Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some common questions we receive.  If you don't see your question here, just give us a call or email. We'll be happy to help. 
Toll free: 866-217-9740
Email: info@morrisprint.com

What is your minimum print run?

Do you offer any typesetting and cover design services?

My book is setup in Microsoft Word. Can I submit my publication in that file format?

What Electronic file types do you accept?

Where do I get my ISBN, Library of Congress, and Copyright info?

What is C1S cover stock?

Should I have my books shrink-wrapped?

What is a bleed, and why do you ask if there are any bleeds on the text pages of my project?

What does the acronym PPI stand for?

Do you use acid free paper?

My book binds along the short side. Can you do that type of binding?

What does the acronym PMS stand for?

What is a good page count for my book?

What are your standard trim sizes?

What is the difference between cover coatings; Lamination, UV Coating, and Varnish?

How should I provide my photos... as JPEG or TIFF files?

Do you manufacture children's board books?

Do you offer distribution or marketing services?

Can I get my book printed on recycled paper?

Where can I purchase a single ISBN number? R.R. Bowker (the ISBN agency) wants to sell me a block of numbers.

Q. What is your minimum print run?
A. We will produce as few as 100 books, but the larger your print run the lower the unit cost (price per book) will be. But we understand that sometimes you might not need more than 100 books.

Q. Do you offer any typesetting and cover design services?
A. We don't offer those services directly, but we can give you some recommendations of good qualified typesetters and designers that can assist you with file preparation.

Q. My book is setup in Microsoft Word. Can I submit it in that file format?
A. Microsoft Word is not a program we support. You will either need to convert your Word files to a print ready PDF (with all fonts and graphics embedded), or use another compatible file type. There is a free PDF program you might want to try for converting your Word files to PDF. Click the link for more information about Pdf995. 

Q. What Electronic file types do you accept?
A. We support current versions of the following applications on both Mac and PC. Adobe PageMaker, QuarkXPress, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia FreeHand, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat. If the software you are using to create your pages is not listed above, you can supply your files as PDF. Adobe has helpful information on creating PDF files from various software programs. You can search for yours in their customer support database at www.adobe.com.

Q. Can you print my project from an existing book rather than using electronic files?
A. Yes. We often get requests to scan hardcopy pages, or a copy of an existing book. Sometimes customers no longer have the original electronic files to submit. That's Ok. We can scan your text pages, and in most cases scan and recreate an existing book cover as well. Do keep in mind we will need to disassemble an existing book, so it will be destroyed in the process.  

Q. Where do I get my ISBN, Library of Congress, and Copyright information?
A. You can find more information about these topics by visiting our links page. 

Q. What is C1S cover stock?
A. C1S is an abbreviation for Coated One Side. C1S stock is the most commonly used cover stock on perfect bound books. C2S stock (coated two sides) is also available, and sometimes used for publications that have printing on the inside cover.

Q. Should I have my books shrink-wrapped?
A. Shrink-wrap is a cellophane like material. When heated it shrinks to fit snugly around a book. Books are shrink-wrapped prior to boxing and can be wrapped individually or in groups. We do recommend shrink-wrap for publications that use matte lamination and the cover prints in dark colored inks. Matte lamination is much more likely to scuff than is gloss lamination. The scuffing on matte lamination becomes considerably more noticeable on dark colored covers.

Q. What is a bleed, and why do you ask if there are any bleeds on the text pages of my project?
A. A bleed is a printed image that extends to, or very near, the edge of the text page. Depending on the trim size of your book, it could cost a little more to have bleeds on your text pages. A larger press sheet size may be needed to accommodate bleeds.

Q. What does the acronym PPI stand for?
A. Pages Per Inch. The spine bulk of a book is calculated by taking the total page count and dividing it by the PPI.

Q. Do you use acid free paper?
A. Yes... all the book manufacturing companies we work with use acid free papers.

Q. My book binds along the short side. Can you do that type of binding?
A.  Yes. We can do horizontal or landscape binding. Please specify your binding configuration when requesting a quote. The estimators will need to know if your book binds along the short side to quote the project accurately.

Q. What does the acronym PMS stand for?
A.  PMS stands for Pantone Matching System. This is a widely used system in the graphic arts industry for matching colors. There are hundreds of Pantone colors to choose from. A PMS book shows what a specific color will look like when printed on coated or uncoated stock.

Q. What is a good page count for my book?
A.  Ideally the most economical page count, for a project produced by offset printing, is one that is divisible by 16 or 32. That would allow your book to be produced in full signatures. As long as your page count is divisible by 4 that will work too. For digitally printed books the page count just needs to be divisible by 2. There are minimum page count requirements for certain types of binding. Give us a call, or email us specific questions regarding your page count.

Q. What are your standard trim sizes?
A. Most common trim sizes are 5.5 x 8.5, 6 x 9, 7 x 10 and, 8.5 x 11. These sizes also fit best in standard shipping cartons that most book manufacturers stock. We can do a wide variety of sizes. You aren't limited to the ones listed above.

Q. What is the difference between cover coatings; Lamination, UV Coating, and Varnish?
A.  Lamination - is a very durable film that is applied to covers and dust jackets to prevent ink from scuffing and creates a very nice finished look. Lamination is applied using heat and pressure. Lamination is available in gloss and matte finish. Keep in mind that matte lamination is more likely to scuff than gloss lamination. Scuffing is especially visible on dark colors.

UV Coating - is a liquid coating process and potentially scuffs more easily than lamination.

Varnish - is an inexpensive coating that is applied mainly to seal ink and expedite the drying process of a printed press sheets. We do not recommend this coating as it provides little protection against scuffing or scratching.

Q. How should I provide my photos... as JPEG or TIFF files?
A. TIFF format is the standard for most commercial and professional printing needs. We also recommend that all halftones and 4-color photos be scanned at a resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch).