Printing Methods

Depending upon the number of books you would like to print, we use two different production methods: digital and offset. Both have their unique advantages:

How do you print covers?

Digitally printed full-color covers are cost effective up to about 1300 covers. Higher quantities are printed offset. For both digital and offset, we use a 10-point cover stock with gloss film lamination. 12 point C1S is also available at additional cost. Matte lamination is also available, but is much more susceptible to scratches, scuffs and fingerprints than gloss lamination.

What kind of paper is used for the text?

Our “house sheet” is 60# white Weyerhaeuser Husky Offset for text, ordered in large quantities, resulting in savings for you. A wider range of weights, colors and textures is available for offset printing than for digital printing. We do not use coated paper for perfect bound books, as the glue tends to adhere to the coating, rather than the fibers of the paper.

Bleeds

If you are planning a book with bleeds, it would be best to contact us first to see if it is feasible. Some restrictions due to size and other factors may make the project cost prohibitive.

What about photos?

We can print black-and-white photos using either offset or digital printing. Color photos are printed digitally. The quality of black-and-white photos printed offset is typically better than those printed digitally.

Do you print color interior pages?

Yes, for details see color pages.

How long does it take?

If your book is already designed and ready for printing, it takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. If book design is desired, allow an additional 2-6 weeks.

Are we a Print on Demand (POD) Printer?

No, most POD printers are set up to print one book at a time. Our minimum quantity is 25 books, however the cost per book is considerably less than printing one at a time.

Binding Styles

Perfect Binding (softcover) Often called a trade paperback, this type of book is bound using hot flexible glue, and must have a minimum of 64 pages. As an example, the Gorham Printing catalog is perfect bound.

Casebinding (hardcover) The most durable binding method. The page signatures are sewn together, reinforced and attached to the hardcover, which can be covered with non-woven book material, bookcloth, imitation leather or a printed and laminated paper.

Plastic Spiral Binding An ideal binding for books that must open and lie flat, such as cookbooks, workbooks, teachers' guides or manuals.

We offer three binding styles: softcover, spiral and hardcover. For hardcover books you can choose: