Bookbinding
1. Does rebinding an old book lessen the value?
When a book needs rebinding the value is reflected by it's current condition. In other words, the value has decreased because it is in the condition that requires repair. Rebinding will bring the value of the book much closer to that of the same book in it's original binding, but seldom to the same level.
2. How long does it take to get a book rebound?
It depends on the time of year and the current work load. Generally, allow 6-8 weeks for rebinding or restoration work. We are flexible and can usually work with you for special events and deadlines. We also offer a special rush service.
3. How much does restoration cost?
There is no set price for restoration work due to the wide variety of books and the scope of work required. We will be happy to examine your book and provide you with a no-obligation quote.
4. Can I use my current printing company and have my books bound at Mechling Bookbindery?
Yes, we work closely with printing companies and publishers. Tell them you want your books bound here.
Printing
1. What is the difference between digital printing and offset printing?
Digital printing uses dry toner or ink cartridges to image directly from a computer, usually with a bubble-jet or laser process. Offset printing is conventional printing using a printing press and the lithographic process. A plate is produced with the image to be printed. This plate is installed on the printing press and is wet with solution, inked, then the image is transferred to the paper. Generally, digital printing is the most economical way to print small quantities while offset printing is best utilized for longer print runs. Both methods produce high quality imaging.
2. What is the smallest quantity of books I can have printed?
One! Yes, we can do as few as one book. Prices per book, however, are drastically reduced as the quantity of books printed increases.
3. How long does it take to get a book printed?
This is not an easy question to answer because it depends on a number of factors. If we must provide layout and design, for example, it will take longer than it would if we received the book in the finished state. Time of year and current workload are also considerations. Generally, though, most books can be completed in 3-6 weeks.
4. Can I scan my own photographs?
Yes, most scanners are able to produce a decent quality photo image providing the scanner settings are correct. Images that look good on your monitor are not always print quality. We are happy to work with you to get the best quality from your files. We also provide the scanning service if you want the maximum quality from your photographs.
5. Are photographs copied on a color or black-and-white copier or printed out on my printer able to be used?
NO! Never. The quality of the image is lost and poor reproduction will result. For the best quality you must scan original photographs.
6. Can I use photographs taken from internet sites?
In most cases you cannot use images placed on the web. To shorten loading time when viewing, most websites have images that have been reduced by resizing and lowering the resolution. Some sites may have downloadable files that are high resolution that may be fine for reproduction. You must also be careful that you have permission to use material taken from websites. Copyright laws do apply to website content.
Publishing
1. What is the difference between publishing and self-publishing?
When you have a book published, the publisher finances the printing, distribution and marketing of your book. You do not have any money invested at all. The publisher owns the books and makes all decisions on pricing and marketing. You are paid a royalty for every book sold.
Self-publishing means YOU become the publisher. You pay for the books and do all the selling. You also get to keep the profits.
2. How do I get my book published?
You must find a publisher interested in your work. Small publishers often specialize in a particular field and are only interested in publishing books on that subject. At Mechling Bookbindery we are only interested in publishing books on western Pennsylvania, especially history and genealogy. Although we may not be interested in the subject matter of your book, we will be happy to produce your self-published work.
3. What does it cost to have a book published?
If we accept you manuscript for publishing you will not have any money invested at all. We will pay the cost of printing, binding and marketing the books and you will receive a royalty on every book sold.
4. How can I get an ISBN number for my book?
If we are publishing your book, we will assign an ISBN number and an LOC (Library of Congress) number. We will also provide a bar code. If you are self-publishing you will need to apply and purchase an ISBN number on your own. Click here to go the their website. www.ISBN.org
5. How do I register my book with the Library of Congress?
You can register on your own or we can do it for you. The cost to have us do the registration is $25 plus we must send a copy at no charge. The fee we charge is for the paperwork and shipping cost of the book.
6. Do I need a copyright for my book?
Not really, although you can apply for a copyright. You can simply add the copyright symbol, date and the name of the copyright owner to the back of the title page. This gives you legal copyright, but some people prefer to make the application.
7. How do I apply for a copyright?
You must make an application to the Library of Congress and pay a fee.
8. Do I need a barcode and how do I get one?
Barcodes are only necessary if you intend to sell your books to bookstores that require a barcode for retail scanning. Many bookstores will take your books even if it doesn't have a barcode. We can provide you with the barcode. The fee is $25.
9. Can I use copyrighted material?
Material published prior to the 1970's could be granted a 37 1/2 year copyright. It could be renewed for one additional term of 37 1/2 years or a total of 75 years. Basically, anything copyrighted more than 75 years ago is now public domain. Public Domain means that it is now free to anyone to use for any purpose in part or in whole without penalty or fees. Anyone who then uses that material may copyright the part or whole of it as their own however, only that version or printing of the work will be copyrighted, not the original. In other words, I can reprint a public domain book and add my copyright. You cannot copy MY book to reproduce it, but anyone can still copy and use material direct from the original.
Computer Files
1. What type of files can you accept?
Acceptable file formats include: Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel, Works (saved as Word file), WordPerfect, Adobe PageMaker, Photoshop, Acrobat, RTF text files, Quark.
2. What file types can I send for printing?
We can only use PC files, not Mac. For text documents, you can save as text or .doc files depending on the program you are using. For image files (photographs) save as Photoshop .EPS or PSD files. We can also use .TFF files. JPG files are mostly used for the internet and can be used but generally not with pleasing results.
