48 Hour Books is known for printing high-quality books fast. Estimate your book printing production time to get an idea of when you can get your books in your hands. If you have questions at any point, please feel free to reach out. To check on an existing order, review your order status below.
Contact UsWondering what happens before we print? See how orders move through our prepress department.
Set the layout and design of your book's pages
Do one last revision and proofread your content to remove errors
Save your formatted book as a digital PDF file
Submit your order to start the production process
We have developed a pre-press process to explain how orders move through our pre-press department.
You’re welcome to call for updates on your order or log on to your account to check the status.
Status |
Waiting for |
Description |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spec sheet | You | We're waiting for files or instructions from you. | ||
| Pre-press | 48 Hour Books | We're working on your files. | ||
| PDF proof signoff | You | We’re waiting for you to sign off on the PDF proof we sent. | ||
| Printed proof being produced | 48 Hour Books | We’re printing and shipping your printed proof (if you ordered one). | ||
| Printed proof is on its way | 48 Hour Books | Wait for your printed proof to be delivered. | ||
| Printed proof signoff | You | We’re waiting for you to approve the printed proof. | ||
| Approved but awaiting payment | You | We’re waiting for you to pay the balance, then we'll print your books. | ||
| 48 Hour Books | We’re printing your full order. Order is locked; no changes can be made. | |||
| Bind | 48 Hour Books | Your books are printed and are being bound. | ||
| Shipping | 48 Hour Books | Your books are printed and bound and are being packaged and shipped. | ||
| Done or closed | - | Your quick turnaround printing order is complete and has shipped out. |
Production schedules help self-publishers plan for events, sales and other promotions. View our production schedules below for perfect bound (softcover), case bound (hardcover) and coil bound books.
In addition to our already quick production and shipping, we offer rush and super rush options.
You have three options:
If you want to save a day or two, it's usually cheaper to upgrade production time. If you're not sure, just give us a call. We’ll work out all the scenarios and let you know the most economical option.
Below is a chart explaining our typical production time and then your expedited production options: rush and super rush. Some upgrades may increase production time - find out more here.
Proof approvedbefore deadline on... |
Standard(Approval deadline 5 p.m. EST), books ship... |
Rush*(Approval deadline 3 p.m. EST), books ship... |
Super Rush*(Approval deadline noon EST), books ship... |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Wednesday | Tuesday* | Monday* | ||
| Tuesday | Thursday | Wednesday* | Tuesday* | ||
| Wednesday | Friday | Thursday* | Wednesday* | ||
| Thursday | Monday | Friday* | Thursday* | ||
| Friday | Tuesday | Monday* | Friday* | ||
| Saturday/Sunday | Wednesday | Tuesday* | Monday* |
If you approve your perfect bound book on Monday, we'll ship your books on Wednesday. You'll need to add shipping time to determine the arrival date of your books. Expedited shipping (Next-Day Air, 2nd Day Air) also is available.
*Please call for rush or super rush book printing. They are only available on a limited basis. Also, you'll need to give us enough time to get a PDF proof back to you so that you can approve it by 3 p.m. EST for rushes and by noon EST for super rushes.
Proof approvedbefore deadline on... |
Standard(Approval deadline 5 p.m. EST), books ship... |
Rush*(Approval deadline 3 p.m. EST), books ship... |
Super Rush*(Approval deadline noon EST), books ship... |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Monday | Friday* | Thursday* | ||
| Tuesday | Tuesday | Monday* | Friday* | ||
| Wednesday | Wednesday | Tuesday* | Monday* | ||
| Thursday | Thursday | Wednesday* | Tuesday* | ||
| Friday | Friday | Thursday* | Wednesday* | ||
| Saturday/Sunday | Monday | Friday* | Thursday* |
Hardcover book printing and coil binding takes slightly longer than perfect bound (softcover). These books have a five-day production time, and then shipping time must be added to your production schedule. Some upgrades may increase production time.
If you approve your hardcover(case bound) or coil bound books on Monday, we'll ship your books on the following Monday. You'll need to add shipping time to determine the arrival date of your books. Expedited shipping (Next-Day Air, 2nd Day Air) also is available.
*Please call for rush or super rush book printing. They are only available on a limited basis. Also, you'll need to give us enough time to get a PDF proof back to you so that you can approve it by 3 p.m. EST for rushes and by noon EST for super rushes.
Find out how the following upgrades will affect your production schedule. All days listed are business days (Monday-Friday) and are in addition to the base production times for your selected binding type.
For large orders or multiple orders, get in touch with our customer service team to set up a shipping schedule that works best for you!
To place an order, fill out a simple form to tell us about your book. After the order is placed, you'll be able to upload your files directly to us.
Start Printing
