Quick Start Guide

If you're new to self-publishing, this Quick Start Guide explains the basics of how we work with authors. If, after reading this, you have more questions, please take a look at our FAQ page or contact us.

Step 1: Whether you've filled out our "Request a Quote" form online, or you're contacting us directly, you'll soon be talking to Jen White, our Sales Representative. Here are some of the key topics Jen will discuss with you:

• What are your book's size and paper specifications?
• What quantity do you need, and is there a deadline you need to meet?
• Will you require collateral materials, such as posters and brochures?
• Where will we be shipping the final book? Will we be warehousing this or any other books for you? Will you need any additional fulfillment services?
• Is your book manuscript, including covers, in PDF format? (We require PDF files and here's how to prepare them.)
• Unless you're paying by credit card, we'll need a credit application from you on file. If you haven't completed one for us, you can fill it out here.

Step 2: Once we receive the PDF file of your book, Dick Murphy, our prepress technician, will look it over to make sure everything's in order. (If it isn't, Jen will be in touch!) Assuming that it's fine, he'll pass the file along to our Production Team.

Step 3: If everything has moved along smoothly, our Production Team should be able to generate a press proof of your book within seven (7) days of when you speak to Jen. That proof will be generated on the very same digital printers we use to make your final book, so what you see is literally what the final book will look like.

Step 4: We will send you a proof of your project. The sooner you make any changes or return it approved to us, the sooner we can print your complete book order. We won't print anything until we hear back from you.

Step 5: Once we get the approved proof back, we can usually print your complete book order within ten (10) days. It then goes to our book trimming and boxing team: Randy Rand, Chris McDonald, and Athena Giftos. From there, books are sent to Fulfillment, where Peter Fillion sends them on their way.

Step 6: Barbara Baxley handles invoicing, so you can look forward to hearing from her soon. She'll be the last Walch printing person you'll be in contact with - until you get in touch with Jen to work on your next book!