Comics
- What are the finish sizes of "standard" comics, magazines & digests?
Standard: 6.625" x 10.250" Magazine: 8.375" x 10.875" Digest: 5.500" x 8.500"
- Is extra image required to ensure that images bleed?
Yes. We require 1/8" additional image for bleeding.
- What dimensions should my files be for both bleed and non-bleed pages?
NON-BLEED BLEED Standard 6.625" x 10.250" 6.875" x 10.500" Magazine 8.375" x 10.875" 8.625" x 11.125" Digest 5.500" x 8.500" 5.750" x 9.000"
- What are bleed pages?
A bleed page is when the image intentionally runs off the page.
- Does it cost more to run a book with bleed pages?
For standard, magazine & digest size books, no there is no additional cost. For books whose sizing is different than those, it may cost more to run bleeds. Please inquire with a comic representative.
- To avoid cropping of image not intended to bleed, what do you suggest?
There are fluctuations during production that may require adjustments in fold or trim be made. Images that you simply can't tolerate being cropped or "lost" in the gutter (word balloons, artists names, text, characters faces, etc) should be inside the expected trim by a minimum of 1/4". Therefore, the optimal image area for non-bleed images, centered in the applicable overall page size, are:
Standard: 6.125" x 9.750" Magazine: 7.875" x 10.375" Digest: 5.000" x 8.000"
- How should I submit my project materials?
We are a computer to plate facility, therefore for us to produce your job, it must be in a digital format. The most economical way is for you to provide digital files in one of the formats we use (refer to Digital Questions). If you have art boards (4-color, black or grayscale), we can scan them into a digital format for a fee. The fee will include the costs of scanning and a proof. Once approved, and your job is completed, a copy of the scanned board files will be sent to you for future use or archival purposes.
- What if I have films? Can you use those?
We can currently use interior films, however prepress charges for imposing films would be applicable. All covers must be in a digital format, unless previously arranged. Please contact a comic representative with details for pricing information.
- Can Brenner Printing & Mailing output film or shoot traditional litho films?
No. We are no longer able to output films in house, nor do we have the ability to shoot films from a litho camera any longer. We are a computer to plate facility. If films are required, we have to send them to an outside source and additional charges would apply. Please contact a comic representative with details for information on current films pricing.
- What else is needed at the time I send in my job?
In addition to the actual materials to produce the job (files, boards, etc) the following items are needed:- A hardcopy of your project
- Specifications for the job to include (you can obtain a Print Specification
Sheet from this site):
- finish size
- quantity
- binding type
- number of interior pages (don't count the front cover, back cover, inside front cover or inside back cover as part of the interiors!)
- interior & cover stocks
- any special instructions such as foiling, additional cover versions
- a proof waiver if you will be declining viewing of a proof prior to printing
- physical address for shipment of a proof
- FIRST TIME CUSTOMERS make sure to include contact information such as:
- phone numbers (any and all you can provide ... daytime, evening, cell & fax)
- email address
- billing address
- A deposit for 1/2 the anticipated print costs
- Why do I need to send a hardcopy?
A hardcopy gives us a reference to use during prepress production. While it is not currently a requirement ... it is highly suggested and aids us tremendously.
- Are there any restrictions on cover material for perfect bound books?
Thicker stocks on thinner perfect bound books can be ordered, however there
are additional charges. As a guideline, these following cover stocks will be the accepted maximum
thickness for use without incurring additional binding charges:
Anticipated Maximum Book Thickness Cover Weight
1/8" up to 1/4" - 10 point
1/4" up to 3/8" - 12 point
3/8" up to 1.5" - 15 point
If your project requires thicker than our maximum stocks, please inquire with a comic representative for additional charges.
- Can you proof my job for me if I waive my proof?
If you provide a hardcopy, we will verify page order & general content. WE DO NOT PROOF READ OR EDIT. WE DO NOT CHECK FONT FOR FONT, WORD FOR WORD OR IMAGE FOR IMAGE. We will only briefly compare for order and general overall content. WE SUGGEST YOU ALLOW AMPLE TIME TO RECEIVE AND REVIEW A PROOF PRIOR TO PRINTING WHENEVER POSSIBLE!
- Will my book look EXACTLY like the proof?
No. Proofers and proofing paper are not equivalent to printing paper & ink. As well, your proof is hand assembled, while your books are machine produced. There may be minor fluctuations during production to ensure overall appearance of your book. WE ADVISE THAT CRITICAL IMAGES BE KEPT AT LEAST 1/4" FROM TRIM as that will always be AMPLE space for fluctuation & allow your critical images from looking crammed on the page. Proofs are ideal for verifying order, confirming fonts, position & a last chance to review your spelling! Proofs also allow you to see hues & contrasts within a reasonable tolerance.
- Once I've reviewed my proof, what next?
A written approval or explanation of alterations/changes needs to be emailed or faxed and then return your proof to us.
If there are changes ...- In addition to the written explanation of alterations/changes, mark them up in your book, tag pages, make it obvious what is to be altered or fixed & return your proof as soon as possible to avoid production delays. State if you will require an additional proof be sent to you, if we should check changes here (again, make changes obvious so we can see specifically that the correct things are updated) or if you can approve changes via fax.
- GREAT! Still give us written approval & return your proof.
- Why must I send my proof back once I've reviewed it?
We use your proof as a reference throughout production! Your proof, once approved, is what we go by as a guide. If you had changes, it's a way for us to verify updates have been properly made!
- I obtained a formal quote. How long is it good for?
Quotes are honored for 30 calendar days.
- Should I set my pages up as spreads?
Generally speaking, no. We prefer that pages be submitted as single pages contained in a folder. Never submit your pages as reader's spreads.
- What is a reader's spread?
A reader's spread consists of the two pages that are side by side as you read a bound book, for instance pages 2 & 3 are side by side. This is NOT the pages that actually print side by side (refered to as printer's spreads), for instance in a 32 page book page 2 will set beside page 31.