publishing question

[FitchV]

I am scanning pictures for use in a full-color book.
When submitting images to the printer (for a full color glossy type of book) how should I be saving my image files? Should I always use 48 bit color when scanning? What file type should I save in (tiff?). And what resolution should I be using (highest?)? Should I use CMYK, or RGB? Color separations?
Is there some place that can give me information on preparing pictures for book publishing?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[RAG]

Hello FitchV,

You will need to speak with the printer to find out which mode (RGB/CMYK) is the best for them. In general terms the printer determines the resolution (ppi or dpi) you should use. If you are using a desktop printer RGB is probably the better mode since the print driver is setup to convert the data to the best corresponding subtractive colours the printer is capable of printing. Between 240 and 300 ppi/dpi will be enough for most desktop printers. If you are sending the images to a printing press CMYK might be the best, but you need to communicate with them.

There are many sources for information on these subjects and one of them is the SilverFast Official Guide. The guide discusses resolution and file format.

I hope this helps!