What is Griffin Digital?
Griffin Digital (formerly
dbooks) uses digital printing technology to print short run quantity of books
quickly and efficiently. How should I provide my file?
Griffin Digital prefers
PDF files, For more information about PDF, try these websites:
www.adobe.com
www.pdfzone.com
What if I don't have my text in a digital format?
No
problem. Griffin Digital can scan from a mint copy. For more information, see
Mint Copy. How do I make minor editorial corrections between print runs?
You can make minor changes to PDF page files, using Adobe Acrobat. While
the system does not offer enormous flexibility, it does provide you with the opportunity
to make changes to imprint pages and other minor corrections. What if I need to make major editorial corrections to my copy?
The most effective way to make major editorial changes is to correct
the native file, and convert to PDF files. How do I know if I have the most up-to-date version of my file
stored on the Griffin Digital system?
Griffin Digital has many years
of experience in the management of digital data files. As a result, we have developed
state-of-the-art systems to manage version control of the files stored on our
system. How are the books printed?
Griffin Digital has partnered
with technology leaders to provide high quality digital printing options. All
text pages and covers are printed on high-speed printers which use toner to print
on to a page.
Covers are usually digitally printed four-colour on one side,
then laminated to protect the image.
Text pages are printed one-colour (black)
on both sides, on a variety of stock alternatives. Colour illustration pages can
be added to the text pages, or the entire text can be printed in colour if required. What is the minimum number of books you can print?
It
is possible to print one book, although typical orders range in size from 50-1000
books at a time. Our average order is about 250-300 books. Is digital printing cost competitive?
Yes, you'll
be surprised at how inexpensive it is to use Griffin Digital.
One of the key
advantages of digital printing is the ability to print to demand. So, if your
book has a demand for 200 copies, that's all you need to print.
Griffin Digital
means you print what you need, when you need it. Can Griffin Digital use Word files?
Griffin Digital
prefer to receive the text file in PDF format, if you are unable to supply a pdf
we can put you in contact with industry suppliers who can assist you to convert
your file to this format. Can Griffin Digital design and typeset my book?
Griffin
Digital does not design and typset books. However, we can refer you to a number
of good quality designers and typesetters. What does a Digital Book look like?
The quality
of digital printing today is so good, most people cannot tell the difference between
a digital and traditionally printed book. Griffin Digital uses the stocks that
are used in Griffin Press, therefore your digital product is remarkably similar
to a book produced in the offset environment. How long does it take to print a book?
This depends
on the size of the book, the quantity required, and the workload Griffin Digital
has at the time your order is placed. In general terms, allow 10 working days
from date of proof approval for shipment of your book ex-Griffin Digital. However
should you have special needs then Griffin Digital is always able to work with
you to meet those requirements. Can I print just one book?
It is technically possible
to print only one book at a time, but set-up costs still exist with digital printing
and this makes the cost of printing just one book quite expensive compared with
the cost of printing, say, 10 books.
If you want to only print one book at
a time, we recommend you choose an A4 format or similar, to minimise file preparation,
and design a cover where the spine has the same design and colour as the front
and back cover as this makes the book easier and faster to bind. My cover will be mainly black. Any tips?
For large
solid areas of black, we suggest a mixture of 100% black, 30% cyan, 30% magenta
and 30% yellow. What is a True Type font?
The majority of computers
use what is called True Type fonts, i.e. Times New Roman, Arial, Comic Sans, etc.
While these fonts appear nice on the screen or from a laser printer, True Type
fonts are not suitable for the printing process used by Griffin Digital. The font
group used for printing are Post Script fonts. Some True Type fonts - such as
Times New Roman - will translate very well to a Post Script font, while others
don't translate all that well. This is really only a problem in a file prepared
using MS Word™. My manuscript is in Word™. How many pages will it be when
printed?
If your book size is to be 234 x 153mm, reformat your page
size in your document from 297 x 210mm (A4), change your margins to either 3mm
or 5mm on all sides. This will give you a fairly accurate page count.
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