Publishers must give the printer a number of specifications, or specs, for every print job. This is usually done at the RFQ (Request for Quote) stage. The basic specs are:

• Artwork supplied: Publishers can supply camera-ready-copy, film, or digital file for the interior. For four-color covers (the norm), color-separated negatives must be either supplied or made by the printer.
• Binding: Paperback or perfect bound is the most common; there are also several hardbound options.
• Trim: The final size of the book. Common sizes are 4.25" x 6.75", 5.5" x 8.5", and 8.5" x 11". The actual printed size is slightly smaller. Publishers typically include "crop marks" on the typeset pages to show where the page is to be cut off.
• Total pages: Not including cover. Less than 50 pages is not considered a book by R.R. Bowker's Books in Print. Publishers generally try to plan book lengths in 16- or 32-page increments--the size of the signatures that make up a book--so as to avoid blank pages.
• Halftones: Are they provided, or will the printer shoot them?
• Paper or Text Stock: Most books are printed on 50, 55, or 60 lb. stock. (The figure refers to the weight of 500 sheets of that paper cut to printing size--which is large.) Other attributes include brand, texture, opacity, grain, grade, coating, and color. Paper can also be recycled and/or acid-free. Printers can provide hundreds of samples, but most publishers go with the relatively economical house book stock.
• Spine Bulk: The width of the spine. This is determined by the printer after text and cover stock are chosen. Publishers can choose a different stock if they want a thicker or thinner book.
• Type Area: The amount of space available for printing on the spine. This is an important factor in design.
• Copies: Number of copies to be printed. The larger the print-run, the lower the unit cost. Slight overruns are the rule.
• Ink: For most books, black. Other colors must be specified and cost significantly more.
• Cover: Specs include how many colors are used on the front and back covers, type of coating, paper stock, etc.

TK