I wanted to make a sort of ...checklist, of things people might need before they print. Just in case they forget or overlook something. Any other suggestions/changes?



*Minimum 300DPI Resolution. 600DPI if your computer can handle it. Don't change the resolution on an image after you've drawn.

*Use a good template with proper bleed and cut areas.

*Your book needs both a front and back cover. The front cover usually contains the name and author.

*Use a font with italic and bold versions - do not use faux bold or italic. (http://www.blambot.com/) Do not use the fonts THE FONT THAT SHOULD NOT BE NAMED or Papyrus.

*Do not flatten the original file; keep speech balloons, sound effects and type on separate layers (in case you wish to translate into another language).

*Work in CMYK or elect to have the printer convert to CMYK for you. Do not simply change an RGB file to CMYK, it will result in colour loss when printed.

*Use .PSD or .TIFF. JPG is not a print file.

*Before you print, you will need to create a press-ready PDF or InDesign file.

*Get an ISBN Number (US: https://www.myidentifiers.com/index.php?ci_id=1479) if you want to sell in stores.

*Get a library of congress number (US).

*Include your copyright info and library number on a title page. ISBN goes on the back cover.

*If you are doing your own shipping, you will need backerboard and comic bags.

Also check out this thread http://remindblog.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=120

I have a couple of questions.

I'm not creating my own art and much of the art work that I have paid for and that has been donated has been given to me in PNG Image format. Is this format good? If not, should I request it in the formats you asked for above? Is it possible for me to convert them on my own?

How soon should one get an ISBN number? Currently, my book is not ready but should I secure this first or not?

Same question above but for 'Get a library of congress number (US).'

PNG is great, but mostly for black and white - especially in cases where there isn't any gray. If it's in color you should convert it to TIFF; if it was done in Photoshop you can ask the people who sent you the files to save it as a flat PSD (without layers). It's easy to convert files, but you gotta have a software for it. Photoshop is really good at converting graphic files like JPG and TIFF and PSD and all that, but if you don't have anything like Photoshop you can just ask the people who sent you the files to convert them for you. It's easy, I'm sure they won't mind.

You can't print before you get your ISBN so don't leave it till the last minute, but also, once you have the ISBN you can no longer change your mind about the title, number of pages, binding.... So be sure not to get it too early either. When you're a few pages from the end and you're sure of your page number and title, is a good time to request it.