Helpful Tips - Margins

A margin is defined as a deliberately unprinted space on a page, surrounding a block of text or �print surface.� Headers, footers and page numbers are considered part of the print surface, rather than part of the margin. Margins play an important role in the readability and aesthetics of a book. An adequate margin is also needed to allow for proper trimming and binding of the book.

Perhaps the best way to decide what your margins should be, is to browse various books and mimic the ones that are most pleasing to you. There should be enough white space around the printed area so that the words don�t look crowded. You�ll also want to consider how the margins affect your page count.

We require a � inch minimum margin. If you want the print surface to look centered on the page, we suggest that you make the bind margin 1/8 of an inch larger than the outside margin.

When it comes time to submit your work to us, please print crop marks on your final hard copy, if room is available on the page. (Obviously, if your book is 8.5 x 11 and you print your pages on 8.5 x 11 paper, you will not be able to print the crop marks). If you submit your work in a digital PostScript file, deselect the printing of crop marks before you create your PostScript file.