Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are some of the Frequently Asked Questions concerning digital book printing at The Book Printer.

Q: What trim sizes can you manufacture?
A: We can manufacture books any size you want, but the most common sizes are A5 (150 x 210mm), Quarto Special (175 x2 40mm) and A4 (21 0x 297mm). The quarto special is a very popular size for family histories.

Q: What is your minimum quantity?
A: 20 books.

Q: What is the minimum and maximum number of pages that be manufactured?
A: Our minimum page count is 12 and our maximum page count is 900.

Q: What text stocks are available?
A: We recommend 100gsm white bond, or Munken Print 80gsm (a high quality uncoated paper designed specifically for publishing). Matt art is a popular choice in the 100gsm to 130gsm range. Other stocks can be evaluated and quoted upon request.

Q: What environmentally friendly papers do you have available?
A: All our papers come from certified environmental friendly mills. There are a range of 100% recycled or partially recycled papers available as well. None of our papers are made from rain forest timbers – and we guarantee it.

Q: What cover stocks are available?
A: We recommend a coated paper in the 240gsm or 300gsm weight range. These can be coated one side or both depending on your preference. Two sided is preferred by most book publishers. Other stocks can be evaluated and quoted upon request.

Q: What cover coating finishes are offered?
A: We offer gloss and matte film laminate. It’s a personal choice for you to make, but most book covers are gloss finished.

Q: What binding styles are offered?
A: We offer perfect binding, wire binding, plastic comb binding, saddle stapled (especially cost effective for books containing a limited number of pages) and hard cover. It’s possible to have a few deluxe copies in hard cover (otherwise known as case bound) for your special uses or special people with the rest being perfect bound. Case binding is partially hand made so it’s not the cheapest option but it’s nice to have a few copies done this way for its permanence and superior finish.

Q: Do you offer 4-colour cover and text printing?
A: Yes. Whether you have the interior produced in black and white, or all in colour, or a mixture of both comes down to what you want and how much you wish to invest. These are choices for you to make depending on what your need is.

Q: Can I get a particular colour matched for the cover,
A: Yes you can. Digital printing presses are getting pretty good at matching colours so we will do our absolute best to colour match a photo or a particular colour you want.

Q: Can you scan an existing book?
A: Yes, we can scan from copy or an existing book. There is an additional charge. Please note that in order to scan from an existing book we may need to cut the pages from the book. Please be aware that copyright laws may prevent us from copying someone else’s work, so please don’t be offended if we ask you who owns the copyright. We are happy to advise you, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Q: What shipping methods do you use?
A: We generally ship via NZ Couriers or Peter Baker Couriers.

Q: What is your normal turnaround time?
A: 7 to 10 working days. Add 3 days if a proof is required. Turnaround time does not include shipping transit time.

Q: What file format do you accept and how can I supply the files to you?
A: We prefer PDF for text and cover. Before you do send cover artwork files please give us a call so we can give you the spine measurements. If you will be a personal shopper then we are happy to guide you through the process. Just ask Gavin to give you a hand if you are struggling a bit on how to do it. The files can be sent to our art department email address at copycentre@anchorpress.co.nz. We strongly recommend you print out a proof of text and cover yourself and check it for accuracy before sending the file to us. It saves time in the long run.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept Visa and MasterCard, money orders, cashiers cheques and personal cheques. Note: personal cheques must clear before shipping.

Q: What are your terms?
A: Payment is required before shipment.

Q: Can I see a sample book or mock up of what my book would look like?
A: Yes of course! We need to know how many pages and the type of paper you are contemplating, then we can provide you with a blank unprinted book trimmed to your preferred size so that you can see how thick it will be and how it will feel.
Once you commission us to proceed we will send you a printed copy to ensure everything is how you require it, then proceed with final printing once your approval is received.
Extra charges will apply if you want us to change something, but naturally we will fix anything we have got wrong. If there is any extra work required by you we will let you know prior to doing anything. You are welcome to be involved every step of the way.

Find out About Us, or about Book Printing and Self Publishing or click here to contact us.