FAQ

CATEGORIES

A. PUBLISHING SERVICES

B. PRINTING SERVICES

C. PROMOTION SERVICES

D. SHIPPING & STORAGE

E. MISCELLANEOUS

A. PUBLISHING SERVICES (top)

What is the difference between editing and proofreading?
Proofreading includes correction of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and language rules. Proofreading should correct any technical errors. Editing should be much more intense and can occur on many levels. A good edit should include corrections to formatting, storyline, character development, fact checking, and overall flow and arrangement of ideas. The goal of editing is to make the book more accessible to readers.

What is the difference between a graphic and an illustration?
The goal of each is the same–to communicate a message. A graphic is a communication tool and tends to be a repeated element (i.e. an alphabet, icon, arrows, bullet points, pattern, etc.). An illustration (i.e. drawing, photograph, painting, cartoon) is a communication tool that, when in partnership with a graphic, is a component of a whole to effectively support the graphic message.

What do your publishing services cost?
Our publishing services are based upon your need and the amount of service time it would require us to fill that need. Base prices are set by the minimum amount of time required to provide you a quality product. If your needs exceed the base price, we estimate the amount of time required to fill that need and bill accordingly. Our focus is qualitative, unlike some of our quantitative, “get you in, get you out with an ugly book,” competitors.

Do you provide free consultations?
Yes, BRIO representatives can be reached by phone or email. We are happy to let you know our thoughts.

If I am previously published, how can BRIO help?
We work with published authors regularly. Ownership rights are the most crucial factor in working with previously published titles. Brio is not and cannot be held liable for copyright infringement. We have an indemnification clause in our contract. But if you have a release from your publisher and want to release a second edition, ebook, or work on a new title, we can help you at the ground stages. If your publisher went belly-up and you need help selling, storing and fulfilling orders for your book; we can help you with our promotions, storage and order fulfillment services.

Do I have a say in the creative process?
Yes. Absolutely yes. Primarily, we are committed to providing you with a service and product with which you are satisfied. Publishing goals are different for each author and book, a BRIO agent can consult with you on this.

What is the difference between Advertising and Book Promotion?
Advertising is a component of book promotion. Advertising is purchased space or time to communicate your message. Book Promotion is a purchased service to help create effective advertising, author appearances in media outlets, receive reviews, and strategies in selling your book based on market research.

How long does the publishing process take?
It all depends on how experienced the author is and how many services you’ve hired Brio to perform for you.

B. PRINTING SERVICES (top)

Which file formats do you accept for printing?
For BRIO Printing services, we require PDF files. It is best if the PDF files are saved from the following programs: Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, or Microsoft Word. There are many other programs that have the ability to create books, but they may not be ideal for printing if they are not saved from one of the programs listed above. Please consult with a BRIO representative to see if your files are acceptable.

What are proofs?
Proofs are a way of showing you what is going to print, before it is printed. There are two forms of proofs: electronic and hard copy. Electronic proofs are shown to clients in a PDF format that they can only view on their computer screen. These proofs will not be color accurate, as every monitor is different. For most print projects, BRIO will provide a hard copy proof. This is an unbound copy of your book and book cover that represents what your book will look like when it is printed. Hard copy proofs are printed digitally, so for offset print runs, these proofs are a simulation of what will print on press, and although they are printed by different means, they are very accurate.

What is the difference between CMYK and RGB?
RGB refers to the primary colors of light: Red, Green and Blue. RGB is the standard format used for video monitors, television screens, digital cameras and scanners. CMYK refers to the primary colors of pigment: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. These are the ink colors used in “4-color process printing,”  commonly referred to as “full color printing.”  RGB and CYMK are not compatible formats. RGB files must be converted to CYMK before printing can occur. It is physically impossible for a printing press to exactly reproduce colors as seen on a computer monitor, because the monitor shows RGB color, and the printed book will be CMYK.

How long will it take to upload my files?
Upload time will vary depending on your file size and the speed of your internet connection. Uploads can be as short as a few seconds or as long as an hour or more. If you are concerned about the size of your file or the speed of your internet connection, we recommend that you send your artwork to us on a CD or DVD.

What if I find a mistake in my files after they are submitted?
As a customer, you are responsible for the accuracy of your artwork. You are encouraged to carefully inspect the positioning, copy, and design elements in your art files before submitting them to us. You will receive either an electronic or hard copy proof prior to print production. If you notice a mistake before your order is put into production, you can make necessary changes at that time and charges will incur.

What are bleeds?
If artwork image extends to the edge of the trim size, it is desirable to have the color extend or ‘bleed’ over this edge. A file must contain the necessary bleed in order for the final trim to be accurate and look professional.

What does PDF stand for?
PDF stands for Portable Document Format, a universal file format developed by Adobe that preserves the font, formatting, graphic and color information contained in the native source document.

What resolution should my graphics be?
For best printing results, please make sure that your image files have a resolution of 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch) or greater.

How long does it take to get a proof?
Once a BRIO representative has reviewed your files and determined they are ready to print, a proof will be delivered within 3-10 business days. The time for a proof depends on the size of the project and the current work load.

How long does printing take?
Most book printing projects take 4-6 weeks. Some of this time is for the exchange of proofs and obtaining approval. Like proofing, print time will vary depending on the size of the project and current work load. If you have a deadline, be sure to let your BRIO representative know prior to submitting a job. Keep in mind that shipping time is subsequent to turnaround time. The shipping time is determined by the customer and his or her preferred shipping method, and the shipping destination. BRIO can provide shipping estimates and time in transit if given the delivery zip code and project specifications.

How do I make changes or cancel an order?
Once you have approved an electronic or hard copy proof, your order is considered to be in production. You can make changes or cancel an order any time prior to it entering production. NOTE: If you cancel your order after receiving a hard copy proof, you are liable for any and all charges related to the creation and delivery of that proof.

Will you match a sample I print out on my own printer, or a previously printed sample?
It is helpful to see a printed sample of color that you find acceptable. We will try our best to match that color, or give advice as to how it can be achieved. Because of the wide variety of printing equipment, including digital inkjet, laser, continuous tone proofing devices, film-based proofs and offset lithography, there is no guarantee that your finished piece will approximate your printed sample. Even from one commercial printing company to another, there can be significant differences in results.

How well will my job match what I see on my monitor?
People are often surprised at how well their printed pieces resemble what they saw on their computer screens as they were designing. However, because of the wide variance in monitor calibrations, and more specifically, the incompatibility of the video (RGB) and commercial printing (CYMK) formats, printed colors typically do not exactly match the colors on any specific monitor. If your project is color sensitive, consulting a Pantone Matching System (PMS) swatch book is your best means for seeing how the colors in your artwork will look once they have been printed.

Will I always receive the exact quantity of books I order?
BRIO’s policy allows for an over/under tolerance of up to 10%. You will be credited for books not received if your received order is under the quoted amount. If your order if over the quoted amount, you will have the opportunity to purchase the books at 25% off the quoted unit price.

C. PROMOTION SERVICES (top)

How long should I plan on promoting my book?
A solid promotional plan should begin 6 months prior to a book release date and 12 months past the release date. Many successful authors will say that as long as there are copies unsold, they never truly stop promoting their book.

Do I need to be accepted for promotion?
Yes. It is very important that the promoter of a book believes in a book’s message, finds value in the content, and has identified a solid target market. BRIO will evaluate all potential titles and consider these merits. For accepted titles, BRIO will provide a proposal outlining how our promotional team will aim to promote the specific title successfully.

Do I get status reports and updates?
Authors will receive weekly updates throughout the course of any promotional campaign. If a promotional plan includes retail distribution, BRIO will provide monthly reporting of sales through major wholesalers.

What is included in my promotional plan?
For each title, BRIO will provide a customized promotional proposal. The plan may include any of the following:

• Creating sell sheets
• Listing titles with wholesalers
• Targeting school/educational markets
• Targeting library market
• Targeting retail market (Barnes & Noble, Amazon)
• Creating press releases (print and electronic)
• Assisting with social media development
• Assisting with website development
• Providing printed collateral (flyers, postcards, targeting print advertising)
• Contacting media (TV, Radio, Magazines, Newspaper)
• Obtaining reviews and endorsements
• Arranging for book signings and public appearances

Will I be in the newspaper, on TV or Radio?
If one of the strategies within your promotional proposal is contacting media, the ultimate goal is exposure. BRIO cannot guarantee media exposure, but will allot the necessary time and resources to the strategy, if it is desired.

D. SHIPPING & STORAGE (top)

Are my books safe stored with BRIO?
Yes, BRIO’s storage facility is secure, temperature controlled, and your product is insured.

How are my books shipped?
If you are sending individual book orders to clients, the most economical method is USPS Media Mail. For larger shipments, UPS and FedEx are preferred because of the more advanced tracking methods. For shipments over 200 lbs, a freight shipment should be arranged.

How do I get paid when my books sell?
BRIO does not collect payment for books our authors sell directly to their customers. BRIO recommends a Business PayPal Account be set up, so the revenue can be directly deposited to the author’s account, and a portion of each sale is directly applied to a separate postage account. With limited access, BRIO can use the allotted postage funds to create labels and send out individual orders.

How much do you charge for shipping and handling?
Shipping varies depending on shipping weight, carrier and destination. BRIO can provide shipping estimates and time in transit if given the delivery zip code and project specifications.

E. MISCELLANEOUS (top)

What methods of payment do you accept?
Currently, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. We also accept personal and/or company checks for payment, as long as payment is received according to the terms of sale.

Do you charge tax?
BRIO is a Minnesota Limited Liability Company and must collect taxes for all the orders that are shipped to locations within the state of Minnesota. If you are a tax exempt organization, please fax or email us your exemption certificate.

Do you share or sell my contact information?
NO. Customer information is for internal use only. BRIO will not sell or release customer information unless otherwise notified in writing by a customer. Then, and only then, will information be provided at the behest of said customer and as pertains solely to said customer.

How do I reach someone with questions or inquiry?
BRIO’s staff is available by phone during business hours and emails will be responed to during these hours. Please call our toll free number or email your BRIO representative and they will be able to assist you.