When you have a book printed, there are a number of things you need to consider, such as the format, ease of use, appearance, choice of paper and economic number. Consider what kind of book you want. Is the text the main focus, or do you want the images to stand out? You can do both, of course!
It is a good idea to find out more about this before you start on your design. This way, you can match your design with these factors and get the best result.
1. Determine the right paper for your book
We recommend that you first look at what type of paper is best for your book. Are you going to use a lot of text? Then of course it should be easy to read on the paper you choose. For images, you will of course want vibrant colours. A combination of both is of course also possible.
We generally distinguish between coated and uncoated paper types. An coated paper type has a closed structure and ensures that the ink is absorbed less by the paper, with the result that the colours of the ink appear more brilliant. Uncoated paper, on the other hand, has an open structure, which means that the ink is absorbed more by the paper. In both categories, there are numerous manufacturers and specifications available.
Coloured paper types are also among the possibilities. In addition, there are choices to be made in terms of the tactility (tactile value) of the paper: there are smoother and rougher types, which also differ in terms of shade. All types have their points of interest!
2. Choose the right direction for the paper
The pages of your book should lie flat and be comfortable to leaf through. Of course, you do not want a bulging book block! That is why it is important to look at the grain of the paper. The running direction has to do with how the fibres lie. We distinguish between Wide-grain (BL) and Long-grain (LL). Many paper types are produced in both the Wide and the Longitudinal directions, so that you can always make an efficient print sheet layout.
However, there are also paper types that are only produced in Wide Run or Long Run. This can mean that you will end up with an inefficient press sheet layout with certain types. This means that you can get fewer pages out of a press sheet than with an ideal running direction. You understand that this has consequences for the cost of your book, especially when it has many pages. If you need larger quantities of paper, you can order made-to-order paper that takes into account the optimal layout in combination with the direction of travel.
3. Choose the right format according to the number of pages
The number of pages you can produce per press sheet depends on the chosen format: Based on a 72 x 102 centimetre sheet, you can produce a maximum book format of 24 x 34 centimetres and put 16 pages on one press sheet. A finished format of 17 x 24 centimetres, which is often used for books, results in 32 pages per press sheet. A square format of, for example, 21 x 21 centimetres, allows for 24 page sections. The choice of format therefore has a great influence on the costs.
4. Determine the right lithography
Once you have chosen the paper type, it is important to provide the images with the correct paper profile. This contributes to an optimal printing result. Thickening uncoated paper types "suck up" the ink more than coated paper types, also called MC types.
Our lithographer will be happy to help you achieve the most optimal result for the desired paper type. The way images are converted can greatly affect the printing result. Therefore, please discuss in advance which type of paper you think has the best look and how the images should be converted. Images can be converted individually or in a batch, which is faster and cheaper. Nowadays, with good lithography on our LED UV press, you can achieve very colorful and high-contrast printing results.
5. Make choices when it comes to the finish
A hardcover or a softcover, threadless, or sewn binding, or perhaps Otabind which gives optimum flatness. The latter can be an advantage if you are working in a design with a lot of run-throughs. With a softcover you have to take into account the side gluing on the first and last page of the interior and the flat creases on the cover! With a hardcover, you can choose between a round or straight spine, capital bands or no capital bands, normal or minimal binding overhang. All things that contribute aesthetically to the quality and uniqueness of a book.
6. Choose your cover!
There are also countless options when it comes to the finish and design of bookbindings. These choices make your book a unique product and have both financial and practical consequences.
First, in addition to a laminated book binding, you also have the option of having all kinds of special binding materials incorporated on the book. Check out www.winter-company.com/nl/ for some inspiration.
You can combine varnishes, embossing and foils. But beware, not every foil adheres to every surface. Sometimes it's wise to have a test done beforehand to make sure you're happy with the result.
In short, a lot of things to think about. We can imagine that this can be complicated for you. Fortunately, for us it is not! We are happy to help you design and work out your ideas, so that you get the maximum end result. This way, there are no disappointments and we avoid doing double work.
Feel free to contact us for the possibilities!
