Questions on art reproduction including for use in books

If I get a piece of artwork scanned and printed, will it be on file so I can make more prints in the future, or do I have to get it scanned each time?

Yes, we keep the digital file as well as a proof to check color on subsequent reprints.

I want to print in 18 inches by 12 inches in 300 dpi size. But the image saved in TIFF format is more than 50 mb. How to reduce the image size or how to save in JPG with high quality.

Save as a highest quality JPG and the size should be reasonable.

The first save to JPG with highest quality settings will maintain almost all the image and be much smaller. Each time you make a change in JPG and resave you lose quality. So you want to work in uncompressed or LZW tiff until you have that final one to send. Compression will depend on the image detail. You still may need to use a file transfer service. 

The pixels count is 5184 x 4356, but the dpi is only 72!!!  What does that represent in print-ability?

Actual size printed is the important number. At 72 ppi your image is 72x60 inches. Converting to print at an optimum size of 300ppi yields 17.28 inches. The formula is 5184 pixels / 300 desired ppi = 17.28 inches. Plenty for most applications.

Our tests show that at 240 you can't see the difference, but you do begin to notice at below 144ppi. [5184/144=36]. So no problem for a three foot canvas (resolution isn't the only factor).

What size of paper art prints you make that come with cardboard backing and plastic wrap?

The $5 packaged digital press prints are on a 13x19 sheet - we usually use a 11x14 or so image so it fits a standard frame. We also do these 1/2 size for an 8x10 image with borders. The wide format 12 color printer can handle up to 44 inches on the short dimension and we usually leave a minimum of one inch border. RGB at 300 ppi is best (lower than 144ppi at actual size starts to show). Ensure images do have a color management profile for art printing. 

I would like to get a quote for printing 3 different folding cards. 5.75x5.75 folded with 6"x6" envelopes. quantities of 25 of each, 50 and 100. The cards are 4/0 colours.

There is no additional cost on mixing up the images in your card order if the quantities are the same. This size is printed 3 per sheet. A total of 99 cards are about $106 including bags and envelopes before tax or design time. As there is run setup cost we don't recommend doing smaller quantities. 

Can you make prints on to fabric? 

Yes, we print on cotton sheeting for quilters and polyester fabric for banners. Costs are similar to canvas before stretching.

Questions on book content, creation, and printing

How long does it take to have my books ready once the proof is approved?

Our standard time for up to 100 books is 6 working days (order on Monday and books are ready the Tuesday of the following week). Allow up to three extra days for special paper (we may have it in stock) and time for shipping.

Who holds the copy rights to the book?

You do. In order for us to distribute it through print on demand we do need the distribution agreement which grants some limited rights. To use our ISBNs we do require at minimum, a basic distribution agreement.

Would you be able to give me a copy of the files for any future printings?

We archive all books for future printing at no charge. We can we can email you a copy of your files or we can copy them to a USB key so you have a copy too.  

Will you print ONE COPY as a proof copy, before printing a whole batch?

There are two parts to this answer

1. We include a binder proof in all estimates. We know that seeing the book printed out will help ensure formatting is correct and a few more typos will surface. A binder proof is printed on the same type of paper as the final book but with crop marks and hole punched for a standard 3-ring binder. A finished book is possible but at additional cost. Our alternative is next.  
2. For initial runs we like to print between 4 and 48 to ensure everything is great. As long as you give us the go-ahead within 30 days and there are no changes, we will waive the setup fee on the balance of the run. If there are changes, you are not stuck with books you are not proud of. 

Do you do print on demand? 

Print on demand has come to mean one copy at a time. We print small batches, usually between 20 and 200 books at a time.

How are books ordered by potential readers? 

That depends on distribution options. Most bookstores will take consignment copies from you. With basic distribution readers can order from our website or visit us. With premium distribution they can order online from most bookstores or request a copy (most likely special order).

How much will a potential reader pay for a copy of the book?

You set the price, but it needs to be at least double production cost per book. See https://pagemaster.ca/pricing-your-book/

About how much would it cost to print a 60 to 100 page book?

A 100 page book on 50 pound opaque in standard 5.25 x 8 size is $3.71. In 6 x 9 size the cost each is $3.92. There is an additional $44 setup cost per run and we print in increments of four. Other sizes are available. 

Looking for prices for a soft cover trade book, 6 x 9 format, combo of color and b&w.

We do print mixed color and black books. Color adds between $0.055 per page and $0.138 per page, per book depending page size and volume discounts. 

Can I just get you to print if I have my book edited, formatted and cover design?

PageMaster does not charge you for doing the work you have already done. We will help with what you request, and suggest what you may need.  There is a small one-time cost for the binder proof, cover adjustment and imposition. 

I have recently published a book which is available online now. I have the print ready files, how do I go about getting about 40 books printed and what would be the cost?

Files can be dropped off on a USB stick, sent by email or via a cloud service like DropBox or Google Drive.  You can use the estimate or contact form if you are new to PageMaster. Clients can contact us through their account portal. 

To provide an estimate we need to know the trim size and number of pages.

I am wondering if you be interested in publishing my book

PageMaster provides assisted self-publishing services and does not purchase rights. We are pleased to work with books that align with our core values of bringing Life, Diversity and Hope. 

Questions on PageMaster Sites?

I am working on a second book. Can I change the domain on my site to ____books.com? 

Yes. We can add another domain to the site and then use that as the primary. The simplest is to have the initial book domain be an alias domain. When someone enters the name in their browser they will go to the new site. It can also be setup so the old book site domain loads in a specific page on the new site. 

We offer competitive website packages to Authors and Artists. Our sites are best for those who don't want to deal with the technical aspects of maintaining a site. They are built on WordPress using your own domain name and include initial site setup assistance.

Questions on ArtStream Project and studio space

I am looking to rent studio space. Do you have any vacancies?

There seems to be at least one space. Current vacancies will be listed on Kijiji. Also see our rentals page. 

I am looking for art instruction.

A listing of available workshops is on the to-do list. 

What type of business is welcome?

Studio space is suitable for illustrators, designers, photographers, visual artists, videographers, editors… We do have some musicians and audio engineers. See the info page which includes city zoning.