FAQ

What services does Morris Publishing provide?

We specialize in perfect-bound (paperback) books, but offer many other binding styles and options to meet your needs. We can print small orders of 100 books or large runs of up to 5,000 books. Design assistance is available for covers, but pages must be furnished press-ready.

What services are not provided?

We do not edit, proofread, typeset, or format pages. You must submit pages press-ready, meaning the pages are typeset within our specifications (PDF 416kb) and ready to print. Full-color printing is available for pages, but color cannot bleed.

How much will printing my book cost?

Not as much as you think. Your price per book is based on quantity, number of pages, binding style, and book options. Prices are provided up-front, so you can easily determine your cost. Contact us if you need a quote.

What is the difference between a printer and a publisher?

Traditionally, a publisher undertakes the production of a book from the manuscript stage all the way through marketing. A publisher generally pays printing expenses, helps edit and typeset the book, and markets or distributes the book, recouping the investment by taking a sizeable portion of profits. A printer (like Morris Publishing) simply prints the book. You are the publisher since you prepare the book, pay for the printing, market and distribute the book, and keep all profits.

How long does it take to print a book?

Our normal production time is 20 business days from the day after we receive your approved cover and text proofs. For an extra charge, you may use our RUSH service, which is 12 business days.

What page sizes and binding styles do you offer?

We print 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" and 8 1/2" x 11" sized books in perfect binding, plastic coil, and plastic comb. Contact us if you want a quote for hardbacks (with plastic comb binding only) or 3-Ring binders. We do not offer case-bound hardcover books with dust jackets.

What is a stock cover, and what are its limitations?

A stock cover is a full-color, in-house cover design which can be imprinted with your own wording. The back cover can be printed with book excerpts, line art, ISBN, bar code, and a black/white photo. Covers cannot be altered in any other way. A stock cover is FREE and is available for 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" sized books only.

What is the purpose of cover templates?

You may need help creating a professional cover design for your book. Perhaps you have photos or artwork you want to use but have little or no experience in design. Our cover templates and three design packages were created to assist in this process.

How do I know which Cover Design Package to use?

The Design Package you should choose is determined by your ink color choices, whether your photos or artwork require manipulation, and whether you need us to create original artwork.

Why is there a separate ink charge for a full-color custom cover?

Full-color covers require more ink and press time. The full-color ink charge is added to the base price of any book with a custom full-color cover.

Can interior pages be printed in full-color?

Pages printed in full-color are available for an extra charge. Bleeds are not allowed. Our base prices include black ink; therefore, photos and artwork are printed in black ink unless you request full-color printing of those pages.

How many photos can I include on interior pages?

There is no limit to how many photos you can include in your book, but there are photo printing charges. Photos can be printed in the same ink color you choose for your pages or in full-color. If we need to scan your photos and place them onto your pages, there will be additional charges. See Optional Features Pricing.

Why is there a charge for a second proof?

Morris Publishing will send a FREE proof of your interior pages and cover so you can examine and approve your book before printing. Since interior pages must be furnished press-ready, pages should have already been proofed and edited by the author. There should be minimal or no corrections. Significant changes or corrections will require a new proof to ensure accurate production of your book.

What is an overrun?

All orders are subject to a 10% overrun or underrun and are shipped and billed accordingly. This is a standard printing trade custom. Overruns are caused by the endeavor of the printer to compensate for estimated spoilage so the specific quantity ordered can be delivered. If more than 10% are lost in spoilage, your order may be short some books. If spoilage does not occur, you could receive up to 10% over the original quantity ordered. You will be charged for the number of books you receive, which may not be the exact number you ordered, but it will never exceed 10% (maximum 50 books).

How do I obtain an ISBN? Can a bar code be created without one?

Morris Publishing is the printer of your book; you are the publisher. To register the book in your name, you must file for the ISBN; we cannot do it for you. Plan ahead since it may take several weeks to receive your ISBN. The fastest way to file is online at www.bowker.com. A fee is charged to receive an ISBN. A bar code is the ISBN transformed into a scannable image.

How do I submit my book to Morris Publishing?

1. Carefully proofread your pages (including titles, headers, footers, and front pages) multiple times and have several others proof it. Making changes after a proof has been sent to you will incur extra charges and cause delays. Take your time – don’t rush this process.

2. Make sure photos are scanned at the correct resolution and page margins and formats are correct (PDF 416K).

3. If you are furnishing a press-ready cover, use the correct template (PDF 598K) and make sure it is formatted correctly.

4. Use the checklist included in the Publishing Kit to make sure you have submitted everything we need to begin processing your order. Complete the order form and send it to us with your material.

5. Read the Publishing Guide carefully and consult with our publishing consultants if you have any questions. We want you to be pleased with the results, and we are here to help.