Interior Page File Prep

Preparing your file for uploading

When preparing your interior page PDF for printing, make sure you have created it in a single page format, not in spreads. Now is when you should also make sure you have accounted for all the pages you’ll need. See how to organize a book for the various types of special pages a book like yours might need, and where those pages should go. If you’re formatting your own pages, you might want to look at how to layout a book/pages which could give you some helpful tips to make your book look its best.

Your Interior Page PDF File Checklist

  • After confirming your file matches your printing quote, do a final and thorough proofreading of your manuscript for any spelling or grammatical errors, or have someone do it for you. Most desktop publishing software (MS Word, Adobe InDe-sign, etc) has a convenient spellcheck tool. Last minute changes are common, and so it’s important to check back and make sure that your page count remains the same, and that your page designs are consistent.
  • Exact Page Counts: Each page of your PDF equals a page in your book. Counting the total number of pages in your manuscript is important (even the blank pages), because that will determine the size of the spine when you create your Book Cover PDF file.
  • Pagination: There should be an even number of pages in your book, otherwise your book will require (and end on) a blank page. Left-hand pages should be even numbered, and right-hand pages should be odd numbered. You can find more information about this at how to properly paginate your book. New chapters usually start as right-hand pages. If the preceding page ends on the right, then you will need to insert a blank page between it and the new chapter page, forcing the new chapter page to fall on the right.
  • The Size of Your Page: You will make the page to the size you chose for your book. If you have images or graphics that will bleed off the page, the image should extend beyond the page size by .125″. Please ensure that you save your pdf to include bleeds.
  • Margins: These no-print zones around the edge of each page, must be consistent on the top and bottom of each page. However the side margins change depending on whether it’s a right or left-hand page. That’s because the margin that butts up to the inside binding edge of the book needs to be .125″ wider than the margin that runs along the outside edge of the book. If you click on the graphics below you can enlarge them for a better look.
  • Recommended Margins: We recommend a .75″ margin around all the outside edges of each page. That means the inside binding edge of the page should be .875″. These are the minimum margin sizes you should use. If you prefer a larger margin around the page, just remember that the inside binding edge should be .125″ wider than the other edges in order for the page to look correct and centered.

  • Building Files in MS Word: If you are creating your interior page file in Microsoft Word, the Paper tab will allow you to adjust the page size to your desired trim size. Then, to set margins, click the Page Layout tab to view the margins. Start by choosing the “Custom Margins” option, and the “Page SetUp” box will appear.

  • Graphic Files: All images should be 300 dpi (dots per inch) for optimal reproduction. Below this, and your images are likely to look grainy, pixelated and blurry.

  • Color and Black and White: The document should be saved in CMYK. Any color images should be saved in CMYK. Black and white images should be saved in grayscale mode.

  • Type Fonts: All fonts must be embedded.
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One Book at a Time 100-Year Guarantee

We guarantee that your high-quality One Book at a Time hardback or paperback will last for 100 years from date of printing or we will replace it. This applies to any book of any size except saddle-stitched items and pamphlets under 10 pages. This guarantee applies to the production quality of the binding, glued endpapers and interior pages. If we deem that the book has received especially negligent treatment or water damage this guarantee does not apply.

To report a book that needs replacement call 1-888-416-7667, or write us by sending an email along with a photo of the book to OrderDesk@OneBookPub.com or mail the damaged book to One Book at a Time / Guarantee, 4680 Belt Line Road, Addison, TX 75001. A replacement book will be sent back to you within 30 days.