Printing and Binding Matters

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For the independent publisher or self-publishing author, there is alot to be learned. The path to success includes not only writing a great publication but making good choices along the way regarding the entire publishing process.

One decision to be faced will be a choice between digital or offset printing. Typically,  offset printing is most economical if you wish to have more than 1000 copies of your book printed. Other advantages include a greater range of paper choices, the image quality (pictures) is better and the page sizes are not as limited.

Digital printing is great for a short run of books (under 1,000), the turn around time tends to be much shorter and the complete process can be accomplished via the internet.

There are considerations for choices in book binding as well.  But,  most importantly, remember that if you have any intentions of seeing your book on the shelves of book stores and libraries, a perfect bound book is key.  Perfect bound books are prefered because they will stand up on shelves by themselves. The spines have the title and author’s name printed on it and is easily readable. Not the case with saddle stitched books, plastic  and wire comb bindings or plastic coil binding.

There is alot to be considered in the world of book printing and binding. Any quality book printing company can lead you down the path to making good choices,  however!

Writers, USA – Unite!

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I don’t mean to sound like a broken record on this blog subject. But, I think it is worth repeating!

Writers, let’s unite on Saturday mornings and all be on the same web page! Tune in to www.wnzf.com  “Cover to Cover” with Frank Gromling.   Broadcast times across America –

  • Eastern Standard Time       11:30 am
  • Central Standard Time       10:30 am
  • Mountain Standard Time    9:30 am
  • Pacific Standard Time          8:30 am

Every Saturday morning, that is right! Every Saturday morning! Frank promises to make each show well worth listening to!

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Move Forward In Confidence

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Do your research and be informed. Many order fulfillment and distribution companies charge a hefty monthly minimum fee if your monthly sales volume does not meet their requirements.  Keep this in mind when  you are choosing an order fulfillment company.

Stop! Ask! And move forward when guided by knowledge.

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Climbing Mountains

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Many days, there is too much to do and not enough hours in the day to get it done. Everyone experiences that feeling! No one more so than independent publishers.  Writing is a business, publishing is a business and then there is the business side of both, too. Keeping track of your sales and inventory reports, maintaining a database of your customers purchasing your company’s publications, handling pro-forma invoices for trade and wholesale accounts, shipping orders. It all takes away from your task at hand of publishing. If you are a growing publishing company, you know exactly what I mean. 

Affordable order fulfillment companies for independent publishers are available to help with the business and shipping side of your publishing company. What would it mean if you could really focus just on the tasks of  publishing?

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Wake Up and Jump In

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Are you ready to self publish but not quite sure to where to begin? There is a wonderful guide published by Tri-State Litho called Self Publishing: A Writers Guide. It will help you make the transition from manuscript to a printed, published book. It has information on applying for ISBNs, copywriting, Library of Congress Catalog Card numbers, page design, fonts, paper weights. Other useful information includes offset vs. digital printing, book binding options, and a super glossary for all publishing terms. It is a resource that beginner independent publishers should not be without.

To obtain a copy of this book contact Frank Compagna at Tri-State Litho, Phone #800-836-7581 or see their website www.tristatelitho.com. While you are at it, ask them about their short run printing services and tell them Cornerstone Fulfillment Service, LLC said to call.

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A Call for Manuscripts

Lady crossing street Trap door Books, a small press in Lyons, CO is looking for manuscripts of book length fiction. Self published books can be submitted for consideration. Interested? go to the blog

http://trapdoor.wordpress.com or email

cmatney@trapdoor.com for more details on what they are looking for and submission guidelines.

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A Friend, Indeed!

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“Happy is the house that shelters a friend”  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson  When searching for an order fulfillment company for your independently published films or books, look for many of the same qualities you would in a friend.

  • A company that is dependable – will ship in a timely manner.
  • A company that is trustworthy – will get the job done!
  • A company that understands your needs.
  • A company that is fair – is affordable.
  • A company that goes the distance – is adaptable.

If you find a fulfillment company with these attributes, you will have found a friend worth it’s weight in gold. 

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Listen Up, Publishers!!!

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bb55s9006.jpg   Bldg with broadcastingNew Radio Show for Publishers

www.wnzf.com  “Cover to Cover”

Saturday mornings  11:30 ET  8:30 PT

TUNE IN AMERICA!!!      Frank Gromling’s New Radio Show is Terrific! This is one great resource for all you publishers (traditional and independents alike). Jam packed with information on the publishing world, interviews with selected authors (NY best sellers as well as local), what it takes to be successful in publishing, getting started, book marketing. Give up a 1/2 hr of your Saturday morning and listen, it will be worth it. And anyone can listen on line!

For those of you who don’t know Frank – he’s  one heck of a nice guy! Past President of the Florida Publishers Association and Board member of IBPA – Independent Book Publishers Assoc. Thanks, Frank, for sharing all your knowledge  on the publishing industry with the world!

This blog brought to you by http://www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com

Think before you leap!

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Many individuals have wonderful, inspiring and thoughtful stories to tell. With the availability of print on demand and desk top publishing, anyone can be a published writer.  But, there are a few things to be  aware of!

Independent publishing includes much more than just writing your book. A well developed plan is critical to a book that will lead to successful sales.

  • Research your topic or subject
  • Think about your niche market
  • Put together an comprehensive marketing plan
  • Remember – the author plays a critical role in marketing
  • Plan for sales and distribution issues (order fulfillment)
  • Research, plan and project costs of independent publishing
  • Decide what parts of the process you can handle on your own
  • Think about the business aspect of independent publishing

And always remember, writing the book is only part of the entire process. Be smart, plan ahead and get professional assistance in the parts of the process where you need help.

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Edit..Proofread..Edit..Proofread

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Our first permission based email went out last night through YesMail   to our distribution list. It went out without a hitch, I thought.

Well, almost – after it went out, I discovered a few minor typographical/editorial errors. Whoops! We were so focused with learning the software program for the permission based program, those errors went unnoticed. Being the in-house editor, I have no one to blame other than myself.  It will serve as a good lesson for all self publishing authors.

Edit..proofread..edit..proofread..edit……

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