I’ve been working with 360 Digital Books as my printer for years—ever since Linda, Keith and others broke away from Fidlar Doubleday Printing. And I have been pleased with their work, their attention to detail and their availability. I practically require a prompt response from the people I work with. And this company provides that to my satisfaction. They do excellent work, as well.
Of course, I had them print my latest book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales. But this was not exactly a smooth sail through calm waters. We had to go back to the drawing board three times with the files before they were right. I so appreciate Brian checking with us about the low resolution photos instead of just printing the book as we sent it. He worked with us to get the files correct. Since we were having problems, I decided, at the last minute, to ask for a color proof. I had opted not to do this in the beginning, only because we had already asked for proofs of some of the photos to make sure their printer would produce them in the same quality we desired.
Next thing I know, however, the entire shipment of books arrives. We open a box and can’t believe our eyes. There, on the gorgeous cover we designed, is an unexpected, uncalled for hot pink bar across the front, a pink line running up the spine and a pink border around the back cover. What!!!????
It took a few days for Keith, to respond to our phone calls. But when he did, he had all of the information he needed, he had all of his ducks in a row and he had Brian in the room in case we had questions. It was a most congenial discussion. I admitted that the problem originated with us—but we did not know there was a problem—it did not show up on the cover designer (Dennis’) computer. That’s when Keith told us that Brian was not aware of the pink intrusion, either. It did not show up on his computer. He was as surprised to see it as we were. But Keith agreed to share in the responsibility of the problem since they neglected to send us the proof we ordered.
We discussed returning the books and having them recovered. Keith explained to me that we don’t have enough margin to work with and he didn’t think we would be happy with the outcome. I so appreciated him pointing that out. I was not aware that they would have to trim the book in order to put a new cover on. Good to know.
So we are sending them a CD and a print out of the cover done right. We have asked for a proof. And they will print as many books as we want at a discounted rate.
I am happy. I have recommended 360 Digital Books to numerous authors, clients, students and SPAWN members over the years. They are listed in my resource list in my books and on my website. And I will continue to sing their praises. You really never know how good a company is until there is a problem.
I would love to hear some of your printing stories. I know many authors who are unhappy with the way their pay-to-publish books turn out. In most cases, it is author error—the printer just prints what he is given. With a large printing company or a pay-to-publish company, you aren’t always treated as an individual with a special project. Your book is just another product on the assembly line—no one looks at it—no one proofs it—no one cares if it is good—they just want to move it through and collect the brass ring.
We all have printer/publisher war stories. I won’t go into mine today because I am too pleased with my current printer. It is wonderful to work with people who care about their customers and the products that they produce.
360 Digital Books printed The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book and several other books for me. Order your copy of this book today at
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
Read this book and you’ll learn everything you really need to know about the publishing industry, your publishing options, how to choose the best option for your particular project, how to self-edit your book, a time-line for self-publishing (establishing your own publishing company), how to write a book proposal, book promotion/distribution and so much more.