Question about files format

[Dima Eichhorn]

Hi everybody,
Just a quick question,
on what kind of files you send the final illustrations to the client or the publisher? What about the cover?
Is there a norm, rule?
Thank you!!!

[Melissa_Bailey]

@Dima-Eichhorn hi!

If I'm only delivering illustration files, I deliver print-ready TIFF files that are the correct trim size (if spreads or full page illustrations), 300 dpi, with CMYK color profile. I also deliver JPEGs that the client can use digitally (like creating an ebook or marketing) -- these files don't have to be 300 dpi and should be in the RGB color mode.

If I'm also doing the book design and formatting the book for print (usually if I'm working with a very small publisher or self-publisher), then in addition to delivering the above files, I deliver print-ready PDFs following the printer's guidelines, a PDF for the cover and a PDF for the interior files. (Hint: all printers will provide their printing specs and a cover template on request.)

Hope this helps!

[Dima Eichhorn]

@Melissa-Bailey-0 Dear Melissa, it helps a lot. Just what i needed to know!
Thank you.

[Melissa_Bailey]

@Dima-Eichhorn you're so welcome! ️

(Oh, and of course, I always include 0.125" bleed with the trim size dimensions.)

[lpetiti]

The contracts I work with usually require me to submit as jpegs, pngs and pdfs (it's self published on Amazon). What's interesting is that the way my contract is set up, I essentially get a third of my whole payment just for the three different file formats, so it's always been funny to me that this simple act (unless I'm over simplifying it of course) of changing file types is worth so much to my client!

[jimsz]

The files supplied depends on the customer. Some want tiffs, some want jpg and another png.

Ask the client for a spec sheet all of that should be in writing.

[Dima Eichhorn]

@lpetiti Thanks a lot for the help!

[Dima Eichhorn]

@jimsz Yes, you are absolutely right. Thank you.