Printing a book is always a big deal. Whether you’re working for a publishing company or self-publishing your own work, there are a lot of moving parts that need to come together perfectly in order to create a high-quality finished product. But sometimes, even when everything is done right, technical issues can crop up after the fact. While it can be frustrating to discover that there are issues with your book’s printing, it’s important to remember that these problems can usually be fixed fairly easily with just a few simple yet effective solutions.
1. Use The Right Tech
The first step to solving any technical issue is to make sure you’re using the right tech in the first place. If you’re working with an experienced printing company, they will already have the latest and greatest equipment to ensure your book is printed perfectly. Having advanced print inspection solutions in your arsenal is crucial to finding and fixing any technical issues that do occur before the book goes to press. Some of the most common issues that arise include misaligned pages, registration errors, and print quality defects. A good print inspection system will be able to identify these problems quickly and easily so they can be fixed before the book is printed. If you’re self-publishing, it’s important to do your research and find an inspection program that’s easy to use and requires very little tech knowledge.
2. Test Your File Types
Another common issue that can occur when printing a book is problems with the file types you’re using. Most printing companies will require you to submit your files in either PDF or EPS format, and it’s important to make sure that your files are formatted correctly before sending them off. If you’re not sure how to properly format your files, there are a number of online resources that provide your PDF tips or you can ask the printing company you’re working with for assistance. Once your files are formatted correctly, it’s also important to test them to make sure they print correctly. The best way to do this is to print out a few pages on your home printer before sending the files off to the printing company. Sometimes, certain characters that aren’t a part of the standard alphabet can cause problems when printing, so doing a quick test print can help you catch any potential issues before they become a big problem.
3. Check The Print Settings
Oftentimes, technical issues can be caused by simply having the wrong settings selected. For example, if you’re printing on glossy paper but have the matte setting selected, your book might come out looking dull and lackluster. Before giving the final go-ahead, be sure to double-check the print settings to make sure they’re correct for the type of paper you’re using. If you’re unsure about which settings to use, it’s always best to ask someone at the printing company for advice. They’ll be able to guide you through the process and ensure that your book comes out looking its best. Another issue that arises from poorly chosen print settings is colors that don’t match. This can be frustrating, especially if you’ve spent a lot of time choosing the perfect color scheme for your book. To avoid this problem, it’s important to make sure that you’re using the correct color profile when sending your files to the printing company. Most companies will have specific instructions on their website regarding which color profiles to use, so be sure to read through these carefully before getting started.
4. Get Involved In Production Planning
It’s important to get involved in the production planning process. This is the best way to ensure that your book is printed exactly the way you want it. You’ll be able to work with the printer to choose the right paper, ink, and print settings for your project. Getting involved in production planning also allows you to catch any potential problems early on. If something doesn’t look quite right, you can ask the printer to make changes before the book goes to press. This can save a lot of time and money in the long run, and it’s the best way to ensure that your book comes out looking its best. Of course, if you’re working with professionals, then the best thing you can do is explain exactly how you want your book to look and let them take care of the rest. But if you’re self-publishing, then it’s important to take a more active role in the production process to ensure that your book turns out exactly the way you want it.
Printing a book is always exciting, but it can be challenging if you encounter technical issues along the way. However, by following these simple tips, you can solve the most common printing problems quickly and easily. So next time you’re getting ready to print your latest masterpiece, keep these tips in mind and you’ll be sure to have a hassle-free experience.
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Source: Tech Follows
