FAQs

As a printer and not a publisher, IndieAuthorPrintOnDemand does not provide ISBNs. You will need to obtain the ISBN number. This is a pretty simple process. You can purchase your ISBN from Bowker Identifier Services, the official ISBN Agency for publishers physically located in the United States.

To help keep costs down we offer customer support via email only. We don't offer phone support. If you haven't done so already please contact us and one of our customer support agents will reply as soon as possible.

Why We Exist

We believe at the core of every person is the need to tell a story, teach a lesson, make a difference. Our purpose is to teach authors how to write well, craft a book, and get their message in front of people. IndieAuthorPrintOnDemand.com is a part of that purpose. We provide a portal for indie authors to archive their books, and print whenever is necessary, with quality and excellence.

Professional Experience

We have been serving authors in various capacities for more than twenty-five years through ghostwriting, editing, layout, design; with special care taken in printing and distribution. We understand the independent publishing industry doesn’t always deliver on their promises and we strive to be different. At IndieAuthorBookServices.com, we promise no convoluted schemes, no hidden contracts, and no small-print surprises. We will tell you the truth even if we know it won’t make you happy, and when we make a mistake, we own up to it and we make things right.

Engaged in Future Thinking

We pledge to continue changing as we bridge technology and innovation with solid experience to help you navigate through the rapidly-changing publishing landscape and get your message heard.

What are Production Days?
The Production Days includes time for printing, cutting and finishing. It does not include shipping transit time.

Our production week is from Monday through Friday, excluding federal US holidays observed.

In your Product-Calculator you will find a heading "Shipping Cost Estimation".
There you can find a "Estimated ship date" including production + shipping.

We are calculating estimated ship date like

total required production days
+ total required shipping days
= estimated ship date.

Note : We are excluding weekends and common holidays.

Sometimes printed images will look darker than what was seen on screen. What causes this? Here are some common reasons:

Is your screen set too bright?

• An image viewed on your computer's monitor will most always look brighter than the same image printed on paper. That's because monitors have light shining through them, unlike the printed page.
• If your monitor's brightness is set too high, your images will look brighter than they really are. Try turning down your monitor to about 50% of its maximum brightness for a more realistic view.

Are your original images dark?

• Underexposure: your camera settings may have caused the image to be underexposed.
• Flash: the camera's flash may not have fired when it should have or just wasn't powerful enough to properly light the entire scene.

You can have one of Indie Author Print On Demand professional book designers create a cover and format your manuscript for you, For more information on our design services, click here and select " Help with getting started with publishing "

Use the 200% test

Images may look fine from a distance or when viewed on a camera or phone but only a close-up view can reveal certain flaws. You can use a photo-viewing program to zoom in on your image at 200% and see how the quality looks. (If you’re uploading a PDF to Blurb, you can also zoom in on the PDF at 200%). This is a useful check for any image, but we especially recommend that you perform this 200% test on any images you convert from other sources, like a PDF or Word document or any scanned content.

How to zoom to 200%

On a Mac: zoom in with Preview and follow these instructions. On Windows: using the Windows Photo app or Photo Viewer, follow the steps below to zoom in on an image. To change the magnification level gradually, in Filmstrip or Single view, use the Zoom sliderPicture1.png To view a picture at a specific percentage, in Filmstrip or Single view, click the arrow next to the Zoom box Picture2.png on the Standard toolbar, and select the setting you want PDF files

You can do the same 200% test to preview a PDF before you upload it. To view your PDF we recommend using Acrobat Reader.

A print-ready PDF file is the preferred file type.  Print-ready PDF files process successfully for output without further intervention or manipulation.

For complete information, please refer to our File Preparation Guidelines for instructions and tips on:

• Resolution
• Color Space
• Fonts
• Image Sizes
• Page Layout
• Bleeds

We have provided steps for exporting or saving as a print-ready PDF from many of the popular design programs, and other software you may be using.

Indesign

InDesign

1. When setting up your file use the InDesign Preflight feature to ensure an error free design. This feature is turned on by default and found at the bottom of the screen. Or choose Window > Output > Preflight to open the error panel. Below is an example of a text error.

2. When ready to create a print-ready PDF and your error panel is green for no errors, choose File > Export.
3. Specify a name and location for the file. Then choose Adobe PDF (Print) (*.pdf) as the Save as type or File Type.
4. Choose the Adobe PDF Preset setting [High Quality Print].
5. Then on the left side click on Marks and Bleeds and uncheck All Printer’s Marks and check Bleeds Use Document Bleed Settings (make sure these are set to .125).
6. Click Export.

Illustrator

1. Choose File > Save As or File > Save A Copy.
2. Specify a name and location for the file. Then choose Adobe PDF (*.PDF) as the file format and click Save.
3. In the field Adobe PDF Preset choose “Press Quality”
4. Then on the left side click on Marks and Bleeds and uncheck All Printer’s Marks and check Bleeds Use Document Bleed Settings (make sure these are set to .125).
5. The rest of the tabs can be left with default settings.
6. Click Save PDF.

Photoshop

1. Choose File > Save As.
2. Specify a name and location for the file. Then choose Photoshop PDF as the Save as type or File Type and click save.

3. In the Save Adobe PDF dialog box, choose the Adobe PDF Preset setting “Press Quality”.
4. Click Save PDF.

Images

Images can be uploaded as images or converted to PDF using Photoshop or Adobe Acrobat or Distiller.

1. Jpeg – use Photoshop or Adobe Acrobat to convert to PDF file
2. Gif – use Photoshop or Adobe Acrobat to convert to PDF file
3. Png – use Photoshop or Adobe Acrobat to convert to PDF file
4. EPS – can be distilled using Acrobat Distiller to a PDF file

Microsoft Word

1. Choose File Print.
2. Select “Adobe PDF” as the printer and click on Printer Properties.
3. In the pop-up window click on the Adobe PDF Settings tab.
4. In Default Settings choose High Quality Print.
5. In Adobe PDF Page Size, select the appropriate size.
6. Uncheck “Rely on system fonts only; do not use document fonts”.
7. Click on the Layout tab to change the page orientation.
8. Click OK.

Microsoft PowerPoint

1. First, make sure your slide is designed to the correct size for your printing needs. To adjust the slide size go to “Design” > “Slide Size” > “Custom Slide Size”.
2. Choose File Print.
3. Select “Adobe PDF” as the printer and click on Printer Properties.
4. In the pop-up window click on the Adobe PDF Settings tab.
5. In Default Settings choose High Quality Print.
6. In Adobe PDF Page Size, select the appropriate size.
7. Uncheck “Rely on system fonts only; do not use document fonts”.
8. Click on the Layout tab to change the page orientation.
9. Click OK.

We recommend at least 300 dpi but less than 1200 dpi for optimal print output. It is important that you use images that are natively large - high resolution - so they will not "pixelate" when reproducing.

When you upload your file(s) on Printshop USA if any of your images are low resolution you will see a warning symbol (left picture). If your image is an acceptable (high) resolution you will see a green check-mark (right image).

You must add bleeds to your artwork, and it is best to setup your bleed space at the very beginning of your design process.

A bleed is typically an 1/8" border that extends beyond the trim area of your printed piece.  It is also important to keep text or other important parts of your image at least 1/4" away from the paper edge, or the trim line, to prevent accidental cropping.

The image below shows the crop marks (cut line) as the dotted lines. On the left, the image has not been extended beyond the doted line so when the product is cut it will have a white border all the way around. On the right, the image extends beyond the crop marks so the image will "bleed" all the way off the page.

Spine Calculator

Locate your inside page stock on the table below and multiply your page count by the fraction listed.

Add a space of this width between the front and back covers in your cover file.

Pages vs. Sheets
A single sheet of paper has 2 sides, a front and a back side. A sheet folded in half gives you 4 numbered pages.

Counting Pages
To determine the number of pages, count every sheet side (each sheet has 2 sides) and all blank pages.

Your page count must be divisible by 2 for coil books and by 4 for saddle stitch and perfect bound products. If you file is not divisible by the appropriate number, blank pages will be added. We encourage you to add the blank(s) to your file to ensure placement is to your liking. 

No. We do not proof read documents created by its customers prior to processing. Please preview your designs carefully and correct any mistakes prior to placing your order.

An order may not be canceled once it is "In Production". If the order is still in the preflight or proofing stage, it may be canceled subject to the following fees, when applicable:

• Orders placed, paid for, and then canceled will be subject to a cancellation fee of 3.5% of the full order amount

Please contact us at  our contact page and enter a support ticket and we will assist you.

• Proofing: There are 3 proofing options:
  • Soft Proof = When you upload your file(s) a digital preview will be generated. It is your responsibility to carefully look over this preview and verify this digital proof.
  • PDF Soft Proof = We will email you a PDF of all pages of your product showing crop marks. There is a fee for this option. Production does not start until the proof has been approved. This will extend your expected delivery date.
  • Hard Proof = A physical printed copy of your book can be mailed to you for verification. There is a fee for this option. Production does not start until the proof has been approved. This will extend your expected delivery date.
• Cover Coating:  We suggest that covers have some coating applied to them to increase their durability.  We offer both Gloss and Matte lamination.
  • Lamination = A clear plastic film which is bonded to the cover stock post print process
• Printing:  We have digital, inkjet, and offset printing options.
• Bind Types:  We offer multiple binding options to complete your book.
  • Saddle-Stitch = The printed sheets are folded in half and stapled in the middle – the spine. This bind type is best for books with 76 body/inside pages or less.
  • Perfect Bind = The pages are stacked and the cover is glued around the body pages. This bind type is best for books with 40 pages or more.
  • Coil Bind = also known as spiral binding, plastikoil, plastic coil, and coilbind. The cover and body pages are punched, and a plastic coil is inserted through the holes to bind the pages together.  Finished documents lay flat and fold back 360 degrees. We use plastic because it is more durable and visually appealing than the standard wire coil found on school notebooks. This bind type is good for most page counts.

If you need additional help, please contact one of our customer service experts at 1-877-369-8058 or support@print-shop-usa.com.

We offer offset, digital, and inkjet printing solutions. The best print process for your chosen product and specifications will be used to produce the highest quality printed material for both text and image.

We offer instant online pricing. As you make production choices (quantity, paper stock, etc.), enter ship to location, and choose your shipping option, the estimated total cost updates automatically.

We do our best to avoid unexpected charges after we have furnished a price quotation.  However, you could expect these types of additional charges based on your unique requirements:

• File Preparation Charges:  If you need additional file preparation work outside of our standard offering, you may be charged additional fees.  This would be shared with you and agreed upon before any file preparation work began.
• Expedited Charges:  If you need your order to ship before the requested turnaround time designated on your options form, you may be charged an expedited fee.  This would be shared with you and agreed upon before your order was produced.
• Shipping Charges:  If you need your order to ship outside of the standard shipping option included in your price quotation, you may be charged additional shipping fees.  This would be shared with you and agreed upon before your order was shipped.
• Tax Charges:  Depending on where your order is shipped, you might be subject to taxes based on government rules. Appropriate taxes and assessments will be added to the invoice and are the responsibility of the customer.

We currently accept the following sources of Credit Card payments through our Partner "Cybersource":

• Visa  (multi-currency options available)
• Mastercard   (multi-currency options available)
• American Express  (USD only)
• Discover  (USD only)
• PayPal   (multi-currency options available)

Our Payment processing security solutions provide a streamlined payment experience. Payment data is critical for us. Fortunately, with our payment processing security solutions from Cybersource, sensitive customer data bypasses our network entirely and is vaulted in secure Visa data centers.

Many independent authors, like yourself, have applied for tax exemption status with their local state tax authority, as you are "reselling" your books.

lndieAuhorPrintOnDemand cannot help you apply for tax exemption status, however if you have already applied with your local tax authority and have proof of tax exemption you can click on the Upload a Tax Certificate link below. If you do not have a certificate to upload but have received tax exemption status, you can follow the steps below to fill out a form.

But first some important information:

• lndieAuthorPrintOnDemand has partnered with Midland Information Resources, an Elanders group company, for the production and fulfillment of orders.
• Any orders placed with lndieAuthorPrintOnDemand prior to submitting your tax certificate to Midland will not be tax exempt.
• We will not offer any refunds, or credits for failure to submit your Tax certificate prior to placing an order.
• Please note that tax exemption status is based on the shipping destination, so for example if you are tax exempt in SC and want your order shipped to NY, you will be required to pay NY tax. You must have a tax exemption certificate for every state you want Midland to ship your order to.

Now, back to setting up tax exemtion with Midland Information Resources Company in 3 easy steps!

Step 1 Click the link button below, accept the Terms, then choose is you want to Add a certificate (created) or Upload one you have

Upload Tax Certificate

Step 2 Depending upon your selection in Step 1, upload a certificate or select the state and reason for exemption

Step 3 Fill in your company information

Our tax afilliate and our finance department will confirm, and setup your account as Tax Exempt for shipments to the sate(s) you loaded taxe exemption certificate(s) for.

Payment is collected at the time of order.

We require each order to be paid in full including all charges, taxes, and shipping fees before we begin an order.

For orders paid by credit card, the name associated with this charge shown on your credit card statement may vary depending on your credit card provider. It may be listed as Midland or Elanders. If you should have any questions, please contact us at miraccounting@elandersamericas.com