Free Shipping Over $200 to Canada's Biggest CitiesAll Prices in Canadian Dollars ($CDN) Canada Flag Customer Service Hotline : 877-503-2679

CanadaCopy

Self Publishing Your Book

Publishing a book yourself can seem complicated, especially if you've never done it before. The good news is that you don't need to be a publishing expert to get started.

CanadaCopy.com can take care of the printing and binding portion of the process, allowing you to concentrate on creating your book.

What CanadaCopy.com Does

CanadaCopy.com is a printing and binding company. Once your book files are finished, we can turn them into professionally printed books.

We Can Help With

  • Book printing
  • Book binding
  • Paper selection
  • Cover printing
  • Different finished sizes
  • Small and larger print quantities

You Are Responsible For

  • Writing your content
  • Editing and proofreading
  • Creating your artwork
  • Checking your page layout
  • Checking your final proof
  • Obtaining ISBNs when required

What Can You Publish?

Self-publishing isn't limited to novels. A wide variety of publications can be produced using the same basic process.

  • Novels and short stories
  • Memoirs and biographies
  • Family histories
  • Cookbooks
  • Children's books
  • Comic books and graphic novels
  • Training manuals
  • Workbooks
  • Educational books
  • Yearbooks
  • Instruction manuals
  • Company and organizational publications

The Self-Publishing Process

Create Your Manuscript

Write and organize the content of your book. Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign, Affinity Publisher, Apple Pages, and other programs can be used to create your book.

Edit and Proofread

Have your manuscript carefully reviewed before sending it to print. It is much easier and less expensive to correct mistakes before production.

Prepare the Artwork

Create the interior pages and cover at the correct finished size. Pay particular attention to margins, page order, images, and bleed requirements.

Select Your Printing Specifications

Choose your finished size, paper, cover, binding method, and quantity.

Submit Your Files

Upload your finished files and review the available proofing options before placing your order.

Review Your Proof

Carefully check the entire book. Look for spelling errors, missing pages, incorrect page order, image problems, margins, and orientation.

Approve the Order

Once everything is correct, approve the proof for production.

Receive Your Finished Books

Once production is complete, your finished books will be ready for pickup or shipping according to your order.

Choosing a Binding

The best binding depends primarily on the number of pages, the type of book, and the look you want.

Saddle Stitch

Saddle stitching uses staples through the centre fold of the book. It is commonly used for shorter publications, magazines, comic books, booklets, and children's books.

Because the pages are folded, the total page count generally needs to work in multiples of four.

Perfect Binding

Perfect binding creates a paperback-style book with a flat spine. The individual pages are gathered together and attached to a separate cover using adhesive.

It is commonly used for novels, manuals, reports, workbooks, cookbooks, and other longer publications.

Binding Edge
Left Page
Right Page
The red area represents the binding edge. Keep important content away from this area.
Recommended Binding Margin: 0.5" (12.7 mm)

For most bound books, we recommend approximately 0.5" (12.7 mm) of margin on the binding edge. This provides room for the binding and makes the finished book easier to read.

For saddle-stitched booklets, a 0.25" (6.35 mm) margin around the page is generally sufficient.

Preparing Your Files

Your files should be finished and carefully checked before you submit them for printing.

Interior

  • Use the correct finished page size.
  • Keep important content away from the edges.
  • Allow additional room near the binding edge.
  • Make sure pages are in the correct order.
  • Check page orientation.
  • Review images for sufficient resolution.

Cover

  • Use the correct finished size.
  • Include the spine when required.
  • Keep important text away from trim edges.
  • Check the front and back orientation.
  • Make sure the spine text is correctly positioned.
  • Check the cover carefully before approval.
Bleed Is Not Always Required

Whether bleed is required depends on the product and how the artwork is being printed and finished. Follow the specifications provided for the specific product you are ordering.

ISBNs & Copyright

An ISBN is not required simply to have a book printed. However, if you intend to commercially distribute or sell your book, an ISBN may be appropriate or required depending on your plans.

ISBN requirements vary by country and distribution method. CanadaCopy.com does not issue ISBNs, so you should obtain your ISBN information from the appropriate organization for your location.

Copyright is a separate matter from printing. If you are concerned about copyright protection, consult the appropriate government authority or qualified professional.

What We Don't Do

CanadaCopy.com prints the files you provide. We are not your publisher, editor, or book designer.

  • We do not proofread your book.
  • We do not rewrite your content.
  • We do not correct spelling or grammar.
  • We do not redesign your book as part of a standard order.
  • We do not determine whether your layout is appropriate for your book.
You Are Responsible for Your Files

Please carefully review your files and proof before approving your order for production.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pages can my book have?

The maximum page count depends on the binding method, paper stock, and finished thickness of the book. Perfect binding is generally better suited to longer books, while saddle stitching is better suited to shorter publications.

Can I print only a few copies?

Depending on the product, small quantities may be available. This can make digital printing a useful option for self-published authors who don't want to commit to a large print run.

Can I print a custom size?

Custom sizes may be available depending on the product and binding method. Check the specifications of the product you are ordering before preparing your files.

How much margin should I leave?

We generally recommend a minimum margin of 0.25" (6.35 mm) for most printed materials, with additional room on the binding edge for bound books.

For most bound books, we recommend approximately 0.5" (12.7 mm) on the binding edge.

Do I need to add bleed?

Not necessarily. Bleed requirements depend on the product and how the artwork is being produced. Follow the specific file requirements for the product you are ordering.

Can CanadaCopy.com design my book?

CanadaCopy.com can provide printing and binding services, but customers are responsible for preparing their artwork unless professional design services have specifically been arranged.

Can you check my book for mistakes?

We may identify obvious technical problems with a file, but customers are responsible for proofreading and checking their content. Always review your proof carefully before approving production.

What software should I use?

There are many suitable programs. Microsoft Word can work well for straightforward books, while Adobe InDesign, Affinity Publisher, and similar page-layout programs provide greater control over professional book layouts.

Before You Submit Your Book

  • Your manuscript is finished and proofread.
  • All pages are in the correct order.
  • The finished page size is correct.
  • Margins have been checked.
  • The binding edge has been considered.
  • Images are high enough resolution.
  • The cover is the correct size.
  • Spine width has been calculated correctly when applicable.
  • Bleed has been included if required.
  • All text is readable and positioned correctly.
  • You have reviewed the entire PDF.
  • You have reviewed your proof before approving production.
Ready to Print?

Once your book is written, edited, designed, and proofread, CanadaCopy.com can take care of the printing and binding.

If you're new to self-publishing, start by selecting the book product that best matches what you're trying to create. The product specifications will help determine the appropriate size, paper, binding, and file requirements.

NOTE: remove *daryl* to make active.