Application files
If you are creating files in Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress or Microsoft Word please ensure that you export or save your files as print ready PDF files. We cannot accept the original files created in these softwares. Please click on the links below for guidance:
Creating print ready PDFs from Microsoft Word
Creating print ready PDFs from Adobe InDesign
We can offer technical support for Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Word but not QuarkXpress.
Please do not save the content PDF as double page spreads or save each page as individual PDFs – we will be unable to use files supplied in this way. Please do not include your cover file as part of the content PDF – it needs to be supplied as a separate file.
Print-ready text PDFs
Our preferred format for text files is a print-ready PDF saved as:
- one single file set up in page order, single page to view (not as double page spreads). This should not include the cover or jacket as this should be supplied as a separate file
- with fonts embedded
- preferably with crop marks selected so we know where to trim your text once it is printed (not possible in Word)
- with minimum 20mm clear white space on all sides (our recommendation) unless there are images that are intended to bleed (go to the edge of the page)
- If there is bleed in the text then please allow an additional 3mm for this
- Ensure that you are using a CMYK workflow and export to PDF/X-1a:2001 (if using Adobe InDesign or QuarkXpress, not possible in Word) or PDF/x-1a:2003 (if using Affinity Publisher).
Font sizes and types
In terms of fonts and sizes etc. it is all down to personal choice but we would say the norm is an 11 or 12 point sized font on a 15 point body (if being created in Adobe InDesign) or 1½ line spacing (if being created in Microsoft Word). Popular fonts that reproduce well are Times New Roman, Garamond, Palatino and Cambria.
Typesetting and cover design services
We can help with copy editing, proof reading and the design of your text and cover ready for printing. We can also convert your files suitable for viewing on the Kindle and any ePub format such as the Nook and Kobo. Please see our book design services page for more details.
Files formats for plate sections
Our preferred format for plate sections files is a print-ready PDF saved as one PDF file for each section single page to view with crop marks. Please remember to embed any fonts and ensure that image files are at least 300dpi and saved as CMYK.
Scanning images or a copy book
If you are scanning images to be reproduced in a plate section then these should be scanned as .eps or .tiff files. Please avoid .jpeg.
The final resolution of images should be (screen ruling x scale x 2). Our screen ruling is 150lpi. If you have any queries regarding scanning images then please contact Nigel Mitchell on 01553 842477 or nigel@biddles.co.uk
If scanning text pages from an existing book this should be scanned as a bitmap at 600 dpi (ideally 1200 dpi if possible).
PrimoPDF
PrimoPDF is a popular free PDF creator which can be used to create print ready PDFs. If you are using PrimoPDF then please see our guide to ensure that the correct settings are selected to create a PDF for printing a book.
