⏱️ Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Getting Started: Why Proper Manuscript Preparation Matters
So, you’ve poured your heart into writing your book — congratulations! Now comes the next big step: preparing your manuscript for professional printing. It’s not just about having your text ready; it’s about making sure everything looks spot-on when it hits the page. You might be surprised how small tweaks can make a huge difference to the final product’s quality and feel.
At Newstyle Print, we’ve helped hundreds of authors bring their projects to life. We know it can feel a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry — this guide will break down the essentials, helping you avoid common pitfalls and get your manuscript print-ready.
Top Tips for Preparing Your Manuscript
1. Choose the Right File Format
Most printers, including Newstyle Print, prefer PDF files because they keep your layout and fonts locked in place. That means what you see on your screen is exactly what will print. If you’re working in Word or another text editor, it’s wise to export or save your document as a high-quality PDF. This step might seem straightforward, but it’s easy to overlook how different software handles formatting, which can lead to unexpected shifts or font substitutions during printing.
2. Mind Your Page Size and Margins
Deciding on your book’s trim size early on helps you set up the correct page dimensions. Margins are crucial too — they prevent text from getting too close to the edges or getting lost in the binding. Usually, a minimum margin of 15mm is a safe bet, but this depends on your chosen binding style. For instance, a perfect bound paperback might require a wider inner margin to accommodate the spine, whereas a saddle-stitched booklet can get away with narrower margins. It’s worth double-checking these details, especially if your book includes lots of images or complex layouts.
3. Set Up Page Numbering and Headers
Consistent page numbers and headers improve the reading experience and give your book a polished feel. Double-check that page numbering matches your table of contents, especially if you have front matter like a foreword or acknowledgments. Some authors forget to start numbering after the title page or confuse Roman and Arabic numerals in the front and main sections, which can be confusing for readers. Taking a moment to confirm these details can save a lot of headaches later.
4. Check Your Images and Graphics
If your book includes images, make sure they’re high resolution (300dpi is standard for print). Low-res images often look fuzzy or pixelated once printed. Also, convert colours to CMYK to avoid unexpected colour shifts — this is something we can help with if you’re unsure. Interestingly, some images that look fine on screen suddenly appear dull or off-tone when printed, especially if they rely heavily on RGB colours. Paying attention to this early can prevent disappointment with the final product. And if you’re including charts or graphics created in programs like Excel, exporting them as high-quality images rather than embedding them directly can improve print clarity.
5. Proofread Like a Pro
Typos and formatting hiccups can slip through easily. It’s always a good idea to print a proof copy or at least view your PDF on screen at 100% zoom to catch any issues. Some of our customers like to order a single proof copy before committing to the full run — it’s a handy way to see your book in real life. Even if you’re confident in your editing skills, fresh eyes often catch things that were missed. Consider asking a friend or professional proofreader to review your manuscript too. Remember, once printed, mistakes can be costly to fix.
6. Decide on Binding and Paper Options Early
Whether you’re going for a perfect bound paperback or a wiro bound booklet, knowing this ahead helps with layout decisions. Paper weight and finish also affect the look and feel of your book — thicker, uncoated paper offers a classic feel, while glossy finishes can make images pop. However, glossy pages can sometimes cause glare under certain lighting, which might be a nuisance for readers who prefer matte finishes. Also, consider the environmental impact of your paper choice; some eco-friendly stocks might have a slight texture or colour variation, which suits certain types of books better than others. If you’re uncertain, test samples can be invaluable.
A Real-World Example: Jane’s Journey to Print-Ready
Take Jane, one of our recent customers. She’d written a beautiful collection of short stories and wanted a clean, professional paperback. Jane initially sent us a Word document with mixed fonts and some low-res images. We helped her convert everything to a print-ready PDF, advised on margin adjustments for her perfect bound style, and suggested a suitable paper stock from our eco-friendly range.
After ordering a proof copy, Jane spotted a couple of formatting tweaks she wanted. We swiftly updated her files, and the final print run looked fantastic. Jane was thrilled with how her book felt in the hand — crisp pages, clear text, and vibrant images. This is exactly the kind of smooth experience we aim to provide. Her journey highlights how even small oversights at the start can be easily corrected when you have the right support, ensuring the final product reflects the care and effort invested.
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Wrapping Up: Your Manuscript, Ready to Shine
Preparing your manuscript might feel a little technical at times, but with these tips, you’re well on your way to a professional print-ready file. Remember, choosing the right file format, checking your images, and setting proper margins all pay off in the final product’s quality. Skipping any of these steps might not cause immediate problems but could lead to subtle issues that affect reader enjoyment or the book’s durability over time.
At Newstyle Print, we’re here to help at every step. From free artwork checks to advice on paper and binding options, we want to make your printing journey as straightforward and enjoyable as possible. Sometimes, having a knowledgeable partner to bounce ideas off or to troubleshoot tricky technical details can make all the difference.
If you’d like advice on printing, we’re always happy to help — free artwork check included.
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Updated on 15 November 2025
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