GETTING BOOKISH

Here are some questions we’ll ask to understand book needs.

• What size do you want printed?
• Which paper stock?
• Matte or Glossy finish?
• Is the book double-sided or single-sided?
• Is it portrait or landscape?

Let’s get the pages turning.

PERFECT BOUND BOOK BINDING

Perfect Binding, Powerful Results

What is a perfect bound book? A binding style that resembles a paperback book and comes in a variety of sizes. Laminating adds a professional look to stand out from the competition. When it comes to perfect bound binding, clients tend to call ahead even if their book or design is still in the beginning stages (which is great; we love these inquiries). In the design phase? Explore the perfect binding infographic below. Make your presentation perfect with a perfect bound book!

SADDLE STICH BOOK BINDING

It has nothing to do with horseback riding, but this binding option is offered in response to frequent client requests received by our customer service team: I need a book printed and bound but don’t want it that big?

Or: I need a multipage piece but not bulky, thin in appearance. Sound like your project? Saddle stich is an option for you to consider.

This binding is what you most often see in publications such as magazines using two-to-three staples.

FILE SETUP

Files must be set up as one file with single pages or facing pages. We ask that you not set these up as printer spreads. Why do we prefer the files this way? Perfect bound books are typically two-sided, so spreads can confuse the pagination and require additional work to correct. ready to move forward with your project and have additional questions?

TIPS FOR YOUR BOOK SPINE

Please tell us during setup if the cover of the book has printing on the inside front and inside back cover pages. The glue doesn’t stick to the toner on the inside of the spine, so a white “no print area” will be created, by Cushing, when setting up the cover and should only affect this area. Internally, we’ll set up the cover spread (front/back inside and outside) as a separate file and add the spine to it. The size of the spine is determined by us, according to the number of pages needed, and cannot be smaller than a 1/4” inch. Type and/or graphics can be printed on the spine. Please create a separate file for this named “Spine”.

SIZE LIMITATIONS

On our Konica Minolta, the maximum sheet size we can run is 26” inches x 13” inches. This means that the largest size book that can be produced on this machine is 12” inches x 12” inches.  Another option we offer is the HP Indigo digital press, and the largest book size available is 9” inches x 12” inches.

PAPER STOCK LIMITATIONS

While we can print up to 110 lb. cover stock for perfect bound covers, the maximum paper weight for interior pages is a 100# text weight stock.

For a book that has the minimum number of pages, we would only recommend this weight.

ON THE MARKET FOR A PRINT PARTNER?

We understand not every order is for thousands of pieces, and that’s OK!

Please keep in mind that we do have a $35 minimum – this keeps your material cost down – and the attention to detail up!

BOOK PRINTING BEYOND CHICAGO

As part of the growing RMX Network, Cushing can coordinate your book printing needs across the country (and in some international locations.)

Our team will do their best to assist you, wherever the project.