Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does my book have to be in a digital (computer) file? What if have only a hard copy?

A: Yes, we need the manuscript in an electronic file. If you have only a hard copy, we can perhaps help you find someone to re-type or scan it into a digital file for you. The cost for that is usually $1 a page, but we need to see the hard copy to give you a firm price.

Q: How does Books by Mode prefer to receive files?

A: You can e-mail your file to us as an attachment. You can also send them to us or drop them off at our office on disks, either floppies or CDs. We prefer to receive text files as Word documents or PDFs.

Q: Does the cover need to be in an electronic file, too?

A: We prefer it, but we can scan in an image that you really want on the cover, usually for a modest additional fee. If you have an image for the cover, give us a .jpg or a .gif and we can work with you on how to use it. Remember, a .jpg or .gif is easiest for us to work with.

Q: Does Books by Mode do hardcovers?

A: No, sorry. Paperbacks only.

Q: What sizes?

A: We print our standard books at 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches—half the size of a letter page—and then trim them to 5.25 x 8.25 inches. We can also make books in the standard letter-page size, 8.5 x 11 inches, which trims to 8.25 x 10.5 inches.

Q: What kind of paper and covers do you use?

A: We can use lots of different varieties, but our standard is 20-pound bright white (recycled, of course) for the text and 110-pound matte stock for the covers. If you want something different, such as higher quality paper for the text or cover, including glossy covers, let's talk about it.

Q: Covers can be glossy?

A: Our normal covers, for the basic price, are a matte finish. We can offer linen-finish matte covers (white, gray and ivory) for a little more money. Glossy covers cost more (usually $1-$2 more per book printed).

Q: Is it worth it to me to do my own formatting on the text?

A: Maybe, maybe not. We can do it pretty quickly; the minimum charge is $100. By the time you install or download formatting software and figure out how to use it, you may wish you had told us to do it in the first place. But you can follow the instructions under How to Submit Your Book on this site.

Q: Can I see a proof?

A: Sure. For a modest additional shipping and handling charge (USPS, UPS or FedEx), which you make when you pay for your order, we'll make one copy and send it to you. If you ask for only a few minor changes, we'll make them for no additional charge. But if you want a lot of changes in what you originally submitted or we need to re-format, especially in editing the text, we'll have to charge more. So it's best to catch all those typos before you have us make a proof for you.

Q: What if I find something I want to change after my book has been printed?

A: We can make the changes in the next printing, but there may be another formatting charge if we have to go back in and edit your text for you. Again, it's best to make all your corrections before you submit the book.

Q: How do customers pay?

A: Checks should be made out to Books by Mode, or you can pay us online through PayPal. We need the full amount, in advance, for at least one printing. This is because most of our work goes into the setup.

Q: Does Books by Mode charge extra for helping to design a cover?

A:Sometimes. Most of the time we'll simply put together a basic cover for you at no extra charge, following your general directions and using whatever you want us to put on the front and back covers. But if it's more complicated—graphics, a lot of color or colors, fancy fonts—we may charge you.

Q: What about photos and graphics in the text?

A: There may be extra charges, but it can be done.

Q: What about color?

A: No problem with color on most covers (though some colors do not work as well on glossy covers; best to order a proof for glossy covers). Full-bleed covers—ink covering the entire cover—usually require a modest additional charge. Color in the text can be problematic, and expensive.

Q: What if I hate the books you've made? What's your return policy?

A: Books by Mode’s return policy is actually a no-returns policy. We won't take the books back. We won't refund your money. We're a labor-intensive, personal-service business that hand-makes books one at a time, so if you're concerned about quality, we'd suggest a small first printing, maybe just 10 books. And order a proof.

Q: What if you need to mail something back to the author?

A: We charge for postage and handling if we need to send books or other materials to you. It's usually the postage charges plus a few dollars for packing material and our time.

Q: What if I have more questions?

A: First, check out the rest of our site, www.booksbymode.com. Most of your questions can be answered on these pages. If you still have questions, just send an e-mail to Ellen and Bob at booksbymode@aol.com. We'll get back to you as soon as we can.