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Pre-Press & Production Printing Schedules

prepress schedules production schedules

We make it easy to plan simple production schedules with friendly staff available for assistance.

Pre-press Process

We have developed a pre-press process to explain how orders move through our pre-press department.

Files go through a custom filter that checks for common file issues (missing fonts, type that’s too close to the edge, low-resolution graphics etc.).
Your dedicated pre-press technician reviews the files and makes adjustments as needed to the sizing, layout and design according to your order specifications. We'll contact you directly if we have questions or concerns regarding your file.
We create a PDF proof. (Typically, PDF proofs are available one business day after we receive files, unless the files require significant work.)
You approve your first PDF proof or request edits. Simple edits may take only a couple of hours, so watch your email. If you don’t see anything, give us a call.

You’re welcome to call for updates on your order or log on to your account to check the status.

Status designations

Status	Waiting for	Description
Spec sheet	You	We're waiting for files or instructions from you.
Pre-press	48 Hour Books	We're working on your files.
PDF proof signoff	You	We’re waiting for you to sign off on the PDF proof we sent.
Printed proof being produced	48 Hour Books	We’re printing and shipping your printed proof (if you ordered one).
Printed proof is on its way	48 Hour Books	Wait for your printed proof to be delivered.
Printed proof signoff	You	We’re waiting for you to approve the printed proof.
Approved but awaiting payment	You	We’re waiting for you to pay the balance, then we'll print your books.
Print	48 Hour Books	We’re printing your full order. Order is locked; no changes can be made.
Bind	48 Hour Books	Your books are printed and are being bound.
Shipping	48 Hour Books	Your books are printed and bound and are being packaged and shipped.
Done or closed	-	Your quick turnaround printing order is complete and has shipped out.

Production Schedules

Production schedules help self-publishers plan for events, sales and other promotions. View our production schedules below for perfect bound (softcover), case bound (hardcover) and coil bound books.

Expedited Shipping Options

In addition to our already quick production and shipping, we offer rush and super rush options.

You have three options:

Upgrade production time (the time it takes to print and bind your books)
Upgrade shipping time (the time it takes for UPS to get books from 48 Hour Books to you)
Upgrade both production and shipping time

If you want to save a day or two, it's usually cheaper to upgrade production time. If you're not sure, just give us a call. We’ll work out all the scenarios and let you know the most economical option.

Below is a chart explaining our typical production time and then your expedited production options: rush and super rush. Some upgrades may increase production time - find out more here.

Perfect bound books production schedule

Proof approved before deadline on...	Standard (Approval deadline 5 p.m. EST), books ship...	Rush* (Approval deadline 3 p.m. EST), books ship...	Super Rush* (Approval deadline noon EST), books ship...
Monday	Wednesday	Tuesday*	Monday*
Tuesday	Thursday	Wednesday*	Tuesday*
Wednesday	Friday	Thursday*	Wednesday*
Thursday	Monday	Friday*	Thursday*
Friday	Tuesday	Monday*	Friday*
Saturday/Sunday	Wednesday	Tuesday*	Monday*

Perfect bound production schedule example:

If you approve your perfect bound book on Monday, we'll ship your books on Wednesday. You'll need to add shipping time to determine the arrival date of your books. Expedited shipping (Next-Day Air, 2nd Day Air) also is available.

*Please call for rush or super rush book printing. They are only available on a limited basis. Also, you'll need to give us enough time to get a PDF proof back to you so that you can approve it by 3 p.m. EST for rushes and by noon EST for super rushes.

Hardcover and coil bound books production schedule

Proof approved before deadline on...	Standard (Approval deadline 5 p.m. EST), books ship...	Rush* (Approval deadline 3 p.m. EST), books ship...	Super Rush* (Approval deadline noon EST), books ship...
Monday	Monday	Friday*	Thursday*
Tuesday	Tuesday	Monday*	Friday*
Wednesday	Wednesday	Tuesday*	Monday*
Thursday	Thursday	Wednesday*	Tuesday*
Friday	Friday	Thursday*	Wednesday*
Saturday/Sunday	Monday	Friday*	Thursday*

Hardcover book printing and coil binding takes slightly longer than perfect bound (softcover). These books have a five-day production time, and then shipping time must be added to your production schedule. Some upgrades may increase production time.

Hardcover (case bound) and coil bound production schedule example:

If you approve your hardcover(case bound) or coil bound books on Monday, we'll ship your books on the following Monday. You'll need to add shipping time to determine the arrival date of your books. Expedited shipping (Next-Day Air, 2nd Day Air) also is available.

Options That Impact Production Time

Some upgrades such as ISBNs, File Work, Printed Proofs, Diamond 3D Covers, Foil Stamping, Special Coil, Tabs, Perforated Pages, Individual Shrink Wrapping, Freight Shipping, or other special requests may increase production time.

All days listed are business days (Monday-Friday) excluding major U.S. holidays

ISBNs, Cover Design, Reformatting, Scanning or Other File Work: These may add to your wait time to see a proof, but will not impact production time after final approval
Printed Proofs: We ship printed proofs overnight, but depending on order options, printed proofs can take 1-6 days to receive. If you order one, your full order production time will not begin until after you receive and provide final approval of your printed proof
1 Diamond 3D Option: +4 days to base production time for perfect bound, saddle stitched, or spiral coil bound orders. +5 days for case bound orders
Multiple Diamond 3D Options on a Single Order: +5 days to base production time for perfect bound, saddle stitched, or spiral coil bound orders. +6 days for case bound orders
Hot Foil Stamping: +3 days
Edge Printing: +4 days
Special Order Coil: +4 days (For coil colors other than black or white and larger coils for books that are greater than 350 pages)
Tabs: +1-2 days
Perforated Pages: +1-2 days
Individual Shrink Wrapping: +1 day
Freight Shipping or Special Shipping Requests: +1-2 days
Ordering more than 500 books: We can only guarantee up to 500 books will ship per day per client. Example: If you order 600 books, we can either ship the first 500 on the regularly scheduled ship date and the remaining 100 the following day, or we can hold all 600 to ship 1 business day after the regularly scheduled ship date. If you have several different book titles/orders in production at the same time, we'll fulfill one full order at a time and then move on to the next order once the first is completed.

Need help?

I've Seen Enough, Print My Books!

If you're ready to place your order, simply click the "PRINT MY BOOK" button. Then fill out a simple form that tells us about you, your book, and your shipping and payment information. After the order is placed, you'll be able to upload your files directly to us.

Print my books