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A visible defect in a scanned image, usually caused by hardware or software limitations.
A defect in an image caused by repeated encoding/compressing of JPEG images.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 15:58:39 | Back to top

The back part of a dust jacket that folds inward and contains copy continued from the front flap and/or a photo and biography of the author.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:00:51 | Back to top

The fastening of assembled sheets or signatures along one edge (inside edge or inner margin) of a publication. The binding process also includes folding, gathering, trimming, stitching, gluing, and/or casing.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:35:38 | Back to top

An undesirable graphic effect in which a gradation contains visible stepping of shades.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:00:52 | Back to top

Digital equivalent of a conventional printed book. EBooks are read on personal computers, smart phones, or eBook readers. There are many eBook formats available, some can be used on multiple devices while others are only available on certain devices.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:41:46 | Back to top

Proposed format from the International Digital Publishing Forum. “.epub” is the file extension of an XML format for digital books and publications. Epub re-flows content, so that text can be optimized for display screen being used at the time.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:41:25 | Back to top

The portion of an image, line, or color that extends beyond the final page size.

Bleed is necessary for when you want images, lines or colors to go to the edge of the finished page. For example, a 6 x 9" page is created larger (6.25 x 9.25") and is centered .125"(1/8") around the finished page size. See the image below.

When creating a document with bleed keep in mind that important art and text should be .25"(1/4") from the edge of the finished page size. This will allow for trim variance as well as bleed. The variance is shown below from the blue dotted line to the orange dotted line.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:27:59 | Back to top

A format for saving images, particularly black and white images, not recommended for use in manuscripts to be submitted to Lulu.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:00:52 | Back to top

Method for compressing monochrome bitmap images used by fax machines.
Not Recommended!

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:36:06 | Back to top

The most common type of binding for Hardcover books. Coated paper is attached to boards and then glued to the spine of a bound book.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 15:56:43 | Back to top

The colors of the subtractive color system, also known as process colors. This is the image mode ideal for traditional print.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:01:53 | Back to top

The most common type of binding for instructional manuals, cookbooks and calendars since it permits them to lie flat. Pages are held together with a round plastic coil inserted through holes punched along the inner margins of the pages.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:28:19 | Back to top

Formerly used to describe the process of hand-setting letterpress type, now used to describe the process of designing and laying out pages and sections of a manuscript.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:34:58 | Back to top

Includes checking spelling, grammar, punctuation, proper abbreviations, numbers and lists, and proper word usage in a manuscript, as well as the table of contents.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:36:27 | Back to top

A form of intellectual property, giving the creator of an original work exclusive rights to that work's publication, distribution and adaptation for a certain time period. After the time period the work is said to enter the public domain. For information on U.S. copyright laws visit copyright.gov

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:01:56 | Back to top

Defines what other people are allowed to do with your work.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:02:13 | Back to top

System or technology used to place limitations (access to or copying of) onto digital content (eBooks, music, etc.). The publisher or author of an e-book, not the retailer, determines the level of restrictions applied to an eBook. This includes how many times an eBook can be downloaded for a single purchase, and the number of devices (computers, eBook readers, etc.) to which the eBook can be transferred.

Encrypted or copy-protected eBooks can only be read on authorized computers or hand-held devices a limited number of times. An unencrypted or not copy-protected eBook can be transferred to personal computers or reading devices an unlimited number of times.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:42:11 | Back to top

The page that typically appears after the title page, containing the artistic property protection (license). If the book has an ISBN then the ISBN number must also be included on this page.

Example:
© 2008 Lulu Author. All rights reserved.
ISBN 123-456-789-1

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:00:55 | Back to top

The physical density of pixels/dots in an image when printed. The higher the dpi the source image, the clearer and more detailed (up to a point) the output of the printer will be.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:01:56 | Back to top

A file transferred from the Internet to your computer. The act of transferring a file from the Internet to your computer.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:00:55 | Back to top

A separate paper wrapper that covers a casewrap book and protects the cover. Lulu Dust jacket casewraps are bound in navy blue linen.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:32:53 | Back to top

A graphic effect in which display type is repeated behind itself, creating a "shadow."

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:01:57 | Back to top

A document file format that contains PostScript information for high-resolution graphics.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:01:57 | Back to top

A sheet of paper that attaches the inside pages of a hardcover book to the cover.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:35:18 | Back to top

A way to transfer files to and from websites without using a browser. Usually requires an FTP client.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:01:58 | Back to top

To align text or images along one edge of a page layout.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:00:57 | Back to top

An area in the bottom margin of a page, often containing the page number.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 15:55:51 | Back to top

General physical appearance of a book or magazine, such as the typeface, binding, quality of paper, margins, etc.
The act of formatting.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:27:17 | Back to top

An image file format best suited for digital images with few colors, such as cartoon clip art. It also supports transparency and limited animation.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:35:58 | Back to top

The range of gray tones between black and white as displayed on a monitor or in an image.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 15:56:41 | Back to top

The inner margins of two facing pages in a publication.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:00:57 | Back to top

The top of a page above the headline or text.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:27:34 | Back to top

A photographic reproduction that contains higher density levels than usual.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:27:40 | Back to top

The attribute of a color that distinguishes it from other colors.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:01:11 | Back to top

A unique number provided by R.R. Bowker/Reed Reference Publishing and assigned by the publisher that identifies the binding, edition, and publisher of a book.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:27:52 | Back to top

An image file format ideal for digital images with lots of colors, such as photographs.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 15:55:51 | Back to top

No. If you are publishing a recurring product (for example, a monthly literary journal), consider getting an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number). ISSNs are free! An ISSN is an eight-digit number that uniquely identifies your periodical. Unlike ISBNs, which contain country and publisher prefixes, the ISSN simply identifies the periodical (not the publisher from whom it is available).

An ISSN distinguishes a particular periodical from others with which it might be confused. The ISSN also helps library patrons, libraries, and others who handle large numbers of periodicals to find and identify titles in automated systems more quickly and easily. In the US, ISSNs are administered by the National Serials Data Program (NSDP) of the Library of Congress. According to their site (http://www.loc.gov/issn), periodicals, or serials, are:

"...print or non-print publications issued in parts, usually bearing issue numbers and/or dates. A serial is expected to continue indefinitely. Serials include magazines, newspapers, annuals (such as reports, yearbooks, and directories), journals, memoirs, proceedings, transactions of societies, and monographic series."
If this description sounds like what you are publishing, apply for an ISSN.

ISSNs are assigned by a network of over 60 centers worldwide coordinated by the ISSN International Centre located in Paris. For more information, see:

• US publications: United States ISSN Center
• Serials published outside of the US: the ISSN International Centre can refer you to the national center in your country of publication.

A separate ISSN is required for each medium; that is, if your periodical is available in both Download and Print formats, you will need a separate ISSN for each distribution format. After you get your ISSN, you should add it to your periodical. Unlike ISBNs, where Lulu adds the barcode to your back cover, ISSNs are your responsibility. Insert the ISSN in your source file before uploading and publishing. Suggested locations:

• Printed publication: the preferred location is the upper right-hand corner of the cover. You can also add it to the masthead area, copyright page, or in the publishing statement (where you identify publisher, frequency, etc.).
• Non-print publication: on an internal location, such as the title screen or home page.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:35:59 | Back to top

Aligning each line of a paragraph so that the edges of the text are straight along one or both margins.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:36:07 | Back to top

Single words or short phrases that describe your book and help improve search results.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:33:03 | Back to top

Landscape can describe an image or page that is wider than it is tall or the page orientation for a home printer. Lulu’s printers cannot print files in a landscape orientation. See http://athleticaid.com/yaquinapress/landscape for more info.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:27:17 | Back to top

The number of rows of halftone cells per inch, also referred to as screen frequency. The finer the frequency, the less noticeable the halftone dots.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:32:45 | Back to top

A method of compression in which very little data is lost when decompressed.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 15:55:30 | Back to top

A method of compression in which data is lost when decompressed.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 15:54:32 | Back to top

A Lossless data compression algorithm designed to be fast to implement, but not the best option because it performs only limited analysis of the data.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:34:51 | Back to top

The white space surrounding the text or main content of a page.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:02:13 | Back to top

In most cases, when two objects of different colors overlap they knockout -- they won't print on top of each other. To intentionally print one layer of ink on top of another is to overprint. Overprinting is sometimes used to avoid the need for trapping and avoid gaps between touching colors. Spot colors intended to designate the application of spot varnish are also set up to overprint.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:27:46 | Back to top

Total number of pages in a book, counting both sides of each sheet of paper.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:00:49 | Back to top

Unit used to measure the thickness of paper.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:36:28 | Back to top

The numbering of the pages. Odd page numbers are on the right side of the printed book, even page numbers are on the left.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:27:40 | Back to top

The paper used for printing a particular piece.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:28:05 | Back to top

A system of measuring paper thickness.
The weight of one or more sheets of paper.

The U.S. System weighs 500 sheets of the paper type (text, cover, bond, etc.) Each of these paper types has its own "size" used to calculate the weight. 500 sheets of 25 x 38" Brand X text paper would be 80lb text paper. It is possible to weigh two sheets of the same paper using different sheet sizes come out with a different weight.

The Metric System measures all paper grades based on grams per square meter (gsm) of a single sheet of paper. With two weights like 250 gsm or 90 gsm, the 90 gsm is considered a text weight and the 250 gsm, a cover weight.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 15:58:01 | Back to top

The most common type of binding, usually for paperback books. Pages are gathered, one on top of another; then flexible adhesive is applied to the spine.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:02:01 | Back to top

Common term for picture element, the smallest single component of a digital image or monitor.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:01:00 | Back to top

A displayed or printed image is said to be pixelated when the edges are jagged when they should be smooth. This happens when the image resolution (see DPI) is too low.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:01:50 | Back to top

Or pixel density is the measurement of the resolution of computer displays, image scanners, or digital camera image sensors. Also can be used to describe the resolution of an image to be printed within a specified space.
Example: A 300 x 300 pixel image printed on a 1-inch square would have 300 pixels per inch.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:36:18 | Back to top

A typographic unit of measure. Traditionally, there are 72.27, 72.29, or 72.3 points to the inch, depending on whom you ask. For the purpose of designating type sizes, most modern publishing applications use 72 points to the inch.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:02:01 | Back to top

A file format developed by Adobe to allow the creation and sharing of documents that will look and print the same on any machine.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:36:18 | Back to top

An bitmapped image file format that uses lossless compression.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:26:56 | Back to top

Portrait can describe an image or page that is taller than it is wide or the page orientation for a home printer. Lulu’s printers cannot print files in a landscape orientation. See http://athleticaid.com/yaquinapress/landscape for more info.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:02:04 | Back to top

To look over your PDF to get an advance idea or impression of how it will print.
"Lulu Preview" Preview allows customers to see a sample of what they are purchasing.
"Preview" a Mac application for displaying PDFs and images.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:02:12 | Back to top

Printing, usually from a digital file to a digital printer, only when the object is needed and in the quantity required.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:35:19 | Back to top

A pre-publication printing intended for editorial use, or occasionally to be sent out for review.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:01:10 | Back to top

Intellectual Property which is not owned or controlled by anyone. These works are "public property" and available to use for any purpose.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:27:59 | Back to top

A device that takes the PDF we send to the printer and makes it into something the printer can understand.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:01:14 | Back to top

Defines amount of detail and clarity in images, measured in dots per inch or pixels per inch.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:01:03 | Back to top

The hues of the additive color system. This is the image mode ideal for digital images.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:02:04 | Back to top

A universal document file format that is readable across operating systems and word processors. Unlike .txt, it offers limited formatting capabilities like bold and centered text.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:32:54 | Back to top

The most common type of binding for booklets or comics. Folded sheets of paper are held together with staples along the spine of the book. Books are printed in multiples of 4 pages.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:35:40 | Back to top

The process of determining the amount an image should be reduced or enlarged to fit a specified area.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:02:05 | Back to top

The backbone of a book. The spine displays the title and author of the book and is often the only part of the book that can be seen on a shelf.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:01:04 | Back to top

Often called two-page spread. Two adjoining facing pages in a book, featuring a single image (photograph or Artwork) or a themed group of images that span across the gutter.

At Lulu you cannot upload a PDF as spreads, you must have separate pages.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 15:55:01 | Back to top

The type of paper or other material that will be used for printing.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:33:00 | Back to top

A standard graphic format for the storage of high-resolution (greater than 72 dpi) scanned images that can be imported into a page layout program.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:01:06 | Back to top

A pre-formatted document that is protected from overwriting and can be used repeatedly to create new documents.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:28:07 | Back to top

Pages containing the content of a book (text, illustrations, etc.).

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:36:00 | Back to top

A solid color that has been screened back less than 100% to create a lighter shade of that particular color.
To screen a solid color back by less than 100% to make it lighter.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:02:08 | Back to top

The page at or near the front which displays its title, author, publisher, date, etc.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:36:19 | Back to top

Imaging material used in laser printers, copiers, and other electrophotographic devices.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:30:18 | Back to top

An effect applied to an object that causes it to appear transparent and allows objects below it to show through. A common Transparency is the drop shadow(reference drop shadow).

Layers in files will become transparencies when converted to PDF.

Transparencies cause white blocks or washed out colors when printed. The best practice is to flatten layers in all files when converting to PDF or right before converting to PDF.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:34:52 | Back to top

The size of a page/book after it has been trimmed.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:32:39 | Back to top

To transfer a file from your computer to a website, like Lulu.com.

Last updated: 2009-10-16 16:01:08 | Back to top

Slight deviation or difference from the original form. In printing there is a possible difference from book to book or run to run of books. There is an acceptable 1/8th inch variance as well as an acceptable color variance.

Last updated: 2009-11-03 06:32:53 | Back to top