Board books are a popular choice for authors looking to self-publish children's books. These sturdy books with thick pages are perfect for little hands and can withstand the wear and tear that comes with being read over and over again. If you're an author looking to self-publish a board book, it's essential to understand the printing process involved. In this article, we'll walk you through a step-by-step guide to board book printing for self-publishing authors.
Choosing a Printing Company
When it comes to board book printing, choosing the right printing company is crucial. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a printing company for your board book:
- Experience in board book printing
- Quality of previous work
- Printing capabilities and equipment
- Paper and ink quality
- Cost of printing
- Turnaround time
Preparing Your Files
Before sending your files to the printing company, make sure they are properly prepared for printing. Here are some key steps to follow:
File Format:
- Convert your files to CMYK color mode
- Save your files in a high-resolution format (at least 300 dpi)
Bleed and Safety Margins:
- Include bleed of at least 0.125 inches on all sides of your design
- Keep important elements within the safety margins to avoid getting cut off
Proofreading:
- Double-check your files for any spelling or grammatical errors
- Review the layout and design to ensure everything is in the correct order
Printing and Binding
Once your files are ready, it's time to send them to the printing company for production. Here is an overview of the printing and binding process for board books:
Printing:
- The printing company will use offset printing to produce high-quality images on thick board book pages
- CMYK color separations will be used to ensure vibrant colors in the final product
Binding:
- Pages will be collated and glued together to form the board book
- A cover will be added and laminated for durability
- The board book will be trimmed to its final size
Quality Control and Proofing
Before your board books are produced in bulk, it's essential to go through a proofing and quality control process to ensure everything is perfect. Here are some steps involved in quality control and proofing:
Print Proof:
- Request a print proof from the printing company to review the colors, images, and overall print quality
Content Proof:
- Proofread the final content to check for any errors or inconsistencies
- Ensure that the layout and design are as per your expectations
Physical Proof:
- Request a physical proof of the board book to check the paper quality, binding, and overall appearance
- Make any necessary adjustments before giving the final approval for production
Final Production and Delivery
Once you have approved the proofs, the printing company will proceed with the final production of your board books. Here's what to expect during the final production and delivery stages:
- The printing company will print the approved quantity of board books
- The board books will be bound, trimmed, and packaged for delivery
- You will receive the final shipment of board books at your designated address
Conclusion
Self-publishing authors looking to create board books for children can follow this step-by-step guide to navigate the board book printing process successfully. By choosing the right printing company, preparing your files correctly, overseeing the printing and binding process, conducting quality control and proofing, and overseeing the final production and delivery, you can ensure that your board book meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
