Book Publishing Reference & Resource
Publishing my first book.
Note: The following tables provides a general overview and is not an exhaustive list of options. Specific needs may require additional research.
Table of Contents
Self-Publishing
Specifications and Dimensions for Producing Artwork for Books
Creating artwork for books involves different specifications for print and digital formats.
Adhering to standard dimensions and specifications for producing artwork in books is crucial for ensuring high-quality and professional results.
Consistency in dimensions and formats helps maintain the integrity of the design, ensuring that it looks as intended across various mediums. It also streamlines the production process, reduces errors, and meets industry standards, facilitating smoother collaborations with printers, publishers, and digital platforms.
Here is a comprehensive table summarizing the key standards and dimensions for various categories of books, including children’s books and other common segments:
Specifications and Dimensions for Producing Artwork for Books
| Category | Specification | Print Dimensions (inches) | Digital Dimensions (pixels) | Color Mode | Resolution | File Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children’s Books | Full Bleed | 8.5 x 11, 8 x 10, 7 x 10 | 2550 x 3300, 2400 x 3000 | CMYK (print) | 300 DPI | PDF, TIFF, JPEG |
| Trim Size | 8 x 10, 7 x 10 | 2400 x 3000 | RGB (digital) | 72 DPI | PNG, JPEG | |
| Novels | Full Bleed | 6 x 9, 5.5 x 8.5, 5 x 8 | 1800 x 2700, 1650 x 2550 | CMYK (print) | 300 DPI | PDF, TIFF, JPEG |
| Trim Size | 6 x 9, 5.5 x 8.5 | 1800 x 2700 | RGB (digital) | 72 DPI | PNG, JPEG | |
| Cookbooks | Full Bleed | 8.5 x 11, 8 x 10 | 2550 x 3300, 2400 x 3000 | CMYK (print) | 300 DPI | PDF, TIFF, JPEG |
| Trim Size | 8 x 10, 7.5 x 9.25 | 2400 x 3000 | RGB (digital) | 72 DPI | PNG, JPEG | |
| Photography Books | Full Bleed | 10 x 10, 12 x 12 | 3000 x 3000, 3600 x 3600 | CMYK (print) | 300 DPI | PDF, TIFF, JPEG |
| Trim Size | 10 x 10, 12 x 12 | 3000 x 3000 | RGB (digital) | 72 DPI | PNG, JPEG | |
| Comics/Graphic Novels | Full Bleed | 6.625 x 10.25, 7 x 10.5 | 1988 x 3075, 2100 x 3150 | CMYK (print) | 300 DPI | PDF, TIFF, JPEG |
| Trim Size | 6.625 x 10.25, 7 x 10.5 | 1988 x 3075 | RGB (digital) | 72 DPI | PNG, JPEG | |
| Magazines | Full Bleed | 8.5 x 11, 9 x 12 | 2550 x 3300, 2700 x 3600 | CMYK (print) | 300 DPI | PDF, TIFF, JPEG |
| Trim Size | 8.5 x 11, 9 x 12 | 2550 x 3300 | RGB (digital) | 72 DPI | PNG, JPEG | |
| eBooks | N/A | N/A | Variable, typically 1600 x 2400 | RGB (digital) | 72 DPI | EPUB, MOBI, PDF |
| Textbooks | Full Bleed | 8.5 x 11, 7 x 9 | 2550 x 3300, 2100 x 2700 | CMYK (print) | 300 DPI | PDF, TIFF, JPEG |
| Trim Size | 8.5 x 11, 7 x 9 | 2550 x 3300 | RGB (digital) | 72 DPI | PNG, JPEG | |
| Poetry Books | Full Bleed | 5 x 8, 6 x 9 | 1500 x 2400, 1800 x 2700 | CMYK (print) | 300 DPI | PDF, TIFF, JPEG |
| Trim Size | 5 x 8, 6 x 9 | 1500 x 2400 | RGB (digital) | 72 DPI | PNG, JPEG |
Notes:
- Full Bleed: Artwork that extends to the edges of the page without borders.
- Trim Size: The final size of the page after it has been cut.
- DPI (Dots Per Inch): Measure of print resolution.
- CMYK: Color mode used for printing.
- RGB: Color mode used for digital displays.
For both print and digital formats, it is essential to adhere to these specifications to ensure the best quality and consistency across different media. Additionally, remember to account for a bleed area (usually 0.125 inches) beyond the trim size in printed materials to avoid white edges.
Understanding the Book Publishing Industry
Understanding the Book Publishing Industry
| Resource Type | Resource Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Reports | Bowker Market Research | Comprehensive data on book sales, trends, and market analysis. |
| Associations | Association of American Publishers (AAP) | Represents the interests of the U.S. book publishing industry. |
| Online Platforms | Publishers Weekly | News, analysis, and data on the publishing industry. |
Book Writing and Editing
Book Writing and Editing
| Resource Type | Resource Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Style Guides | The Chicago Manual of Style | Comprehensive guide to writing, editing, and publishing. |
| Writing Communities | Writer’s Digest | Offers writing tips, contests, and resources for authors. |
| Editing Services | Professional Editors International | Network of professional editors for freelance or in-house needs. |
Book Design and Production
Book Design and Production
| Resource Type | Resource Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Design Software | Adobe InDesign | Industry-standard software for book layout and design. |
| Printing Services | Printing Industry of America | Information on printing processes, technologies, and suppliers. |
| Cover Design | 99designs | Crowdsourcing platform for cover design contests. |
Book Marketing and Distribution
Book Marketing and Distribution
| Resource Type | Resource Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Tools | BookBub | Platform for promoting ebooks and print books. |
| Distribution Channels | Ingram Content Group | Global distributor of books to retailers. |
| Author Platforms | Amazon Author Central | Platform for authors to connect with readers and promote books. |
Book Publishing Contracts and Legal
Book Publishing Contracts and Legal
| Resource Type | Resource Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Resources | Writer Beware | Website dedicated to protecting authors’ rights. |
| Contract Templates | All-About-Contracts | Online resource for contract templates and legal information. |
| Attorney Networks | American Bar Association | Directory of attorneys specializing in entertainment and media law. |
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
| Resource Type | Resource Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Online Courses | Udemy, Coursera | Offer courses on various aspects of book publishing. |
| Book Publishing Blogs | Jane Friedman, The Book Designer | Industry blogs with insights and advice. |
| Author Communities | Goodreads | Platform for authors and readers to connect. |
Self-Publishing Platforms
Remember: Self-publishing requires a significant investment of time and effort. Thorough research and planning are essential for success. Consider hiring professionals for tasks outside your expertise, such as editing, cover design, and book formatting.
| Resource Type | Resource Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Publishing Platforms | Amazon KDP | Offers ebook and paperback publishing, wide distribution, and royalties. |
| Self-Publishing Platforms | Barnes & Noble Press | Publishes print books and ebooks, offers distribution and marketing tools. |
| Self-Publishing Platforms | IngramSpark | Provides print and ebook publishing, distribution, and print-on-demand services. |
Book Formatting and Design
| Resource Type | Resource Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Formatting Tools | Vellum | Software for creating professional book layouts. |
| Cover Design | Canva | Graphic design platform for creating book covers. |
| Interior Design | Reedsy | Marketplace for finding book designers and other professionals. |
Editing and Proofreading
| Resource Type | Resource Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Editing Services | Fiverr | Freelance platform for finding editors and proofreaders. |
| Editing Tools | Grammarly | Writing assistant for grammar and style checks. |
| Author Communities | Author Forums | Online communities for peer reviews and feedback. |
Book Marketing and Promotion
| Resource Type | Resource Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Book Marketing Tools | BookBub | Platform for promoting ebooks and print books. |
| Social Media | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter | Platforms for building an author platform and engaging with readers. |
| Email Marketing | Mailchimp, ConvertKit | Tools for building and managing email lists. |
Legal and Copyright
| Resource Type | Resource Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Copyright Information | United States Copyright Office | Official government website for copyright information. |
| Legal Advice | Attorney | Consult a lawyer for specific legal advice related to self-publishing. |
| Author Organizations | Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLI) | Provides resources and support for self-published authors. |
Additional Resources
| Resource Type | Resource Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Online Courses | Udemy, Coursera | Offer courses on self-publishing, book marketing, and writing. |
| Self-Publishing Blogs | The Creative Penn, Joanna Penn | Popular blogs with self-publishing advice and tips. |
| Author Communities | Goodreads | Platform for authors and readers to connect. |