Why Order a Proof Copy Before Printing a Book

Physical Proofs Help You
Get Book Printing Right

Self-published author holding physical proof copy of books. Printing and fulfillment for book preparation by Acutrack.

The internet has improved our lives in thousands of ways, and doing things online has become the preferred method for nearly everything. But there are a few things it’s still better to do the traditional way, and ordering a physical proof copy of your book before printing it is one of them.

Seeing a physical proof copy takes the guesswork out of printing your book.

Here at Acutrack, we’re a full-service book printing and fulfillment service for self-publishers, and we print books every day. Our mission is to print your book exactly how you want it to look, and we know from experience that giving you the opportunity to review a physical proof is essential.

We’re a technology-driven Silicon Valley company and offer many book printing options. But regardless of which ones you choose, reviewing a physical proof copy before we print is the wisest method. It’s the best way to see for yourself the books your customers will receive.

Careful Book Prep = Higher Quality

Physical proof copies support the process of preparing your book in many ways – and given that books become branding statements for their authors, you want a perfect final product. Your book is an image statement for you or your company; getting it perfectly is the only good option.

Doublecheck images and graphics
Sign off on color and paper stock
Proofread for errors

Holding a proof copy in your hand makes the print preparation process more tangible. You get to experience what your book buyers will see in advance, and it may bring new ideas. It’s the same process industrial designers follow when they build prototypes before products are manufactured.

Beyond aesthetics, the proof copy also may focus you more on the content. It often makes minor errors stand out in a way they do not on screen. As a self-publisher, your book will be compared to traditional publishers’ titles. They commonly run proofs as part of the final review process.

Proofing Your Book On-Screen vs. On Paper

When formatting and reviewing your book on a computer screen, which works well at other stages of the process, things can appear differently than they will on paper. One of the best examples to help you understand the differences is to consider color. It often appears different on screen versus on paper.

How color is produced on screen: Screens emit light and display colors using a RGB (red, blue, green) color model.

How color is produced for printing: The process for printing on paper uses the CMKY (cyan, magenta, yellow, key black) method.

Because the two processes produce colors in entirely different ways, it’s obvious how there can be variation in how they appear. Ordering a physical proof is the best and wisest approach to guarantee that the printed version of your book aligns with your creative vision.

Can’t I Solve This with Print on Demand?

Acutrack just-in-time printing for books gives authors greater flexibility for printing proof copies compared to print-on-demand services.

Print-on-demand produces single copies of books; the first one could be sent to you as proof, but many other sacrifices far outweigh it. Printing books “just in time” with us at Acutrack leaves on-demand in the dust. You enjoy economical full-service book printing and better book fulfillment.

Digital or offset printing
Hardcover, paperback, spiral, and wire-o bindings
Cover and inside paper stock choices
Custom or unique trim sizes
Fast book fulfillment and shipping

Books are products, and when they look the same or similar to others, they become lost in the shuffle. It’s a drawback of the template-driven system used to produce print-on-demand books. The companies providing the service have built their model, and you get shoe-horned into it.

The world is entirely different when you work with Acutrack. Bring us your book project, and we’ll partner with you to make it successful. Our clients range from independent authors to companies that self-publish books as their core business or for promotional purposes. Whatever you need to accomplish with your book, we’ll work with you to endure it happens – and for a surprisingly affordable price.

Conclusion: Why Physical Proofs are Important

Ordering a physical proof copy of your book before it’s printed helps assure the highest quality book – and perfection matters more than ever in today’s competitive marketplace. You may also be surprised at the relatively low cost of physical proofs. Their value surely outweighs the price.

Whether your book is going up against traditionally published titles online or in a bookstore or making a branding statement for your business, you want (and need) it to be perfectly printed. The proof copy is the best and final opportunity to make last-minute revisions. Give your book and yourself the advantage of a physical proof.

Are you interested in learning more about Acutrack’s book printing and fulfillment service? Please call or contact us online today. We’ll be delighted to answer questions and provide more information.