Your print-ready PDF or print-ready Word document for your Interior file and your Cover PDFs must be generated following a set of requirements to pass our pre-press check. If your file is not accepted during this pre-press check, we will provide you with a reason why your file is not passing. You can also reference the following resources for more troubleshooting options:
• Interior file
• Book Interior Checklist
• Cover PDF
• Paperback
• Hardcover with Printed Case
• Hardcover with Dust Jacket
Here are some common reasons why your PDF may not be print-ready:
• Trim Size/Page size: Covers/Dust Jacket page sizes must be larger than the trim size of the book because during the binding process, the cover will be trimmed off or folded over. You need to be mindful of the Trim Zone (bleed) to make sure you don't have anything trimmed off or folded over that you want to appear on the cover.
• See our Quick Start Checklists for a full list of page sizes, trim zone (bleed), and fold zones for the trim sizes we offer. Depending on your need, checklists are available for the book interior, paperback, hardcover with printed case and hardcover with dust jacket.
• We recommend using our Microsoft Word cover templates which are incorporated as part of the cover upload experience.
• Consult the Creating a Cover section of our Formatting Guide for more detailed information.
• Embedded Fonts: If you're using a Microsoft Word on a PC, make sure you've checked the "embed font" option in the Word > Options > Save menu. See our Formatting Guide on how to make sure your fonts are embedded.
• Save as a PDF: If you're using Microsoft Word on a PC, make sure that when you save as PDF that you Click on Options… and in the choices below PDF Options, check the box that reads "ISO 19005-1 compliant (PDF/A)."
• Page Count: (Book Interior only)
• Minimum Page Count for white and cream-colored paper: 18 pages
• Maximum Page Count for white and cream-colored paper: 800 pages
