Get familiar with common book production and printing terms
Digital printing
Digital printing (also known as four-colour process printing) uses CMYK colour to produce high-definition text and images using toner, which is composed of organic materials and polymers. Digital printing is most suitable for shorter runs of 250 or fewer books.
Perfect binding
Perfect binding is a common style of bookbinding that uses heavy duty glues and and a heavier card stock cover to bind loose sheets or folios. Perfect binding is the most popular form of bookbinding, and is used for nearly all trade paperbacks. Perfect binding is an inexpensive and durable option for producing higher quantities of books.
Hardback/hardcover binding
Hardback/hardcover binding is a premium bookbinding method that binds a laminated, linen, leather, or leatherette-wrapped board to loose sheets or folios. You can add custom foil designs, spot UV, and a dust jacket. Hardback/hardcover books are an impressive way to share what you’ve written, and are perfect for short runs of memoirs and family histories, or as a special edition of your novel or textbook.
Lamination
Lamination is the process of applying a protective layer of plastic to softcover or hardcover books, or to dust jacket. Lamination gives your book a more pleasing and professional look. Available in matte, gloss, or soft touch finishes.
eBooks
eBooks are a wonderful innovation that bring your story to the world on a larger scale, and in a more cost-effective and efficient manner. eBooks can be read on nearly all modern devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and even smart TVs. eBooks are sold through various online retailers, including Apple Books, Amazon, Google Books, Kobo, and many more.
eBooks are produced in two major formats: ePub and MOBI. The MOBI format is exclusively for eBooks that are sold on Amazon and read on Kindle devices. EPUB eBooks are sold and read on all other retailers and devices. There is little functional difference between EPUB and MOBI eBooks. Both provide the same functionality and customization options for readers and creators.
eBook validation
eBook validation is the process of adjusting an eBook file, either EPUB or MOBI, to conform to IDPF standards and to the standards required by individual eBook retailers. Validating ebooks ensures that they are accessible to all readers, including readers using screen readers and other assistive software.
