Re: Dimensions for ebook?

--- In [email protected], "santifico1" <edlopez54@...>
wrote:
> 
> I'd like to produce a series of ebooks in PDF format, some of which I 
> plan to have published as hard copies. What would be the best size to 
> create the ebook so that I won't have re-format the book when seeking 
> out a printer? I'm thinking of producing the ebook as 5.5" X 8.5", 
> which I understand is a standard size for some books. Any guidance 
> along these lines would be appreciated.
>

That size is definitely a reasonable size for printing. 

I don't claim to know what size is best for e-books, but the size you
are looking at works for printing.

> 
>     Also, does anyone know the minimum number of pages needed so that 
> a book can be perfect bound? 

It depends on the printer/POD service you are using. BookSurge's
minimum is 48 pages, IIRC, and LightningSource's minimum is  also 48
pages. But you probably need 80 to 100 or more for the book to have
spine text.

> Do total pages have to be in multiples 
> of 4 so that individual pages can be cut from a larger sheet of 
> paper? 

Yes, multiples of 4 is required -- but some printers/services add
pages to make multiples of 4 if you don't include them. But if, for
some reason, you end up printing by offset (traditional means), then
you will need a higher multiple -- generally 16 pages.


>Speaking of paper, is that a certain type you would recommend? 

If you use a POD printer, such as Lightning Source or BookSurge (or
one of the subsidy POD printers like Lulu,  AuthorHouse, Xlibris,
etc.), then you really don't have much choice  in paper. Its usually
just a couple of options, a white and a cream.

I have no particular recommendation.

> The books will be educational, non-fiction.
> 
>     Any recommendations on book printers such as Lulu or Lightning 
> Source would be appreciated, as well as any issues regarding printers 
> that I should be especially cautious about.
> 

I would discourage you from using Lulu, AuthorHouse, Xlibris,
iUniverse, Publish America and the other so-called "POD Publishers"
(they are really subsidy or vanity printers). Except for Lulu, these
companies all charge a large upfront fee per title. In addition, they
generally charge two to three times as much per copy as Lightning Source.

Lightning Source is generally your best choice. But they require that
you be set up as a business, instead of just as an author.




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