Get in touch about your book

Whether you have a finished manuscript or just an outline on a napkin, we are happy to talk. Fill out the form below or reach us directly by phone or email.

Send us a message

Our details

9229 Arden Trace, J8X 1A1 Gatineau, Quebec, Canada

Workshop hours

Monday to Friday8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
SundayClosed

Appointments outside these hours are possible for manuscript drop-offs. Just call ahead.

Aerial view of the Gatineau neighbourhood where Book Compact is located

What to include in your inquiry

The more detail you share up front, the faster we can give you an accurate quote. Here is what helps us most.

Manuscript details

Tell us the genre, the approximate word count (or page count if you already have a layout), and whether the text is in English, French or both. If your book includes images, tables or charts, mention how many.

Services you need

Do you want the full path from raw manuscript to printed copies? Or just cover design? Maybe only a short print run of a file you already prepared? Knowing this lets us skip the back-and-forth.

Timeline and quantity

A 200-page novel typically takes four to six weeks from manuscript to finished copies. If you have a launch date, a book fair or a holiday deadline, let us know early so we can schedule press time.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly will you reply to my inquiry?

We aim to respond within two business days. If your project is urgent, call us directly and we can often give a ballpark quote over the phone within minutes.

Can I visit the workshop before committing?

Absolutely. We welcome walk-ins during workshop hours, though booking a 20-minute slot by phone or email means someone will be free to show you the press and bindery without interruption.

Do you ship finished books outside Gatineau?

Yes. We ship across Canada via Purolator and Canada Post. Shipping cost depends on weight and destination. For orders over 100 copies within Quebec, we often arrange a freight pallet which keeps per-unit shipping under a dollar.

What file formats do you accept?

For manuscripts: Word (.docx) or plain text. For pre-designed interiors: PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4. Cover files should be 300 dpi CMYK, preferably in PDF or Adobe Illustrator (.ai) format. We can also work with InDesign packages.

Is there a minimum order for printing?

Our minimum print run is 25 copies. Below that quantity, the per-unit cost is high enough that print-on-demand services may serve you better, and we will tell you so honestly.