharp images, making them an ideal method for reproducing high-quality photographs within your book design.
Question21: Can I have a book printed with just one color?
Black and white printing is the least expensive method to go with when it comes to printing a book. Although you do not get to work in color, this option is great for short runs or projects that are meant to be handed out at specific events. Depending on your needs, you may be able to print just one or two copies of your book using black and white.
Cost questions
Question22: What's included in a cost estimate?
A quote or a cost estimate should consist of page count, paper stock, trim size, cover options, finishing options and quantity. It should also include the cost of shipping to the warehouse if required, as well as any applicable taxes.
Related article：18 Tips on How to Save Money on Kids Book Printing
Question23: How do you estimate the cost to print a book?
There are several factors that determine how much it costs to print a book. The first step is determining your printing options – digital or offset.
Digital printing is ideal for short run print projects (under 500 books). It offers high quality and vivid colors, as well as the ability to print on a wide variety of materials including paper, cardstock, vinyl, Tyvek (engineering plastic), film, and banner material.
Offset printing requires plates and works directly from a computer file. It is ideal for high-volume printing jobs, while print on demand is perfect for short run print projects (under 500 books).
When it comes to determining the cost of printing your book, you need to know if your printer requires digital files or softcover or hardcover bound pages. You should also determine how many pages you will need printed. Each page in your book requires ink and paper, so it is important to be as accurate as possible when providing your children book printing company with this information.
Click here to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of hadcover book printing and paperback book printing .
See 8 Best Hardcover Book Printing Companies in China so you don’t have to go looking for them yourself.
Question24: What is included in packaging costs?
Packaging includes the moving and handling of finished books from one department to another. It also includes the ability to cover expenses for broken or damaged books.
Question25: How much does a book shipping/freight cost?
Shipping costs are usually passed off onto the customer via added costs in shipping or handling fees. It's best to ask around for quotes from various book printing companies before making your decision.
See Paperback Printing VS Hardcover Printing
Wholesale Hardcover Book Printing VS Wholesale Paperback Book Printing
Other questions
Question26: Are there discounts for books printed in large quantities?
Typically the larger the print run, the lower the cost for each unit. This is largely due to economics of scale and because different book printing companies have different minimum order requirements.
If you're working with a printer that has no minimum order requirements, then they will likely not be able to offer significant discounts on large orders.
Question27: Does your printer offer case-bound books?
Case binding differs from standard bookbinding methods in that it does not require stitching or wire-o-binding. The pages are actually glued together around a hard cover board and then attached to the book.
Question28: Can I order foreign language books printed in my own country?
While this is not something that will work with all printing companies, it's definitely an option to explore if you need to print text in another language. Use this option for multilingual books that you want to distribute to other countries or if you have a call center abroad and need training manuals translated into other languages.
Question29: What does it mean if my files are not compatible?
Many types of file formats can be used for printing books：PDF, PSD (Adobe Photoshop format), TIFF, JPEG, JPG (JPEG format), TIF (TIFF format) and AI.
Digital books are usually created as PDF files because they are easy to use, share, manipulate and print. However, you will need to make sure your children book printing company accepts the file type you plan on using before getting started. If your files are not compatible, they will need to be converted before you can move forward.
Question30: What is print on demand?
Many people know print on demand as an option for self publishers who don't want to invest in large print runs and devastating storage fees for printed books that don't sell. Print on demand is also a good option for companies who need low quantities of printed products and only plan to distribute them internally.
Question31: What is a folio?
A folio is a single page or leaf of paper, usually numbered as the front matter in a book. A single side of a folio can also be called a "leaf." The term folio comes from the Latin word "folium," which means leaf.
Question32: What is a bleed?
In printing terms, a bleed is what you can think of as an extended border. It incorporates colors or design elements beyond the edges of a printed piece so they spill onto the next page during binding.
Question33: What is a TOC?
A table of contents (TOC) is typically found in non-fiction books and informs readers about the topics that will be covered within each chapter. You can think of it as the index at the end of a book, but for your chapters/sections instead of individual pages.
Question34: How much space should I leave between my images?
You will need to leave at least 1/8" to 1/4" of white space between your images. This is important because it reduces the chance of bleed-through and makes for a more appealing final product. Also keep in mind that any type of image will need to be sat further away from the edge of your page.
Question35: How many pages should a children's book have?
On average, 32 pages is the minimum for a standard-sized picture book. Books dealing with instructional topics typically contain more than 64 pages, while simple coloring books usually contain 16 to 32 pages.
Question36: How long will it take to receive my quote?
The time it takes for you to receive your quote can differ depending on the book designer/printer you are working with and how large of a job you are having done. In general, a quote will take within 24 hours to appear in your inbox, but this can vary depending on many factors including the size of the order, availability of materials and time of year.
Question37: How long does it take to print a book?
There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on a variety of factors, such as the size and complexity of the book, the printing process used, and the level of customization requested by the customer.
Maybe you are also wondering how to successfully print your books,click here to learn about it.
Conclusion
Hopefully, after you have read all of those questions you’ll be inspired to do more research and hopefully will have a lower chance of being buying from the wrong furniture supplier. To sum up, remember to do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask some more difficult questions.
About TIMI Printing
TIMI is a book printing company staffed by self-publishing experts utilizing the world's best book printing and binding equipment. Children’s books are fun, engaging, and will shape a child’s learning for years to come.
TIMI’s book product advantages:
1.Use special craftsmanship to help the cognition of fun and let the children fully experience the wonderful changes of colors;
2.The drawing style is cute and the lines are simple, which enhances the fun of the children;
3.Muti-language version, sold well in Russia, Asia and Central and Northern Europe, with a cumulative sales volume of hundreds of thousands;
4.Using ultra-light EVA of maternal and child level, each page is embedded with high-density sponge, the whole book feels superb, soft and elastic;
5.Printing ink is food grade, safe and environmentally friendly, mothers and children can enjoy parent-child time at ease.
6.All our products are manufactured based on the quality management system ISO9001.
7.Product dimensions and specifications are tailored to suit customers' needs.
We have all the above products! Contact us today for a free consultation and see how we can help your business today.
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