The Elements of Self-Publishing

There are five principal steps in self-publishing your manuscript. This section describes these steps and the decisions that an author needs to make to have a book successfully published. Additional detail on the key elements that involve WORDPRO Press are given under other sections below.

First, an author must prepare the inside pages of the book. You should edit and proofread the manuscript before proceeding with the next step. WORDPRO Press does not typeset your inside pages. Since most authors now compose on a computer, we accept only digital files for printing. [The only acceptable alternative is to furnish us camera-ready printout from your own computer printer. However, you must follow the formatting guidelines given below.] See Preparation of Your Manuscript for additional details on formatting and file types acceptable for submission. When you develop your page layout, a decision must be made on the book size [5.5" x 8.5" or 8.5" x 11"] that you ultimately want to produce. Page layouts should proceed accordingly. Additionally, you should look at the several options we offer for paper stock.

Second, you will need to select the appropriate method for binding your book. WORDPRO Press offers three book styles for binding. The vast majority of books are perfect bound, but spiral and three-ring binding are also available. Chapbooks, by definition, are saddle-stitched. See Binding Styles for additional details on binding options.

Third, you need to decide on an appropriate color cover. WORDPRO Press standard covers are based on a spot color design, but full color covers are readily available at an extra cost. You can submit your cover design digitally or give us your ideas and we will develop the design for you. See Cover Designs for additional details on cover options.

Fourth, you will need to decide on whether you need a copyright, ISBN, bar code, Library of Congress Catalog Card Number or CIP Data. WORDPRO Press can obtain these items as optional services. See Additional Optional Elements to Consider for more details.

Finally, when your digital or camera-ready copy is complete, fill out our order form and send everything [with your 1/3 payment] to WORDPRO PRESS. If you would like us to get a quick start on your proof copy, send us your digital files over the Internet to our FTP server. Simply go to Sending us Digital Files and follow the instructions. Upon receipt of your materials, we will assign a job number and include that number in an e-mail confirmation of your order. Please use the assigned job number when making inquiries about your order.

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Binding Styles

We offer three binding styles for books, plus a saddle-stitch booklet for Chapbooks.

Perfect binding, like you see on a soft cover or paperback book, is our standard book binding. The cover wraps around the entire book and is held to the pages with a flexible adhesive or hot glue. The minimum number of pages required for this type of binding is 40 (20 sheets) and the maximum number is approximately 500 (250 sheets). A minimum of 100 pages (50 sheets) is required if you want printing on the spine of the book (the spine is the end edge of the book).

All of our covers are printed on cover stock. Books can be laminated for extra protection. There is no extra charge for lamination -- the choice is yours. We can provide recommendations on cover lamination based on your cover design and the intended book usage.

Plastic comb binding (GBC) is also offered at an extra charge (See Optional Feature Pricing.) Plastic comb is also used for books that must lay flat when opened. Plastic combs are available in many colors so that they can be coordinated with your cover.

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Preparation of Your Manuscript

WORDPRO Press only accepts manuscripts that are camera-ready or formatted digital files (in most cases, we require PDF or PDF995 or Publisher Pack & Go format). A digital file is preferred. Either method provides the author with total control over design and layout, as well as reducing production times.

All camera-ready copy should be printed from a 600 dpi (dots per inch) laser printer and be ready for us to scan and print. We recommend that all camera-ready pages be printed on laser paper for quality considerations. Photographs, illustrations or artwork should all be original and be pasted-up or positioned on the pages (all originals are returned to the author). If your manuscript has photos, illustrations or artwork, we strongly recommended that you furnish us a digital file with these items scanned at 600 dpi (call for special instructions on items to be printed in color). Finally, for camera-ready copy, be sure that you follow the page sizing rules given below for the book size that you chose. If manuscript text exceeds the image area specified for the book size chosen, we will either reject the manuscript or be required to reduce/enlarge pages at an additional charge.

For digital files, we require that you or your desktop publishing service convert the final manuscript file to PDF or PDF995 (portable document format). This conversion is accomplished by using Adobe's Acrobat (Distiller) program or the free PDF995 software.  Some application programs, such as Adobe PageMaker, have this format as an option for exporting a file. Be sure to read our instructions for creating a PDF or PDF995 file.

When you can furnish us a PDF-formatted file, it eliminates any problems with fonts that you may be using and that we don't have on our systems AND it will eliminate problems with line spacing, word wrap and word spacing caused by different print drivers being resident on your computer rather than on ours. In addition, PDF files are compressed to about 1/20 original size to aid in uploading over the net or sending on disk.

If you don't have access to Adobe Acrobat or a program that saves PDF files, send us the manuscript as camera ready copy (see above). However, from long experience, we know that by investing a few dollars in Adobe Acrobat or by using a page layout program that saves a PDF file, authors will save substantial money and time, as well as ending up with a better quality product. PDF files will make your proofreading task easier and quicker, as well as eliminating the need for wasted time attempting to correct file problems. NOTE: We will not accept a Microsoft Word file or a WordPerfect file because of problems in moving such files between computers (fonts and different print drivers causing changes in page formatting). New versions of Microsoft Word on a Windows platform allow for the creation of a PDF file if you have Adobe Acrobat or PDF995 installed on your computer. For instructions on sending files for book covers, see below.

Page layout instructions differ somewhat depending on the book size you choose and whether you are sending us camera-ready or digital files. For digital files, set up your page size to correspond to the book size that you choose. That is, your digital file should have either a 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" page size (half page or statement size) or a 8 1/2" x 11" page size depending on the book size chosen. For either size, leave a left/right margin of at least 9/16" and a top/bottom margin of at least 1/2" around the entire text area. Thus, for a 5.5' x 8.5" book, the actual copy area should measure no greater than 4 3/8" x 7 1/2". For 8.5" x 11" books, the actual copy area should be no greater than 7 3/8" x 10". All copy including text, headers, footers, artwork, photos, illustrations, AND page numbers should fit within the actual copy area. Center all the material on the page and be sure that this is the same for each page. Set up your digital file so that the pages run consecutively (in numerical page order) and are not signatured. We will do the signatures electronically.

For camera-ready copy, use the same setup for 8 1/2" x 11" books. However, for 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" books, print the copy so that a single page is centered on an 8.5" x 11" sheet. Again the copy area will be no greater than 4 3/8" x 7 1/2". This will result in a top and bottom margin of 1 3/4" each and side margins of 2 1/16" each. For all camera-ready copy, print on only one side of the page and keep the pages in sequential order.

All page numbers must be within the actual copy area, but you have the choice of placing them on the top or bottom of the page. Page numbers can be centered horizontally or placed on the right for odd page numbers and on the left for even page numbers. Be sure to either number any blank pages or allow for them in your numbering sequence.

A book's page order should include consideration of front/back material. Normally, this includes the following:

Title Page -- must include the book title, author, and name of the publisher. Additionally, other items, such as artwork, editors, other contributors, or explanations can be included as is appropriate.

Copyright Page -- must include Copyright ©, followed by the year and the name the copyright is filed under. It is a good idea to add "All Rights Reserved" under the copyright notice. Also an ISBN and/or Library of Congress Catalog Card Number should appear on this page if they have been obtained.

Other Front Pages -- these include the table of contents, list of tables, foreword, author information pages, acknowledgements.

Other Back Pages -- these can include glossary, index or other reference pages.

Note: Whether you select a 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" or an 8 1/2" x 11" book size, after your book is bound, we trim the three outside edges to ensure that all books are the same size and that the edges of the book are smooth. This trimming takes off 1/16" from all three sides. Thus, the finished book size will actually be 5 7/16" x 8 3/8" or 8 7/16" x 10 7/8".

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Full Color Interior Pages

The WORDPRO PRESS can print some or all of your book's interior pages in full color at very reasonable prices (Optional Feature Pricing). Authors need to furnish us with digital files for the color pages. We recommend using 600 dpi scans of photos and artwork using the CMYK color gambit. Call us with any questions. We can assist with instructions that will provide you with a high quality result.

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Cover Designs

The book cover is the most important marketing aspect of your publishing project. The cover is what grabs people's attention and sells your book. That is why the WORDPRO Press does not offer pre-printed cover designs. We believe that the cover for each book should be unique and not just your title added to a basic cover design. Modern digital technology allows us to offer authors the ability to design and produce a unique cover for their manuscript at very low cost.

We can print your cover design in one-, multiple-, or full-color on white or colored cover stock. Our standard pricing includes a cover printed in spot color on either white or colored cover stock. Spot color consists of one or more solid colors (including black) printed so as not to overlap or touch each other. Any cover with overlapping colors, blended fills, color pictures, or colors that touch each other is considered a full color cover and is available for an extra charge (see optional pricing). Your cover can be laminated for a durable finish and a quality look. An author can furnish us a digital file with the cover layout or we can take your suggestions and develop a cover design for you. See our optional pricing section for cover design fees. Our color printers can accommodate any color or combination of colors.

If you furnish us a digital file for the cover (a PDF or PFD995 file is REQUIRED), it must be properly setup. Digital files that require adjustment for accurate printing (usually those that don't follow the instructions given below precisely) will incur a minimum adjustment charge of 1/2 hour at the rate of $65.00 per hour. We find that it is more efficient and cost effective for the WORDPRO Press to make any digital adjustments than to have the author resend a corrected file.

The cover size should measure twice the width of the book PLUS the width of the spine. For example, if you have a book that is 1/4" thick and will be 5.5" x 8.5" in size, the cover design should be 11.25" x 8.5" in size. Center that size design on an 11' x 17" page. Any artwork, photos, or scanned images embedded in the file must use a resolution of 600 dpi. Then send us the application file (i.e., PageMaker file) and the PDF version of the file. It is not a good idea to use low end or non-standard software programs for cover design. We suggest using Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator, and/or PageMaker for cover design and layout. Again, be sure to read our instructions for creating a PDF file.

Follow the same rules for a 8.5" x 11" book. However, you may need to use a page size longer than 17" to accommodate the spine with the front and back covers. Page lengths up to 18.48" can be specified for 8.5" x 11" cover layouts..

If you select our 60# White Digital Opaque Paper for the inside of the book, the following spine width table will assist you in laying out your cover.

Since the spine width will vary with paper selection, call us if you select a paper that differs from our 60# white digital opaque.

When printing on the spine, make sure that you do not set type to fill the full width as given in the Table above. Normally, it is appropriate to leave at least an 1/8" distance between either edge of the spine and any type or graphic used on the spine itself.

Finally, you should try to wrap the same color for the spine of the cover as is used adjacent to the front/back.  This helps with alignment of the spine during perfect binding.

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WORDPRO Press offers high quality printing of your manuscript at very low prices. Our standard pricing is provided to authors up-front and there are no hidden costs. The cost of any optional printing or publishing services that you ask us to perform are also provided for your review so that all pricing will be fully known before any work begins. 

Pricing: All of our standard books are printed on 60# smooth white opaque paper and include a laminated spot color cover (using one or more colors). Our standard or base pricing covers three categories of books:

Chapbooks (call for current pricing)

Payment: After your total costs are estimated, we require a 1/3 payment with your order; the second 1/3 is required when your proof is returned to us, and the balance [including shipping costs, insurance, and any adjustments] is due upon completion of printing but prior to shipping. We accept payment by check, money order, MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover. We do not ship COD.

Underrun/Overrun: Unlike most book publishers, WORDPRO Press ships the exact number of books that you order. Since we are all digital, there is no provision for a 10% overrun or underrun due to spoilage as is customary in the printing trade. As a result, you will never be invoiced for more than the number of books that you order.

NOTE: We do reserve the right to refuse any material that upon inspection does not meet our specifications, that we deem unsuitable, or that is outside the range of our current publishing focus.

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Paper Stocks & Inks

Our standard book pricing assumes that black ink is used on 60 lb. white offset opaque book paper for the inside book pages. This paper has a brightness ranging from 87 to 92, a smooth finish and is acid-free. A 60 lb. cream paper is also available at an extra cost. Note that for Chapbooks, two price schedules are available based on the paper stock (50 or 60 lb.) selected. Color interior pages can be printed on the same 60 lb. paper used for black ink or on laser paper. See Optional Feature Pricing. Covers are normally printed on a 90 lb. white cover index stock.

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Production Timing

Our production process is all digital and, therefore, turnaround is very fast. Once we receive an approval for your proof copy, we can normally have your books ready to ship within several weeks. Timing, however, can vary with seasonal peaks and production issues. Proofing copy is normally sent to the author within three days of receiving a satisfactory digital file.

Note, however, that you may need to allow for additional time if you file for copyright, ISBN, bar code or Library of Congress Catalog Card Number. See: Additional Optional Elements to Consider.

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Shipping

The WORDPRO Press ships all book orders F.O.B. Ithaca, NY via Fed Ex Ground. Books are packaged in 12"x9"x12" boxes with the number of books per box varying with book thickness and binding style. Most boxes weigh around 35-40 pounds. Upon completion of your project, we will be able to calculate your exact freight charges. These charges will be included in your final payment. Our average shipping cost is approximately $0.25/book for the 5.5" x 8.5" size.

Customers can request faster shipment than Fed Ex Ground but the cost will be considerably greater. Also, customers may want to consider shipping to their place of employment since freight costs are slightly less than to a residential area AND business addresses receive priority service for faster delivery. Books cannot be shipped to a post office box number -- street addresses are required.

Finally, upon arrival, always inspect your order immediately. Shipments are insured with Fed Ex and any damage is their responsibility. You must report such damage within 10 days of delivery. Any such damage is not the responsibility of WORDPRO Press. Defective books not due to shipping must be reported to us within 30 days of the ship date.

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Additional Optional Elements to Consider

Copyright, Trademark, Library of Congress Catalog Card Number, ISBN, CIP Data, and Bar Coding are all additional elements to consider when publishing a book. In this section, we will provide a brief discussion of each item, when you need to consider it, what function it serves, and how to go about obtaining it. If any of these items are required, we strongly suggest that the process of obtaining them start very early in the publication process. Sometimes obtaining the necessary number or approval can take weeks or even months.

In general you may not need to consider these marking elements if your book will only have limited distribution, has a low print run (usually less than 1000 copies), or is for private distribution. If you do want or require one or more of the marking elements, you can either file for them on your own or have WORDPRO Press obtain them for you. (See Optional Feature Pricing.)

Copyright: We explained above how to copyright your manuscript. Every book should, at a minimum, carry a copyright notification. It is a method for protecting your book's contents (not the title) from unauthorized use by others. An author does not need to file for copyright in order to obtain copyright protection. However, filing for a copyright with the Federal Government allows you to file an infringement lawsuit if that is appropriate. Federal statute affords copyright protection for the length of an author's life plus 50 years and begins at the time a manuscript is created (not published). Obtaining an official copyright certificate can take four or more months from the time an application is filed. However, not having the certificate in hand, does not prevent an author from including a copyright notice at the front of the book.

All authors should note that copyright law cuts two ways. If your publication contains material that is from another source, be sure that it is not copyrighted before using it. If it is, you must obtain written permission to use it. Often such permissions will be granted easily, but sometimes with a royalty or up front fee required. Permissions may be required for extensive quotes, pictures, illustrations, artwork, etc.

Trademark: Books are not normally trademarked. However, authors must take care when using words in their manuscript that are officially trademarked. The trademark symbol must be used in conjunction with the use of such words, phases, or symbols. Trademarked items can be distinguished by the fact that they are followed by either of two symbols ™ or ®

ISBN: This is the International Standard Book Number, which is a thirteen-digit number placed on the back of a book. It identifies the publisher and book title. Bookstores use this number in their computer databases to provide a book price at the checkout computer, to keep track of inventory and to automatically replace orders for books that are low in inventory. We can supply a WORDPRO Press ISBN for $80.00 but it will list us as the publisher. If you plan to use distributors or wholesalers, then you will need your own number listing you as the publisher. (Numbers are available via R. R. Bowker for a fee of $225 in quantities of 10. Contact Bowker at http://www.isbn.org/). Any book that is sold at retail these days will normally need both an ISBN and a bar code. Both should appear on the copyright or title page AND on the back cover. Plan on using a type face no smaller than 9 point.

Bar Coding: The bar code is your ISBN converted to an OCR (optical character readable scannable image. WORDPRO PRESS can create a bar code for you. It must be printed in black ink on a white background and appear on the back cover or inside front cover. You must determine if you want a retail price included in the bar code.

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: If your market includes libraries, you may want to obtain a Library of Congress Catalog Card Number. This is a classification system setup by the Library and used by many libraries around the world. Your book must be longer than 50 pages (or be a children's book or genealogy) to qualify. Once obtained, the Number is printed on the copyright page. However, it must be assigned BEFORE the book is published.

CIP Data: Cataloging in Publication data is not required but is often used by libraries for cataloging purposes. Again, if your market includes libraries, you may want to obtain this information and have it printed on your copyright page. You must secure this data yourself through the Library of Congress (202-707-6372).

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Marketing Assistance

Authors associated with WORDPRO Press or for whom we print books can have their publications listed on Amazon.com. WORDPRO Press will assist authors in obtaining this listing (or can obtain the listing for them). See the next section for additional details on the Amazon.com Advantage. Additional links to electronic sales sites will be added to this site as opportunities arise.

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The Amazon.com Advantage

The WORDPRO Press is associated with Amazon.com and this gives authors who self-publish through us an advantage. You can have your book listed for sale on the Amazon.com web site. To do so, you must have an ISBN Number and set a retail price for the book. An author can either enroll in the Amazon.com Advantage Program on their own (in which case, they are responsible for handling the enrollment, paper work, reordering, book shipping, etc.) or WORDPRO Press can handle all the details for them. Amazon.com pays 45 percent of the list price for any sales of listed books and normally requires that an inventory of books be furnished to them prior to sale. If we handle all the details, WORDPRO Press assesses the author an additional 10 percent of the list price plus shipping costs for the service. Call us for details on this program.

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Book Reprints

WORDPRO Press digitally stores all books printed for a minimum of two years after the first print run. If you desire us to store for a longer period of time, you must inform us of that fact before the two year period is over. If additional print runs have not been made within the first two years, there will be a storage charge assessed for retaining the digital manuscript beyond the two year period. If additional print runs have been made, storage times will automatically be extended, free of charge, to two years beyond the last print run.

To print additional copies of your stored book, all you need to do is e-mail, call or write us with the additional order. We will reprint within a two weeks of receiving the authorization.

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WORDPRO Press - Copyright 2006