Turning PDFs into Softcover Books

[Asmor]

I've heard of such complaints, but never been refused. Actually, one guy was even curious if I'd written the stuff myself (this was the Necropolis campaign setting, IIRC), but in a conversational way, not a suspiscious "maybe I shouldn't be printing this..." way.

And I think the problem with Kill Puppies for Satan is that most of your costs are regardless of size... The binding's a couple books, the full color cover's a couple bucks (though KPfS doesn't really have a color cover...), etc, so you're talking $3-5 overhead without even printing the book itself.

 

[Tetsubo]

I'm one of the folks that has had issues with Staples in the past. They are one of the cheapest options open to me in my area. But they refuse to print anything that has even a *hint* of a copy right on it. I have a fan based PDF that I would like to get printed and bound but they won't touch it. They say they need written permission from the authors... who live in Brazil and other continents... It doesn't matter that the product is free or that it is simply a conversion of an older book... or that I own the original book and paid for it legally... I just want a copy for personal use... There was (past tense) an online printer of PDF documents but they seem to have gone out of business... I couldn't even get them to reply to me via email... I hate that I am treated like a criminal by Staples for wanting to print out a free document...

 

[bento]

Personally when I bind my printed pdfs I go with spiral bound. I like to fold the book in half when I'm reading it, without worrying that I'm spliting the spine.

I've typically go to FedEx/Kinkos with my already printed pages, and use their PCs to print out the really nice color covers, then have them laminate the covers and put the binding on. Typically it's around $12 for everything.

A couple of weeks ago I had them comb-bind my recently-finished adventure notes (player's journal, printed module, hand-drawn maps, etc.) and I think it cost about $7 including covers.

 

[BV210]

I used to run into problems like those mentioned before, but since my wife and I have opened our home printing business (www.vaughan-instant-publishing.com) I can print my own.

[Moderator, if this post is a no-no, please delete, and I apologize]

We offer printing services that might fit your needs.

Up to 50 pages, 28 lb non-glossy paper, color laminated cover:
- perfect bound - $4
- comb bound - $4.50

51-100 pages, 28 lb non-glossy paper, color laminated cover:
- perfect bound - $5.50
- comb bound - $6

101-150 pages, 28 lb non-glossy paper, color laminated cover:
- perfect bound - $7.50
- comb bound - $8

If anyone is interested, shoot me an e-mail to brent at vaughan-instant-publishing.com

 

[BV210]

One bump, and then I'll let this sleeping dog lie.

 

[jdrakeh]

And I think the problem with Kill Puppies for Satan is that most of your costs are regardless of size... The binding's a couple books, the full color cover's a couple bucks (though KPfS doesn't really have a color cover...), etc, so you're talking $3-5 overhead without even printing the book itself.

Nah, at least two local shops swing that print job for less than $7.00 and still manage to profit.

 

[Ajax1979]

I'd just like to put in another vote for local places over Staples/Kinkos. I have never had bad work from S/K, but I prefer local. If you can't find a local place call a Community College and see if they have a print shop.