Cookbook production software needed

9 replies
I am wanting to set up a small service ( for my wife ) that enable her to take old family recipe's and create cookbooks she can print at home.
Any input would be welcomed.
Enterpryzman
#cookbook #needed #production #software
  • Profile picture of the author LynnM
    Not quite what you've asked for as the printing is done elsewhere, but Lulu.com allow you to easily create and publish books.
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  • Profile picture of the author George Wright
    How about amazon. They print on demand.

    George Wright
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    "The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." Mickey Spillane
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  • Profile picture of the author enterpryzman
    I want to be able to create it and print it from home/office the same day.
    Thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
      Originally Posted by enterpryzman View Post

      I want to be able to create it and print it from home/office the same day.
      Depending upon the size of the book, you're probably going to need a fast printer, or multiple printers so you can be printing multiple pages at a time. For example, you could have section 1 printing on printer 1, section 2 on printer 2, etc. Unless you have a printer(s) that has double-sided copy capabilities, you'll need to run the pages through a second time to print the backs. You may want to consider a laser printer because the cost of inkjet ink may eat into your profits. Of course, the downside of using a laser printer is that, over time and especially when exposed to heat, the pages may tend to stick together and the print rub off or stick to the facing pages, due to the toner.

      Be sure to get higher grade paper too. You don't want to use cheap copy paper on a recipe book. For one thing, the print may show through the pages when printed on both sides, especially with an inkjet printer where the ink actually soaks into the paper a bit. For another thing, if people will be using these books again and again, you don't want paper that's going to tear or wear out easily.

      Unless you plan on doing a recipe book with 8.5" x 11" pages, you'll need a cutter to cut the pages down to the size you need. You could use a hand-cutter, but if you want the books to look nice and the pages cut at a consistent size, you'll want a cutter that can cut multiple sheets at a time, preferable the whole book (or multiple books) at a time.

      Next, you'll need a GBC or spiral binding machine that will both punch the pages and also allow you to assemble the books.

      You may also need a laminator so that you can laminate the front and back covers to provide some extra protection, especially when the book is opened up on a countertop.

      Also, be sure you have set aside plenty of work space. You'll need space for the machines plus enough space to do the actual work. Plus, you'll need to keep the equipment and store the paper in a location where you won't have excessive humidity or dust. A basement or garage, while often convenient, may not be the best place due to those circumstances, unless you have a climate-controlled garage or basement.

      Unless you know you can sell a sufficient number of cookbooks right off the bat in order to defray the costs of supplies and equipment, you might want to outsource the production of your cookbooks until sales can justify the investment of setting up your own in-house operation.
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      • Profile picture of the author enterpryzman
        Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert View Post

        Depending upon the size of the book, you're probably going to need a fast printer, or multiple printers so you can be printing multiple pages at a time. For example, you could have section 1 printing on printer 1, section 2 on printer 2, etc. Unless you have a printer(s) that has double-sided copy capabilities, you'll need to run the pages through a second time to print the backs. You may want to consider a laser printer because the cost of inkjet ink may eat into your profits. Of course, the downside of using a laser printer is that, over time and especially when exposed to heat, the pages may tend to stick together and the print rub off or stick to the facing pages, due to the toner.

        Be sure to get higher grade paper too. You don't want to use cheap copy paper on a recipe book. For one thing, the print may show through the pages when printed on both sides, especially with an inkjet printer where the ink actually soaks into the paper a bit. For another thing, if people will be using these books again and again, you don't want paper that's going to tear or wear out easily.

        Unless you plan on doing a recipe book with 8.5" x 11" pages, you'll need a cutter to cut the pages down to the size you need. You could use a hand-cutter, but if you want the books to look nice and the pages cut at a consistent size, you'll want a cutter that can cut multiple sheets at a time, preferable the whole book (or multiple books) at a time.

        Next, you'll need a GBC or spiral binding machine that will both punch the pages and also allow you to assemble the books.

        You may also need a laminator so that you can laminate the front and back covers to provide some extra protection, especially when the book is opened up on a countertop.

        Also, be sure you have set aside plenty of work space. You'll need space for the machines plus enough space to do the actual work. Plus, you'll need to keep the equipment and store the paper in a location where you won't have excessive humidity or dust. A basement or garage, while often convenient, may not be the best place due to those circumstances, unless you have a climate-controlled garage or basement.

        Unless you know you can sell a sufficient number of cookbooks right off the bat in order to defray the costs of supplies and equipment, you might want to outsource the production of your cookbooks until sales can justify the investment of setting up your own in-house operation.

        I have all the required equipment as we speak. I said at home but that is only partly true. You see, I am self-employed and my main office is directly across the street from my home. I just completed an addition to it of 8,000 sq feet and included more office work area.

        My wife has Pancreatic Cancer and needs to stop working for another company and does not want to stay at home doing nothing. If I get her on the right track with this project, she can come in when she wants and do this with equipment we have, I am just looking for the best way to arrange and lay out the pages.

        Thanks for any/all help you might offer.

        Enterpryzman
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        • Profile picture of the author ozduc
          Originally Posted by enterpryzman View Post

          I am just looking for the best way to arrange and lay out the pages.

          Enterpryzman

          I would suggest looking at Adobe "In Design" software. It is a great program for book outlays. You can try it for free at Adobe.
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  • Profile picture of the author jacktackett
    There are dozens of POD (Print on Demand) publishers out there that will print copies for you - even down to one copy. Many have fulfilment services as well that will print the book and drop ship it to your buyer. Amazon's is called create space, Lulu is another company as well. I recommend you pick up a copy of Writers Digest and take a look at the ads for the major players.

    There really are a lot of different answers to your question - it just depends on what you want. Heck you can go to a local quick print show like Kinkos and have them print a copy and you can ship it out. You can also print them out at home and bind them there, depending on the binding. I would not recommend this path though.

    Formatting/color costs more than black and white. You either have to take your own pictures or make sure you have rights to the ones you use. Lists of ingredients can not be copyrighted in general - but the instructions on how to mix the ingredients together can be. I would recommend after you create the cook book to spend the $35 and get an official copyright registration.

    If you print them yourself you'll need to get an ISBN number as well. Most POD firms can supply one as part of their service - otherwise you'll need to sign up and get a set from Bowker. (ISBN (International Standard Book Number)).

    Self publishing is a great resource and presents a great opportunity, especially with cook books - just ask fellow warriors Willie Crawford and Ron Douglas!

    Good luck,
    --Jack
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  • Profile picture of the author George Wright
    From Printasbook
    The template for MS Word. Allows you to print any available document in form of book. The document may contain some shapes, images, headers, or footers. The pages scale will be adjusted automatically when printing, without reformatting the source document and without objects displacement. Detailed analyze before printing automatically avoids most troubles of book creating. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com

    Print as Book - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

    Hi,

    Maybe this is what you need.

    George Wright
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    "The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." Mickey Spillane
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  • Profile picture of the author jlmkt
    I just Googled for "Cookbook Templates" and looks like you might find some good choices for cookbook templates and cookbook software that will give you lots of options -- some free.

    Hope this helps,
    Lee
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