Production, Shipping & Delivery FAQs

How long do production and shipping usually take?
Production usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks. For most projects, the books can be completed within that time. If the book has add-on features, each feature can add about 2 to 3 more days. For standard ocean shipping, transit usually takes about 4 weeks. We also offer air shipping, which can take as little as 7 to 10 days.

Should I choose ocean shipping, air shipping, or split shipping?
It depends. Air shipping usually costs about 3 to 3.5 times more than ocean shipping. Many customers need books for a pre-launch, event, or specific deadline, so it is very common to split the order between ocean and air shipping.

Do you ship internationally, and what should international customers expect?
Yes. We currently ship to the U.S., Canada, Australia, most countries in Europe, and most countries in Asia. For most destinations, we offer ocean shipping, but some locations are limited to air shipping only, such as Israel. Feel free to check with us about your destination before placing the order.

How are books packed for shipping, and what happens if there is damage?
We double-box the books and wrap them in plastic to help prevent moisture. Damage is rare, but if it happens, contact us right away and send photos. If it is a carrier issue, we will help you file a claim with UPS or FedEx. If the issue is on our end, we will review it and work out a fair solution, which could include a credit or refund for the damaged copies.

Can you rush a book order if I have a launch date?
Yes, if the schedule is realistic. We do not charge a rush fee, but we will let you know honestly what we can do to help meet the deadline. Book production takes time and planning, so we will try to meet the schedule without sacrificing quality or consistency.

Can you ship to more than one address?
Yes. There is a $100 charge for each additional shipping address.

What should I expect with customs, duties, or import-related delays?
Delays can happen, but they are not common. A few shipments each year do get delayed. Some are only delayed by a few days, while it is possible that others may go through a more detailed inspection and take a few weeks. If the shipment is large, we sometimes split it into multiple shipments. For example, for 1,000 copies, we may divide it into two containers to help reduce the risk of a major delay.

How can I estimate shipping weight before I order?
Our calculator already includes the shipping cost. If you want to estimate the book weight for your own shipping plan to readers, we also have a book weight calculator for that purpose. Please note that it is still an estimate.

Can you hold finished books and ship them later?
It depends. There is usually a short period of a few days to about a week between when production is finished and when the shipment is ready to go into transit. If you need more time to work out the logistics, please discuss it with us in advance, and we can try to accommodate it if possible. Please note that holding the shipment too long puts pressure on warehouse storage, so we may charge extra if it needs to stay there for an extended time.

How should I plan around a launch date, Kickstarter, or event deadline?
You can review the production and shipping timeline in the other FAQs, then work backward from your deadline. One thing we notice often is that authors are usually too optimistic about when the files will actually be ready. Please allow days to weeks for back-and-forth file adjustments before the book is fully ready for production. That is the number one cause of delay. Our production and shipping are usually quite consistent once the files are truly ready.