HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO PRINT MY BOOK?
There are several stages in the printing process from the time you place your order: Pre-flight; Digital soft proof emailed; Sample book production/approval; Revisions (if necessary); and Final production.
Pre-Flight
The first stage of the process is reviewing the files you send to us to determine if they are press-ready. A PDF soft proof will then be sent to you, along with the results of the pre-flight. This process normally takes two to three working days.
Click here for more information on “press-ready.”
Sample Book, Approval to Print
If your book is determined to be press-ready, no additional changes should be needed. Once you approve the PDF soft proof, your sample book will be produced and sent to you for your final approval.
Revisions (if necessary)
If your file is not press ready, the process will take longer. If you need additional services such as formatting, cover design, text correction, etc. we will quote the amount of time and cost needed to complete those services prior to the creation of your sample book.
Note that if you choose to make the changes needed in order to make the book press-ready, there will be a fee each time we process a new file.
Once the sample proof book is complete, we will send it to you via FedEx Ground. It may take anywhere from 1-5 days to get to you, depending on where you are in relation to St. Louis, MO. If you want your proof faster, you can request that we arrange for expedited shipping for an additional charge.
Final Production
This process will take 10-12 working days (for small runs of perfect bound books) after we have received your Print Authorization Form. We ship your completed order by FedEx Ground or other agreed upon shipping method unless you agree to pay more for expedited delivery.
Please allow 1-5 days from the day we ship to the day you actually receive your shipment.
CAN YOU HELP ME WITH MARKETING MY BOOK?
Our Publishing Consultants can work with you to determine what your exact needs, budget and preferences are. We offer a varied menu of services that will allow you to pick the materials that will work best for you, your book and your audience.
DO YOU OFFER EBOOK CONVERSION AND DISTRIBUTION?
Yes. This is a fee-based service that depends on the size and complexity of the book. Your Publishing Consultant can give you more information about the final cost and turn around time.
Call 800-378-0378.
WHAT SIZES OF BOOKS AND TYPES OF BINDING DO YOU OFFER?
We offer both standard and custom sizes for books. Bindery options include Perfect Bound (softcover), Saddle Stitched, Coil, Wire-O and Casebound (hardcover) bindings.
If you can design it, we can probably print it. Certain sizes (5.5 x 8.5 for example) are the most economical and certain bindings have minimum or maximum page restrictions. Book designs that include custom processes (such as perforated pages) will add to the cost of your book.
DO YOU HAVE A PRINT ORDER MINIMUM?
Yes. Our minimum is 25 books. However, it is important to remember that small runs of books are generally more expensive per book than larger runs.
CAN GCG PLACE MY BOOK ON AMAZON?
Absolutely, we can get an Amazon Advantage account set up for you. Once the account is set up, the author is responsible for maintaining the site.
DOES GCG DISTRIBUTE MY BOOK?
If you require traditional distribution, GCG partners with Ingram Spark. We can handle order processing, payment and fulfillment through our online bookstore.
CAN I DO A SPLIT SHIPMENT?
Yes, you can split the shipment when you provide us with additional addresses. We do have a small fee to do this if the shipments are split to more than 2 locations.
HOW AND WHEN DO I PAY?
GCG will require a 50% down payment when the order is placed. The final invoice (remaining balance plus shipping) is billed when your order is complete and ready to ship.
Please note: final shipment will not be made until the total balance is paid.
WHAT IS THE GCG ONLINE BOOKSTORE AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Our online bookstore is a valuable fulfillment source for authors who print with GCG. Your customers can order your book anywhere, at any time from our site or from a link on your website. GCG stores a small quantity of your books and fulfills each order in a timely fashion. Royalties will be sent to you at the end of each quarter.
HOW DOES GCG SHIP THE BOOKS?
Generally, we will ship your sample book and your final shipment FedEx Ground. If you need expedited service, we can arrange that as well for an additional fee. We can also use your carrier if you prefer.
WHAT OTHER COSTS ARE INVOLVED?
Your quote will detail the costs involved based on the requirements you discussed with your Publishing Consultant. Assuming the order goes as planned, there should be no additional charges. However, often the project changes mid-stream for a multitude of reasons. Any additional charges will be detailed and we will not proceed without your agreement to the charges for additional work.
CAN I CHOOSE AN ONLINE PROOF INSTEAD OF A PRINTED PROOF FOR A QUICKER TURNAROUND?
While we do use a PDF soft proof as an initial proof early in the process, before we go to print, we strongly recommend that you review a hard copy. The reason is simple. We want to be sure the project gets done right. There are too many things that can go wrong electronically between the design and print process. We want you to see an actual hardcopy proof before we print the entire job. If expedited service is necessary, we will overnight proofs to speed up the process.
WHAT ARE THE STANDARD TRIM SIZES FOR A BOOK?
Our standard trim sizes are 5.5 x 8.5, 6 x 9, 7 x 10 and 8.5 x 11. We can print custom sizes including 4 x 6 chapbooks as well. Talk to your Publishing Consultant about your size preferences and possible alternatives.
IF I HAVE A TIGHT DEADLINE, CAN I GET MY BOOKS RUSHED?
Yes! In the event of a RUSH, be sure to confer with your Publishing Consultant so a realistic timeline can be developed. A Rush Fee will be applied.