How do I layout my book?

See Instruction Guide for Cover Layout, Page Layout and Full-Bleed

Margins and bleed measurements apply for ALL book sizes.

If your book is not the correct size, you must change your page size/document size. It will not work if you only change your margins. This may extend the 10-14 business day turnaround. Reformatting is something you must do before you send us your files. 300 dpi please.

What file formats do you accept?

We accept files in .tiff, .jpg, .pdf formats only. The file should be saved as a 300 DPI file. If the file was created with a program using layers (e.g Photoshop, InDesign, etc.), then the file needs to be flattened before sending it to us.

If you don't have your file in those formats, there are Free utilities which can convert most common file types into .pdf format (see next FAQ), so that you can see how it will look on the actual page.

Special Note for files created in PowerPoint -- PowerPoint defaults to 72 DPI which gives low-resolution images not suitable for printing a high-quality book. In PowerPoint 2003 and later versions, Microsoft provides instructions on how to change your system registry to be able to save files in 300 DPI. This is not for the novice user. Microsoft warns that serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. An alternative would be to re-work your PowerPoint file with another tool which easily supports 300 DPI, such as Photoshop.

How to create a PDF file to send to UBuildABook

Even though we accept files in 3 different formats (PDF, JPG, TIF), the safest and most error-free method is to create a PDF file to send us. We have four recommended alternatives for creating a PDF file:

1. Many programs have the ability to save your file as a PDF file. Some of these programs are InDesign, Illustrator, MS Publisher 2007, MS Word 2007, etc. Earlier versions of MS Word or MS Publisher require a file conversion utility (see #2 below) to convert file to a PDF file.
2. Get a free trial of Primo.pdf Creator (for PC Users only). When running the PrimoPDF conversion and the process requests PDF Settings, select the "Prepress Setting", which will give the highest quality picture.
3. If you have the full Adobe Acrobat program, you can use that to create PDF files. If you do not have this program you can download a free trial which will enable you to create a PDF file.
4. Get a free trial of Adobe's Online Conversion Service.

NOTE: If your file was created with a program which uses layers, please FLATTEN your 300 dpi .pdf and .Tiff files since they create huge file sizes and long uploads / downloads when you do not flatten.

How to make your U Build A Book File "Print Ready"( click for information)

What is your turnaround time?

We have a 10-14 business day turnaround as long as the following are taken into account:

• The proof must be approved before the 10-14 day turnaround time goes into effect
• Shipping is not included in our turnaround
• If we need to retouch or reformat your files at all, this time is not included in the turnaround
• We need a complete and signed order form and your files, before we will begin working on your order

Can I get a proof?

If you order more than 25 books, we will send you a physical proof at no additional charge.

If you order less than 25 book, we can send you a fully-bound proof book for a $39.00 setup fee plus the cost of the book.

What is a page (for double-sided printing)?

 The term "page" is confusing since it can mean two different things when referring to double-sided printing: a page or a sheet. 

We count pages as the page numbers normally run.  Each sheet in the book has two pages, one on each side; in fact, each sheet has two pages even if one of them is blank. There are twice as many pages as there are sheets.  If the pages in a book are numbered from 1 to 250, then there are 250 pages in the book and 125 sheets.  It's really confusing to us when you ask for a quote with a page description of "320 pages printed on both sides".  To us that means 320 pages (160 sheets) and they are not blank on the back.  If you mean 640 pages when you say this, we won't get your quote right for you.

I want a Novel size book.  Do I have to format it?  

It needs to be reformatted into a Novel Size page format. You can re-format it before you send it to us or we can edit it for you at our standard editing fee. Editing is based on an hourly rate and may change from project to project. Editing will extend the 12-14 business day turnaround.

I need an ISBN Number and Barcode. What should I do?  

See our information page for ISBN Number Registration and Barcodes.

How do I register my copyright and get a Library of Congress Number?  

See our information page for Copyright Registration.

What is the largest dimensions I can make a book?

12" x 12 " square is the largest custom size book we can make in both hard and soft cover. 8.5"x11" is the largest standard size book we make.

How do we ensure that we are not charged for color pages when we have Black & White pages?
How do we convert our pages to Grayscale?

If you are scanning an image/page, select the “Scan as Grayscale” option to ensure that the image will be saved without any color.

If you already have an image/page and want to ensure that the image/page will be saved without any color, you will need to convert it to Grayscale, a common option in image editing software. When converting an image/page to grayscale, all the color is replaced with shades of gray.

Here are some common programs, and their options, which can be used to convert an image/page to grayscale:

• Adobe Acrobat Pro: Advanced > Print Production > Convert Colors
• Adobe Photoshop: Image > Mode > Grayscale
• Adobe Photoshop Elements: Image > Mode > Grayscale (say OK when asked "Discard Color Information?")
• Jasc Paint Shop Pro: Colors > Grey Scale
• Corel Photo-Paint: Image > Convert to... > Grayscale (8-bit)

Why is important to know the difference between RGB and CMYK?

Scanners and digital cameras create images using combinations of just three colors: Red, Green and Blue (called "RGB"). These are the primary colors of light, which computers use to display images on your screen. Printing presses print full color pictures using a different set of colors, the primary colors of pigment: Cyan (blue), Magenta (red), Yellow and Black (called "CMYK"). This is "4-color process" or "full-color" printing that comprises the majority of magazines and marketing materials you see every day. At some stage your RGB file must be translated to CMYK in order to print it on a printing press.

If possible, you should work in the CMYK color space when creating your files. However, if you have created your files in RGB, leave them in RGB when sending them to us. When we convert from RGB to CMYK, we use a conversion which will be specific to our printing press. If you convert from RGB to CMYK, you will get a generic conversion.

For more information on CMYK vs. RGB, click here.

Where can I get stock photos and clip art to use in my book?

If you don’t have your own images and/or you are looking for new ones, check out public domain, royalty free graphics web sites or subscription graphics online services that charge a membership fee for unlimited graphics downloads.

Here are some helpful links:

• http://www.istockphoto.com/
• http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/
• http://www.freefoto.com/browse
• http://www.pdphoto.org/
• http://search.creativecommons.org/
• http://www.clipart.com/en/

What ICC profile should I use?

The use of ICC profiles are for Advanced Color Management requirements. See our ICC Profile Information page to get the ICC profile we typicaly use for our printers.

How do I order and send you my files?

We have three easy ways to order and to send us your files.

To order:

1. Fill out the on-line order form and submit it on-line

2. Print out the on-line order form and fax it to us at 805-383-7271

3. Print out the on-line order form and mail it to us at:

   UBuildABook, LLC
   5217 Verdugo Way
   Suite F
   Camarillo, CA 93012

To send us your files:

1. Upload your .PDF files or your zipped and flattened (if needed) 300 dpi .Jpeg, or .Tiff files to dropbox.yousendit.com/UBuildABook


2. Mail us a CD/DVD/Flash Drive with your files, along with the accompanying order form

For further questions, please call 1-866-909-3003