Frequently Asked Questions

We have gained a considerable amount of experience over the years and because we are a small family firm we are able to guarantee our customers personal attention and flexibility.

What is the delivery time?

We allow 15 working days for the entire process.

What is the procedure?

Week 1: During this week we prepare everything for printing.
Week 2: During this week we commence printing.
Week 3: This week is for the binder to create the finished book.

I’m pushed for time, what can you do?

The soonest that we are able to deliver is within 10 working days. Please note: in the event of an urgent order all files must be supplied correctly, therefore NO changes. We assume that the file can be processed immediately so that we can meet your planned deadline.

How should I supply my dissertation to you?

It is possible to supply your dissertation as open document, hardcopy or as a digital PDF/Postscript file.

What types of paper can I choose from?

You can choose from rough or smooth surface:
- Rough surface such as: 80/90 gsm WFO (Wood Free Offset paper) and 90 gsm Bioset (environmentally-friendly manufactured paper).
- Smooth surface such as: 90/100 gsm MC (Machine-Coated paper).

What type of paper is usually used for dissertations?

The choice of paper is a matter of personal taste.

What gram weights are most commonly used for dissertations?

A gram weight of 90/100 gsm is the most common. This weight has limited transparency and is not heavier than is necessary.

I would like to sub-contract the layout of my pages, is that possible?

We can layout the pages for you. If you have any questions then please contact us so that we can discuss this aspect with you.

I would like to sub-contract the layout of my cover, is that possible?

We have our own DTP department that can create the entire cover design for you for a small fee. Let us know your ideas and wishes or provide a mock-up from your own computer. We will always send you a PDF to proof.

Which programmes can I use for laying out my pages?

Layout programmes such as QuarkXpress and Indesign are excellent programmes for laying out your pages. Please contact us with regard to other programmes.

What is the best way of supplying my photographs?

The best way of supplying your photographs is as a digital file. If necessary we can process them for you. If you are supplying separate photographs then we will scan them and raster them, but this does incur additional costs!

What is the best way of supplying my colour images?

Make sure that the colour images are composed using CMYK with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. Supply as a TIFF or EPS file. Never use RGB images! If we have to convert RGB to CMYK, then the colours will not be the same.

I have used the Word word-processing package for my layout, can I just send you the file?

We prefer that you do not supply Word, WordPerfect or other word-processing files because there is the possibility that your layout will be lost on our computer. To resolve this problem you could create a PDF/Postscript file as a result of which everything will be protected and nothing can be lost.

Can I supply my dissertation on A4?

For quick processing it’s better to supply it in the final format , however, we are also able to undertake the size reduction. Please make sure that for the reduction you use a font size of at least 12 pt. and that lines are not thinner than 0.30 pt.

What programmes can I use to design my cover?

Layout programmes such as Photoshop, Illustrator, QuarkXpress or Indesign are excellent programmes for laying out your working drawing. Please note: the Photoshop programme applies a raster to your text. It would be better to layout the text using a different layout programme.

Can I specify the colours for the cover in the layout program?

You can specify the PMS colour in the layout program, however always select the colours from a PMS colour chart first because the colours from this chart are the same as the printing colours. Please note: the colours on your computer screen always deviate from the final printed matter.

How will the covers be finished?

The covers will be laminated. Laminate is a thin transparent synthetic film that is applied to protect the cover.

What types of laminate are there?

You can choose from gloss, matt or Linen Look laminate.

How will the books be delivered?

The books will be neatly packed in boxes and delivered FREE OF CHARGE to the specified address on the specified date.

How are the books finished?

All books will be stitch bound (sewn) by us as standard. This is a high-quality finish and guarantees a long ‘shelf life’.

I would like to have my book threadless bound, is that possible?

To save costs it is possible, however we always advise against this because after intensive use the pages will eventually come loose. The difference in cost compared to a stitched book is so small that it would be a shame to choose this method of finishing.