Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions about Print on Demand Services
- What does it cost?
- Can I print colour inside?
- Can I do choose from different binding types?
- Can I do choose from different binding types?
- How many copies do I have to print?
- Can I print more in a few weeks/a few months/a year/etc.?
- How much does it cost to print more copies in a few weeks/a few months/a year/etc?
- What do I need to provide?
- How long does it take?
1. What does it cost?
There will be a one time cost to set-up your book. You can view the package details and pricing at our "Package Pricing" page. After your book is set-up in our catalogue, each book will cost $2.00 + $0.04 per page (one page = one printed side).
Other fees may be applicable, see our “a la carte" Services page for details or you may consider one of our publishing packages.
2. What does a set up get me?
With your set up fee, we house your title in our catalogue. You get one sample copy from your original files, plus a second sample if there are any revisions you make to your files. Further revisions will incur additional fees as applicable.
3. Can I print colour inside?
The Espresso Book Machine only prints a black and white interior. There is a full-colour cover. We do however have interior colour printing options. Please contact us for more details.
4. Can I do choose from different binding types?
The Espresso Book Machine only does perfect bound trade paperbacks.
5. How many copies do I have to print?
There is no minimum order! You can print as few as one and as many as you like, but keep in mind that larger orders will take longer.
6. Can I print more in a few weeks/a few months/a year/etc.?
Yes! Just let us know how many copies you want. Your book is always in our catalogue, so you can print more copies any time that you like.
7. How much does it cost to print more copies in a few weeks/a few months/a year/etc?
Because it’s a per-page fee, it costs the same per book every time you print with us. You will not be charged the set up fee again. If there are any revisions you would like to make prior to re-printing, other fees may be applicable.
8. What do I need to provide?
You will need one file for your cover and one for your interior, both in PDF format. See “Book Interior Specifications” and "Cover Specification" pages for steps on how to prepare your files. We can also work with Microsoft Word files, though additional fees may be applicable.
9. How long does it take?
Turnaround time is dependent on the current workload and the number of copies to be printed, and thus can vary. If there is a deadline that your books are required by, you must let us know in advance so we can do our best to meet it.
Please note that being an academic bookstore, our first priority will always be to print course materials / textbooks that are required for use by students in McMaster courses. All other print orders are considered after internal course requirements are met.
Want more information on how to prepare a book for publishing on the Espresso Book Machine?
We have comprehensive instructions outlining how to prepare a manuscript for print as well as information on preparing your book cover art. For questions about preparing your files and the services we offer contact us via email or phone, 905-525-4120 ext. 27146.
