~ by Glenda MacPhail, Sales Representative, New England States
At Friesens, we know that fall is one of the busiest seasons in publishing. As summer winds down and the industry gears up for seasonal promotions, book/author-launches, and year-end campaigns, smart scheduling becomes essential. With production space in high demand and certain materials requiring longer lead times, early planning is the key to keeping your projects on track.
Here’s how you can stay ahead and make the most of your partnership with Friesens.
SECURE YOUR PRODUCTION SPACE EARLY
To ensure your project moves smoothly through production, we strongly recommend pre-scheduling as early as possible. This allows us to allocate press and binding time efficiently and prioritize your work during peak periods.
- Connect with your Sales Representative and Project Specialist to reserve your production slots.
- Share estimated quantities and timelines, including any key dates like book launches or events.
- If you anticipate changes, let us know early so we can adjust together.
PLAN MATERIALS IN ADVANCE TO AVOID DELAYS
The holiday season often brings longer lead times, especially around Canadian and U.S. Thanksgiving. While Friesens stocks many materials in-house, some items may need to be ordered or replenished. Early ordering helps avoid disruptions.
- PAPER – Lead time: 5-7 weeks
- BOARDS – Lead time: 2-3 weeks
- RAINBOW – Lead time: 2-3 weeks (we maintain strong inventory for 6×9 books in popular colours)
- CLOTH – Lead time: 4-8 weeks (some cloth material is sourced internationally. Check supplier stock for faster turnaround)
- CARTONS – Lead time: 2-3 weeks (Friesens produces cartons in-house. For large orders, we may source locally)
- SPRAYED EDGES – Lead time: currently booking 4-5 months in advance
CHECKLIST FOR A SMOOTH SEASON
Use this checklist to stay organized and keep your project moving:
- Review your fall publishing list.
- Submit your production schedule.
- Confirm materials, specs, and quantities.
- Place orders for paper, boards, cloth, and cartons.
- Communicate changes or rush requests early.
- Prescheduled projects typically complete in 4-5 weeks.
- Coordinate file submission, proof approval, and shipping timelines.
We believe in building strong partnerships through proactive planning and clear communication. By scheduling early, you not only avoid seasonal delays, but also gain the confidence of knowing your project is in good hands. Let’s work together to make this fall season a success!
Reach out today to secure your production space and start planning your next great project.
