How do I Create a PDF File?
The recommended program to use is Adobe Acrobat Distiller to create a PDF file. If you do not plan to purchase Acrobat Full Version, there are other PDF creation tools, such as CutePDF, PDF995, DeskPDF (www.Docudesk.com), etc. (Check the internet for others. There are lots and I don’t support or endorse any–my disclaimer.)

(The following guide is based on Adobe Acrobat Distiller. Check your user manual for equivalent instructions.)

Where to configure the PDF job options in Acrobat Distiller?
If you have the full version of Adobe Acrobat installed, open Acrobat Distiller from All Programs (PC) or Applications (Mac), click Settings top menu, then click Edit Adobe PDF Settings to access the PDF job settings screen.

What is the resolution I need to set up in Acrobat Distiller?
Creating the PDF file for manuscript at 600 dpi (Dot Per Inch) resolution in Acrobat Distiller is usually enough for commercial printing. However, any color images or photos embedded in the manuscript should be created or scanned at 300 dpi. Or more, but not less.
The PDF file for full-color cover can be created at 300 dpi. Or more, but not less.

How do I set up the correct page size in Acrobat Distiller?
Open Acrobat Distiller, click Settings, select Edit Adobe PDF Settings. When the General settings are displayed, change the default page size from Letter size to custom size, such as 6″ x 9″, 5.5″ x 8.5″ or 4.25″ x 7″.  Remember to set your document with proper margins before creating your PDF (see Proper Margins Settings).

Are there any specific rules I can follow to avoid any possible issues in printing?
Please follow some of the guidelines below to create the PDF:
· Set the conversion resolution at 600 DPI for manuscript and 300 dpi for cover.
· Use High for color or grayscale image compression quality settings.
· Embed all fonts.
· Make sure the “Subset embedded fonts when percent of characters used is less than 100%” is unchecked.
· Do not use LZW compression. The LZW compression will cause the image interpreted as multiple pieces that lead to white lines printed in the final copy.
· Remove All fonts from the Never embed list.
· For manuscript, please make the PDF compatible to Acrobat 6.0 (PDF 1.5). For cover file, make the PDF compatible to Acrobat 8.1 (PDF 1.7) or under.

This is the final on making a high resolution PDF. If after you’ve read these blogs and would still like a little help in making your PDF, give me a call on the phone or email me and we’ll talk it through. (801) 860-2665 brian@sunrisebooks.com

Are all PDFs created equal? NO! There are several different levels of PDF. There are 3 or 4 main levels and each is (or should be) used for different things.
What are the 3 (or 4) basic levels of PDF? (These may have different names, but you’ll see the similarities.)

Screen: Fast loading, low resolution, light, great and wonderful for viewing on your “Screen” or monitor only. Often used as a quick proof that is easily sent via email. Gather around the monitor to look at but don’t print this and pass to the boss for approval, it’s not built for printing and may not work.

Print: Medium level of resolution. Can travel via internet and works alright with a desktop laser or inkjet printer—this is the one to print as a proof for the boss to sign.

Press: High Quality. Built for printing at a Press. If configured correctly, can include the fonts and graphics your press will need to print. The best type of press this works on is a digital press where if there are any RGB graphics that have not been converted to CMYK the on-board converter should take care of it.

Pre-press: Highest Quality. This is a large, complete file containing all the data needed in offset printing including: fonts, CMYK color spectrum, graphics, pictures, bleeds, the kitchen sink, etc.

(The final segment on PDFs in PDF 301!)

PDF…sounds nasty! What does it mean?
PDF is an acronym for Portable Document Format (or file).
Why do you (or I) want a PDF?
It’s portable. If done correctly, your “portable file(s)” can be sent anywhere for any reason; to an executive for proofing to the press for printing. It can even be in a country on the other side of life.
I’ve written my book in a word processing program. Can you take it “as is”?
Yes, but in a nutshell, word processors are what I called “cousin friendly”. You may have a Canon inkjet printer, and your cousin may have an HP laserjet printer. The thinking of a word processor is that it’s better that your document reflow and reformat for your cousin’s printer and print something than not be able to print anything. This is a nightmare at press because we won’t have your printer to print 1000 books on—that’s why you’re coming to us. Your work around is for you to create a PDF while connected to your printer using the highest setting possible. Look at it! Approve your own proof before sending it to us. What you see is what we’ll see. We still proof it to you, but it should look exactly as you saw it before you sent it to us.

(Watch for more on PDF creatin’ in PDF 201.)

Why Self-Publish… This is a complex subject with as many different reasons as writing styles. Here are just a couple to toss around.

Some authors want a traditional publisher who will bear all the expense of making and marketing their book and pay them a royalty for each book sold (while they get back to more of the fun stuff—writing). Here are some things to ponder: Does the author lose any important decision-making rights? Will the publisher add to or take away from their story? Can the publisher legally add a “hot sell” scene that doesn’t reflect the author’s standards? Is the cover the one the author envisioned? What if the editor doesn’t know the subject of the book? What credentials does the editor have? How experienced is the editor? What is the age of the editor? Who writes the back cover text?

There are many reasons to self-publish. When you Publish your books directly and sell them yourself, you are bypassing some of the individuals who take a slice of your pie. You can sell directly on Amazon and will not have to share any profits. With some price calculating, you can make a great profit on sales. The rights are yours—period. Bottom line, you have complete control over every aspect of your book—from editing through finished book. If you think you should have a matte laminate to soften the look and feel of the cover, you can. This is your book!

Self-publishing via short-run press or Print on Demand

How do you define Print on Demand (POD)? That definition is exactly what we are. What you want, when you want it. POD can mean you only print for the orders you have. This is extremely convenient and leaves you completely in control of your per book profit margin.

If you enjoy and want to maintain control of your project and bypass the publisher, then consider self-publishing and working with me instead of a traditional publisher.