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Post by tasmanianartist on Oct 12, 2020 7:30:31 GMT
Since I have the time, I have dabbled a little more - while Lulu gives a template before uploading the cover, so that the cover can be created using Lulu's precise measurements - there is no template BEFORE uploading the interior file. Here is what I've done:
6x9 paperback - pdf text block (interior file) is as per the supported book trim sizes - 6x9. Uploading THAT correct 6x9 PDF creates the note that Lulu has added a white bleed trim and that books with edge-to-edge need to be prepared so.
There is a step missing. Continue and upload the cover, created as per Lulu's template. When both PDFs are up, the preview becomes available, and one can download PRINT READY FILES. Open them, check the sizes of both, interior and cover PDF. You will find that both files are larger by about 5mm - 6mm all around.
It is only now that one sees the interior text block file size that includes the bleed.
I have downloaded both print ready files, and without changing them UPLOADED THOSE. This time, I got NO error message for the interior file about bleed added and redoing PDF if colour is required to the bleed.
The downside is: This step should happen BEFORE the interior book block is uploaded. Because: if the author wants images that extend into the bleed area, he/she now has to go through the 'print ready' PDF and ensure that the images are extended accordingly. For most of us, that means going back to the word.doc, making the adjustments, then creating the PDF again - BUT THIS TIME USING THE MEASUREMENTS THE PDF INSPECTOR REVEALED AFTER DOWNLOADING THE 'PRINT READY' FILES.
In essence, we should get a interior file template that includes the bleed BEFORE UPLOADING the interior PDF.
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Post by tasmanianartist on Oct 12, 2020 10:07:37 GMT
Digging further ... On page 11 of the PDF creation guide www.lulu.com/cmsmedia/services/promos/lp/lulu-pdf-creation-guide.pdfOne finds this: __________ File Dimension and Full Bleed When books are manufactured, the files are printed then trimmed to specification. All book files are printed 0.125 in (3mm) larger on all sides than the final trim size in order to account for the final trimming process. For accents at the edge of pages, backgrounds and fills, the best results come from trimming over the page assets. If your formatted file does not include imagery that extends to the edge of the page, you can prepare your file at the book’s final trim size and our system will automatically add a trim border. If your formatted file includes graphics, fills, or content that extends to the edge of the page, use the chart below to determine the ideal interior file dimensions. Note: If one page of the interior needs to be Full Bleed, then all pages of the interior will use the same dimensions. ______ So - there's the mysterious 'bleed' - those 3mm / 0.125inch all around (hidden away in a PDF link on page 11) need to be added ONLY IF YOU HAVE PICTURES THAT NEED TO GO TO THE EDGE. Then, the PDF (cover or interior) will look something like this in preview:
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Post by BlueAndGold on Oct 12, 2020 12:19:12 GMT
Just a note: Today (Monday) is Columbus Day in the US - a National Holiday where many business are closed. I have no idea whether Lulu will open today or not.
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Post by potet on Oct 12, 2020 20:51:15 GMT
The template for the back cover is incomplete. There should be three frames, a) one for the author's picture in the top left corner, b) one for the presentation of the author in the top right corner, c) a large one in the middle of the page for the blurb.
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Post by tasmanianartist on Oct 13, 2020 1:39:12 GMT
A minor point - none of my 60 books ever had my photo on the back (except one), or the blurb in the middle. This point leaves the author room for individual creativity, or be flexible with the size of the 3 frames / spaces.
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Post by tasmanianartist on Oct 13, 2020 1:40:11 GMT
Just a note: Today (Monday) is Columbus Day in the US - a National Holiday where many business are closed. I have no idea whether Lulu will open today or not. Thanks; we downunder sometimes wonder ...
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