The Design of Books (part 2)

More Tips from Geoff Fisher from Antony Rowe on Self-publishing.

Print on Demand.

For Print On Demand (POD) the book is first sold and then printed. This has several advantages:
(i) there is minimal stockholding;
(ii) the cost structure is simple and competitive (e. 10 copies cost £175.80 and for digital books the unit cost stays the same only for more than 300 copies does the cost of digital exceed litho);
(iii) minimal investment so there are no small order or slow-selling charges,
(iv) books never go out of print;
(v) and with 'print partners' on different continents there can be fast and efficient world-wide distribution.

Paper Considerations

Recycled paper may not be the most environmentally-friendly option since the chemicals involved can be destructive; instead it may be better to use acid-free, non-chlorine-bleached paper from managed forests;

The number and sort of illustrations in a book dictate the paper; for good illustrations it has to be smooth and expensive;

A thin book can be bulked out with thick paper;


Notes on Illustrations

It is essential that they go in the right and logical place;

The quality of illustrations should match the rest of the work;

Do not use home scanners for a picture - the scanner at the printers are much higher quality.

Binding Choices

Sewn binding will last forever;

'Perfect' binding is cheaper, not as long-lasting since it uses glue;

Notched binding is somewhere between and is the same price as sewn.

Another alternative is 'wir-o' which is expensive but useful since it allows the book to lie flat.