How we work
Below you can find the step-by-step description of a thesis production process.
1. Requesting a quotation
The production of your thesis begins by requesting a quotation here. Please ask for the quotation as soon as possible, this only costs a few minutes! After receiving your request, we’ll prepare an offer reflecting the specifications of your thesis (number of pages, paper weight, color pages, printing method, etc.) and send it to the email address you provided within 1-2 working days.
2. Decision
If you’re interested in our offer, please let us know by email. If you’re not convinced yet, please tell us why, we can always negotiate! After receiving the confirmation that you would like Off Page to produce your book, we will activate your personal page.
3. Personal page
Each of our confirmed clients receives access to her/his personal page. This page enables easy upload of files to our servers and is used for reviewing files, viewing book details and placing the order. It also contains all quotations, book details, deadlines and more.
4a. Layout by Off Page
If you want Off Page to design your thesis and cover/invitations, we’ll ask you to provide the necessary files via your personal page.
We know that your thesis is probably not entirely ready for printing yet. That’s why we first ask to upload a text, figures, tables, etc. for only one completed chapter. We create a layout for this chapter and send you a fully formatted PDF for comments. After receiving the remarks, we implement changes and send back the PDF for the next round of corrections. We repeat this step until you’re satisfied with the result.
When the layout of the first chapter is approved, we apply the same design style to the rest of the book. At this stage it is very important that your files are double-checked and proof-read. Corrections at later stages are much more time-consuming and may increase the final price (please check our terms for details).
We send you the book after its layout is completed. You can still request small changes in the layout and introduce some minor text adjustments. After a few rounds of corrections, we upload the PDF for the final approval. In the meantime we ask for a cover material and wishes regarding a cover design. After it’s finished, we work on a bookmark and/or invitation layout. Please check this link for more information regarding the cover.
The entire procedure of preparing the book and cover design takes around 3 weeks, but please make sure to consult the schedule on a regular basis (its duration may vary).
4b. Layout elsewhere
Here’s what happens when you decide to do the layout yourself. During this difficult process, you can send us intermediate PDFs of the book you’ve created so far. We’ll have a look at it and upload our comments. We can also send you the templates for the book and cover/invitations/bookmarks. When your book is finished, we’ll again check it for errors. We’ll make sure that lines are thick enough and that colors are converted to grayscale or CMYK colorspace, where necessary. After this, we’ll send you the PDF for the final approval.
5. Signing the order
When all files are ready for printing, we’ll send you the final quotation reflecting the parameters of the book. When you accept the price, we’ll ask you to sign the order for book printing (via your personal page).
6. Printing
If you choose offset printing, we’ll send you the electronic proofs of the book. These are images of the offset plates that will be used for printing. This is the last moment for (very limited) changes. After that, offset plates are prepared and books are printed and assembled.
In digital printing it is possible to order a paper proof of the book at extra cost of 30 EUR.
7. Shipping
When ready for transport, books are neatly arranged into packets. Packets are stapled on a wooden palette or inside of larger boxes and wrapped in thick cardboard and plastic foil for extra protection. Packages are then shipped using a reliable courier service. We will notify you 1-2 days before the delivery date.
8. Payment
After you confirm having received the books in good order, we’ll send you the final invoice. You have 14 working days to transfer the money to our bank account. Done!