Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to include all fonts and graphics that are being utilized when sending my digital files to Fidlar Doubleday?
A: Yes,when sending digital files in any format other than PDF, all fonts and graphics must be included.

Q: At what Dots Per Inch do graphics and illustrations need to be?
A: At least 300 X 300.

Q: How do I calculate the spine for my cover?
A: The formula is: The number of pages divided by 2, times the paper stock weight plus .034, equals the spine width.

Stock weight: 20# (50#) = .0041
24# (60#) = .0046

Q: In what format do color files need to be ?
A: Colors should be in CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black-ink colors that are used in digital printing).

Q: At what distance do my text margins need to be set ?
A: Margins vary from book to book, but generally a half inch on every side and an extra quarter inch for the binding edge is a safe distance.

Q: What is the maximum size color job that Fidlar Doubleday can print?
A: 12'' x 19'' is the maximum. This usually means that the maximum for a perfect bound cover is 8.5'' when taking the spine width into consideration.

Q: What is a PDF file?
A: PDF stands for Portable Document Format. This is the preferred format for digital printers to print from. A PDF is a format that allows a document to be opened and printed by a Mac or a PC without changing the appearance of the document. When creating a PDF it is important to make sure that you embed all the fonts.

Q: What does embedding fonts mean?
A: Embedding means that the fonts are contained within the file and do not need to be sent as separate files. This is done when the PDF is created.

Q: What if all I have is a hard copy of my book and I do not have it in an electronic file format?
A: We can scan existing texts and covers. During the process of scanning a book the cover and binding are destroyed.

The final quality of the books that are subsequently printed is directly influenced by the shape of the original. There will be a degradation in quality in some cases (e.g. photographs) due to the process.

When in doubt please request a sample.

Q: Will the color of my digital cover be exactly the same as the image on my monitor or the output from my printer?
A: The colors will generally look the same but there can be differences.

The printed cover will approximate that of your monitor or printer but it will not be exactly alike. Displays (monitors) use a different imaging technology to display colors and characters. Desk top printers use different chemicals and can have different resolutions.

We make every effort to match what is sent to us. If you are concerned about this we will be happy to supply you with a cover proof prior to printing your order.

Q: Where can I find guidelines for book submissions?
A: You can get our guidelines in Adobe Acrobat PDF format on our website:
http://fidlar-doubleday.com/guidelines.html

Q: How can I automate the process of sending my Fulfillment orders?
A: We have a One Step Fulfillment system that you can use in our Clients Area. You can upload CSV files of your orders in one step. For more information see our pdf:

http://fidlar-doubleday.com/pdf_guidelines/fulfillment_CSV_orders.pdf

Fidlar Doubleday Contact us

Our customers have said: "We started Behler Publications in early 2004 with big dreams, great ideas and a lot to learn. We used two different printers for our first book. The first printer we considered sub-par and lacking in integrity. The second acted professionally but surprised us with extra charges. Eva Adams, of Fidlar Doubleday (FD), continued to show interest in us during these travails and ultimately we decided to give FD a try on our second title. Are we glad we did. FD and their entire staff have been nothing short of fantastic to us. Not only do they produce a superior product, they do it with a grace and sense of humor that has helped us tremendously during this growth period. When we realized our second title would not be out in time for the Chicago Book Expo, we asked FD for their help. Not only did they rush the order, they delivered copies of our book to me in Chicago. What service. Now, in mid-2004 we have five more titles with FD and look forward to many more. I can not stress how happy we are with this relationship and can highly recommend their services to anyone with printing needs." Fred W. Price, Jr.,Behler Publications, Lake Forest, CA