Frequently asked
questions.

1. How come you can offer upfront prices?

Many firms don't advertise their prices upfront so that their sales teams can work their 'magic' on each customer. At DigitiseMyBooks we keep our pricing fully transparent — what you see on the website is what you pay, with no hidden costs.

2. Can I get my books back after scanning?

Yes. You can either include a self-addressed envelope with your order, or we can arrange return delivery at your expense. Please note that the spine is removed during the scanning process, so returned items will consist of loose pages.

3. Can I send books via Amazon or another retailer direct to you?

Yes. Simply address your package to yourself and have it delivered to: DigitiseMyBooks, 21 Fairway, Newark, NG24 4RN. If ordering multiple titles separately, please list all titles in the order notes so we can match them to your order.

4. What is the difference between a book and a document?

A book will in the vast majority of cases have an ISBN number — novels, textbooks, and comics all count as books. Documents are pages held together in a binder, with staples, or with glue.

5. I need some books in colour and some in black and white — how do I order?

Treat it as a hierarchy and select the highest quality format required. Colour overrides greyscale; greyscale overrides black and white.

6. Will my PDF include every single page?

All pages with content are included, along with the front and back covers. Blank pages are kept by default — just let us know if you'd like them removed.

7. Can you scan hardback books?

Yes, including their covers.

8. Are there any size restrictions?

The width of your book must be 8.5" (21.5cm) or under. There are no restrictions on height. Books that slightly exceed the width limit may still be scannable if the margins are generous — get in touch if you're unsure.

9. How are the finished files delivered?

Via a download link, usually through Google Drive. You'll receive an email with the link once your order is complete.

10. How do I open my files?

You'll need a PDF reader. We recommend the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Web browsers can open PDFs but may not display them correctly, so a dedicated reader is preferable.

11. Does it matter if the text is close to the spine?

Yes. We need at least 0.5cm of clear margin to de-spine the book, ideally 1cm. Older books with curved spines benefit from even more space. If you're unsure, send us a photo before ordering.

12. Can you scan books written in languages other than English?

Yes — we can scan any language. Our OCR text recognition supports over 200 languages, so keyword searching will work in your language too.

13. Can you translate my book?

No, we don't offer translation services.

14. How do I place an order?

Visit the Digital Scanning Shop, add the appropriate package to your cart, and proceed to checkout.

15. What payment methods do you accept?

Our checkout uses Stripe, which accepts Visa, Mastercard, and most other major payment types. You don't need a Stripe account to pay.

16. Are scanning sets accumulative across multiple books?

No. One scanning set covers a single book up to that page limit. If you have multiple books, you'll need a separate set for each one.

17. I'm worried about my books getting lost in the post — what should I do?

Proper packaging and correct postage will eliminate the risk. We send you an email on the day we receive your package so you know it has arrived safely. We recommend using tracked delivery for added peace of mind.

1. Can I search for keywords in my PDF?

Yes, as long as your language is listed on our Supported Languages page.

2. What is OCR?

OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. It is the conversion of scanned images into readable and searchable text-based documents.

3. Which languages are supported for OCR?

Please check our Supported Languages page for a full list of compatible languages.

4. Can I edit my PDF?

Yes, with professional PDF software. Your files are delivered unrestricted, so you can edit them within the capabilities of whichever software you use.

1. What is the main advantage of a Word file over a PDF?

Word files give you complete control over your editing options. PDFs require professional software to edit meaningfully, whereas Word documents can be freely edited in Microsoft Word or any compatible application.

2. Are Word file conversions 100% accurate?

Text-based books convert very well, with formatting largely preserved. However, any blemishes or obscured text in the original may convert to meaningless characters, and unusual formatting may not always translate perfectly.

3. Are all books suitable for Word conversion?

No. Word conversion works best for books with a continuous body of text, such as novels or textbooks. Comics and heavily illustrated works are not suitable.

4. Which languages support Word conversion?

Please check our Supported Languages page for a full list of compatible languages.

1. What's the difference between a PDF scan and an e-book?

A PDF scan is a picture of each page: it looks exactly like your book, but the text can’t change size or reflow. An e-book has real text that fits any screen, with text you can make bigger, a linked contents page and proper chapters. We can make both: order the e-book options with your scan, or send us a PDF you already have.

2. Can I read the e-book on my Kindle, Kobo or phone?

Yes. You get an EPUB file, the standard e-book format. Kobo, Apple Books and Google Play Books open it directly, and Kindles take it through Amazon’s free Send to Kindle service.

3. What's the difference between Rebuilt and Proof-read?

Rebuilt: we check and fix everything our software flags. Proof-read goes further: AI compares every page of the e-book with your scanned pages, and a person approves every change. Some mistakes only a reader can catch. Faded print once turned “slapped me in the face” into “slapped me in the lace”. It’s a real word, so a spell-check passes it, but Proof-read catches it.

4. Will my e-book have any mistakes?

Every page starts as text read from a scan, so small mistakes can creep in where the print is faded or damaged. Rebuilt fixes everything our software flags. Proof-read is the most thorough check we offer, but no service can honestly promise a book with no errors at all.

5. Will you correct the author's own spelling mistakes?

Only if you ask us to. As standard, we keep your book as the author printed it, mistakes and all. Choose Proof-read + Author’s Errors and we’ll correct the author’s spelling and punctuation as well.

6. I already have a PDF of my book. Can you turn it into an e-book?

Yes, and there’s no book to post. Order E-book & Clean-up for Your Existing PDF and email us a link to your PDF. Not sure if it’s good enough? Check your PDF first.

7. My book has yellowed pages or faded text. Can you fix it?

Yes. Remove Page Yellowing turns aged paper back to clean white with clear dark text, and Crisper Text redraws every letter as a sharp black shape that stays crisp however far you zoom in. Add either one when you order your scan, or send us a PDF you already have.

8. Can I edit the text afterwards?

Yes. Every e-book option includes a Word file as well as the e-book, so you can correct, reuse or quote any part of the text.

1. Where do I send my books?

DigitiseMyBooks, 21 Fairway, Newark, NG24 4RN.

2. Where do I send a PDF I already have?

Email a link to your PDF to support@digitisemybooks.co.uk, using WeTransfer, Dropbox or Google Drive, and include your order number. Your files will be ready within 2–3 working days of receiving your PDF.

3. I haven't received a confirmation email to say my books have arrived — why?

First, check your spam or junk folder and mark us as safe if you find it there. If it's not there, it's possible we couldn't identify your package — always include your name and order number with your books. If neither applies, your books may simply not have arrived with us yet.

4. Is the turnaround time counted from when I place my order or when you receive my books?

It's from when we both (a) receive the books and (b) your payment has cleared.

5. How long does the full process take?

Non-rush delivery orders usually take between 10 and 12 working days from receipt of your books. If you add an e-book or page clean-up, those files follow 2–3 working days later.

6. Does rush delivery include the e-book and page clean-up?

No. Rush delivery speeds up the scanning of your book. If you add an e-book or page clean-up, those files follow 2–3 working days after your scanned PDF.