Answers To Frequently Asked Questions

1) Who is Books On Demand? Books On Demand, the manufacturing division of CSS Publishing Company, Inc., is not a commercial printer that does books occasionally, but is a book publisher and manufacturer that concentrates almost entirely on short-run book manufacturing.

2) What are the most common quantities of books printed by BOD? Printed quantities range from as few as 50 copies up to 3,000 copies.

3) What sizes of books can BOD produce? Our common sizes are 5.5" x 8.5", 6" x 9", 7" x 10" and 8.5" x 11". These are full finish sizes, not under trimmed to accommodate equipment that only handles cut size paper. In addition, BOD is capable of handling many custom sizes.

4) Can my book include bleeds within the text as well as the cover? Text bleeds are often possible. Please consult your sales executive. Nearly any cover may bleed.

5) How will the cover be printed? In most cases, covers are printed on offset equipment. Extra covers may also be printed and stored for use with future reprints, thus saving money on additional setups and keeping unit costs down.

6) What kind of finish will the cover have? Lamination of covers with .0017 lay-flat film is included in all pricing. Both gloss and satin finish are available. Please specify which finish is preferred.

7) Is shrinkwrapping of my book available? Shrinkwrapping of single or multiple copies is available upon request.

8) What format should the text and cover art be provided in? Text copy and cover artwork may be provided to BOD for printing in a variety of formats. Most projects are provided as PDF files accompanied by a printed hard copy which is used for proofing purposes. Other software supported is included on our Equipment List.

9) What if I don't have electronic files for my book? Scanning services for previously printed books and covers for which electronic files are unavailable are performed regularly in-house. This enables the clients of BOD to keep titles in print.

10) What quality controls are included within the services of BOD? BOD has in-house proofreaders to help maintain quality. Books provided as PDF files, for example, are compared to the provided hard copy to insure that all text and cover art are present, that registration is maintained and other quality control aspects of a project are followed.

11) What paper stocks are available? Papers stocked on our floor include 50# white offset, 60# white offset and 60# natural offset. Most covers are printed on 10 point coated one side cover; other cover stocks are available.

12) What types of binding are available? Most books produced by BOD are perfect bound with a smaller percentage being saddle-stitched, plastic coil bound, double Wire-O bound. Case binding is available.

13) How are proofs of my book presented for approval? Proofs are generally produced on the same stock as the finished book. In the case of the text, most proofs are printed on the same equipment as the finished book.