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The Ultimate Pre-Print Checklist for Self-Publishers
The manuscript is edited, the cover is designed, and you are finally ready to turn your digital files into a physical book. This is the most exciting moment for any self-publisher—but it can also be the most stressful.
What if the margins are wrong? What if the images look blurry? What if I forgot my ISBN?
At BookPrintCanada, we have printed thousands of books for independent authors. We see the same file errors happen over and over again. To help you avoid costly reprints and delays, we have created the Ultimate 10-Step Pre-Print Checklist.
Review this list before you hit the upload button!
The Interior Pages
1. Are you using a Standard Book Size?
Before doing any final formatting, ensure your document dimensions match the physical book size you want to print (e.g., 6×9 or 8.5×11).
Need help? Read our guide on [Standard Book Sizes]
If you don’t leave enough “gutter” (inside margin), your text will get sucked into the spine of the book when it is glued. Make sure your outside margins are at least 0.5″, and your gutter is at least 0.75″.
Need help? Read:[How to Set Book Margins & Gutter]
3. Have you chosen the right Paper Weight?
Novels usually use 60lb uncoated paper, while workbooks need 70lb so pens don’t bleed through.
Need help? Read:[60lb vs 70lb vs 80lb Paper Guide]
4. Are all interior images 300 DPI?
Images that look great on a screen might look blurry when printed if they are less than 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch). Zoom in on your PDF to 300%—if it looks pixelated on your screen, it will look pixelated in print.
The Cover Design
5. Does your cover file include the Spine?
Your cover must be submitted as one single, continuous PDF file containing the Back Cover, the Spine, and the Front Cover. Do not send them as three separate files!
6. Did you include “Bleed”?
If your cover color or images go all the way to the edge of the paper, you must include a 0.125″ (1/8 inch) bleed around the entire file. Without bleed, you risk having thin white borders around your book.
7. Are your colors set to CMYK?
Computer screens use RGB, but digital presses use CMYK ink. Convert your cover to CMYK before exporting to ensure the printed colors match your expectations.
Need help? Read: [RGB vs CMYK Explained]
8. Which finish did you choose?
Are you going with the vibrant Glossy finish or the elegant Matte finish? (Remember, we don’t recommend matte for solid black covers!).
Need help? Read: [Matte vs Glossy Cover Guide]
The Formalities
9. Is your ISBN and Barcode on the back cover?
If you plan to sell your book, you need an ISBN. Make sure the barcode is placed on the bottom right or left corner of your back cover design.
Canadian Authors: Don’t forget you get these for free! Read our[Free Canadian ISBN Guide]
10. Did you export as a Print-Ready PDF?
We cannot print from Microsoft Word (.docx) or Canva links. You must export your final project as a High-Quality PDF with fonts embedded.
Need help? Read our ultimate guide: [How to Prepare a Print-Ready PDF]
Checked All 10 Boxes? Let’s Print!
If you can confidently check off all ten items on this list, your book is perfectly prepared for our Canadian digital presses. You are ready to bypass the middlemen and get true manufacturing quality.
[> Upload Your Files & Get a Custom Quote Today]
