Editing
4+ weeks
Commencement is subject to editor availability and manuscript length, complexity and level of intervention required.
Planning a project
Current publishing
+ printing turnarounds.
Indicative lead times
Updated ,
Books take time — particularly when they are worth making properly.
The timings below are our current working estimates for new or previously quoted projects. Some pre-print stages can run concurrently, and the exact schedule depends on complexity, proofing, quantity, format and current production capacity.
Current availability changes quickly. Project slots are allocated in order of confirmed bookings, so please contact us to confirm the next practical commencement date for your project.
Pre-print
Publishing services.
Editing, design and publishing stages often overlap. These timings are therefore best read as individual service windows rather than simply added together.
Book cover design
Approx. 4 weeks
Usually commencing within three weeks of a confirmed order. Complex illustrative covers may require additional time.
Interior formatting
Approx. 4 weeks
Usually commencing within three weeks. Complex typesetting, tables or highly illustrated layouts may take longer.
Publishing with Vivid
Approx. 2 weeks
Usually commencing within three weeks once the publication files and required information are in place.
Print-on-demand
2–4 weeks
Set-up and distribution, generally commencing within three weeks. More about print-on-demand →
eBook publishing
2–4 weeks
Conversion and distribution, generally commencing within three weeks. More about eBook publishing →
Production
Book printing
+ delivery.
Printing lead times begin once final print-ready files have been approved and the production order is confirmed. Freight and delivery method can materially affect the final schedule.
Paperback · black-only interior
Commencement: typically within 2 weeks
Turnaround: approx. 4 weeks
Paperback · full-colour interior
Commencement: typically within 3 weeks
Turnaround: approx. 4–8 weeks
Hardcover + FlexiCase
Commencement: typically within 3 weeks
Turnaround: 10+ weeks
Premium hardcover and FlexiCase editions are generally manufactured with Fontaine’s long-term specialist offshore print partners. Their longer production window reflects binding, finishing, quality control and international freight.
A finished project
Why some books are worth the wait.
Premium books involve more than simply putting ink on paper. Binding, image reproduction, paper, finishing and freight all form part of the production path.
Cacao Addict is one example of a full-colour hardcover project produced through Vivid Publishing — the kind of book where the finished physical object is part of the experience.
What can change the schedule?
Complexity. Illustrated covers, image-heavy interiors, tables, indexes and specialist layouts require more design and checking time.
Proofing. Every proof cycle adds time. Fast and consolidated client feedback helps keep a project moving.
Materials + finishing. Foil, embossing, gatefolds, slipcases, ribbons, specialty papers and other custom elements can extend manufacturing.
Quantity + freight. Print method, run length and whether books are manufactured locally or offshore all affect the final delivery window.
Seasonal capacity. Production and freight schedules can tighten during busy periods, so important launch dates are best planned well in advance.
Have a fixed date? Tell us at the enquiry stage. We can then work backwards from it and tell you whether the timing is realistic.
Next step
Confirm the timing for your project.
Send us the format, approximate page count, quantity, current stage and preferred completion date. We will review the project and advise whether the timing is workable.