I have used Parchment of Oxford with great success. They do print runs as low as 25 copies - or even 1 if you're prepared to pay for it! They accept your proof in various formats both professional and semi-pro; I recently created a 100-page A5 booklet in MS Word (which format they don't like) and then converted it to an Adobe PDF document (which they do). I sent the file to them on a CD after making arrangements by email, and the results were very satisfactory. They will also accept a printed proof, done maybe on your own inkjet or laser printer, or on a photocopier or even hand-drawn (!) which they will then scan and print digitally. Their website is at http://www.printuk.com/about.htm and if you try the 'select a department' drop-down box you will find lots of helpful info - the 'guide to saving time and money' PDF file is especially useful. I'm sure there are competing firms just as good as Parchment, but I haven't tried them yet. For 200 pages, ask about "perfect binding" (which is the way most paperbacks are done, i.e. glued into a spine that could have a title printed along it). The normal method of binding booklets ("saddle-stitching") is by staples, but perfect binding would suit lots of pages much better and may be worth the extra cost. Hope this helps, Lawrence Greenall. > -----Original Message----- > From: Brian Beanland [mailto:brian.beanland@virgin.net] > Sent: 18 February 2006 18:49 > To: SOG-UK-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: [SoG] Publishing Family Book > > > I am in the final stages of preparing a family history book > using Family > Tree Maker 2006. I would estimate that the completed book > will comprise 200 > pages of A4 - the book is a mixture of text and pictures. > > > > Does anyone have experience of having a family tree book > professionally > printed? I doubt that I will require more than 30 copies. In > particular I > would be interested to understand: > > > > 1. Precisely what format will a professional printer require > me to present > the book to him, and will he need to have the FTM program on > his system? > > > > 2. Is A4 the best size for the finished book? > > > > 3. Is there likely to be a large cost difference in having > the book printed > in colour? > > > > 4. What facts do those who have published their books wish > they had known > before they handed the copy to the printer? > > > > Any help would be appreciated. > > > > Brian Beanland > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.15.11/264 - Release > Date: 17/02/2006 > -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Ha Haa! Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.15.11/264 - Release Date: 17/02/2006