Questions to ask print service

All print service companies publish a list of technical requirements, usually on their website.

Willi's list is a good basic start.

• What size do you plan to publish the book in (the "trim size" of the pages, cut for binding — 8-1/2x11, 6x9, etc.)?
• What binding or bindings do you want (perfect bound, casebound/hardcover, coil bound, etc.)?
• Do you want a printed color cover (any binding; called "laminate wrap" for hardcover)?
• For hardcover, do you want a traditional (cloth) binding and dust jacket?
• Do you want any color printing on the interior pages, or will it be black (text and graphics) only?
• Do you want to print a trade quantity (250-1000 or more), or use a print-on-demand fulfillment system?
• Do you intend to sell the books directly (through an Amazon Seller listing, for example), or do you want fulfillment as part of the print/POD service?
• Will you want an e-book edition as well as one or more print editions?

Ask for

1. PDF joboptions / PDF standard
2. Bleed settings
3. Color output profile
4. Minimum resoltion in PPI