As a PhD student, you will be completing your PhD with a printed thesis, among other things. This is preceded by a process involving design and printing. In this blog post, we outline the steps involved in this process and give an idea of the (average) lead time. So you know when to get down to business.

Any collaboration starts with a clear quotation,
so you also know where you stand in this respect.

Quotation request

Step 1: Requesting a quotation

As mentioned above, any collaboration is always preceded by a quotation. It is important that you know where you stand in terms of investment.
After requesting a quotation from us, you will receive a detailed quote by email within two business days.

Step 2: Layout

Of course you want your thesis to look the part! Our designers can help you with that. They are extremely adept at creating a suitable design, based on your wishes and ideas. They are also familiar with the technical features a thesis needs to meet. After all, you want images to be displayed properly and the text should not be too close to the page fold. These are just a few points our designers take into consideration.
If you opt to have Gildeprint take care of the design, we will need about ten business days to look after this.

Step 3: Starting the order

Once the manuscript has been designed (either by Gildeprint or a designer of your choice), we start the printing process.
This process is initiated within two business days.

Step 4: Checking PDF files

We carefully check the PDF files (one for the cover, one for the inside pages). If these files meet all the technical requirements, the process quickly moves on to step 5. If not, we will contact you and/or the designer (the lead time for step 4 will vary as a result).

Step 5: Dispatching print proofs

Three to four business days after we have started the order (step 3), you will receive a proof by post. This is when you actually get to hold your thesis in your hands, with one big difference compared to the final result: it isn’t bound. You will basically be receiving a stack of loose leaves with a loose cover around them. A great moment though: now you REALLY get an impression of what your life’s work will look like!

Step 6: Making corrections

At step 5, you received the printed proof. It is now up to you to check it carefully. You still have the opportunity to find the last few mistakes and pass them on to us. We will need about two business days to process these.

Step 7: Approval

Have you checked everything? And are you totally satisfied? That’s great! Then we turn on the printing machine! How exciting!

Step 8: Delivery

Seven business days after approval, we deliver the print run of your thesis to a pre-specified address. This can either be at work or at home. Make sure you’re there that day AND have something delicious at home. After all, this is a moment to celebrate! Congratulations!

Summary

The lead time for the printing process is two to three weeks. However, if you opt to have us take care of the design, we will need an extra two to three weeks.

Any collaboration starts with a clear quotation,
so you also know where you stand in this respect.
Quotation request