Looking for book printing services?

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If you're at the stage in your self-publishing journey when you're ready to release your book into the world, it's time to think about book printing services.

These are specialist companies that take your manuscript and turn it into softcover or hardcover print books.

There&#;s something special about the moment where your book stops being digital words and images on a computer screen and is instead something you can hold in your hand. 

However, not all book printing services have been created equal! There are good and bad options out there. It's worth taking the time to do your homework and consider your options, as you don't want to put off your readers by offering a low-quality print book!

We&#;ve gathered everything you need to know about using a book printer as well as some suggestions of companies to consider.

This guide to book printing services covers:

Let&#;s get started!

What are book printing services?

A book printing service is simply a company that can take the digital manuscript file for your book and turn it into a print copy.

Most companies that print books work in one of two ways. 

1. Print-on-Demand Book Printing. This model of book printing involves only printing a physical copy when an order is made. 
2. Offset Book Printing. Offset printing involves producing a large batch of print books in one go, with order quantities typically in the 100s. 

The pros and cons of Print-on-Demand

Many self-publishers will find that the print-on-demand model of book printing is the most suitable for their needs.

Print-on-demand has the advantage of only printing the needed quantity of books. There is no buildup of inventory just sitting around. Also, many print-on-demand services are integrated with sales and distribution channels. This means that it is seamless for a book to be ordered, printed, and shipped. There is no need for extra work or effort on the part of the self-published author.

The disadvantages of print-on-demand are that it often ends up being slightly more expensive per copy than with offset printing. This is due to not being able to take advantage of the economies of scale that a large offset printing order represents.

The pros and cons of offset printing

Offset printing is an option typically used less often by self-publishers, but it is still offered by most large printing services, so we&#;ll take a look at its pros and cons here.

The major advantage of offset printing is it often ends up being cheaper to print a large number of books in one go. Quantity discounts can end up being significant.

Offset printing also has its disadvantages. One of the major downsides is it doesn&#;t allow for fluctuations in demand. If you order a large number of print copies of your book, but then it doesn&#;t end up selling, you end up stuck with piles of books just sitting around. Also, there is the possibility of your inventory of printed books being damaged before they are ready to be sold.

For most self-publishers, we recommend the print-on-demand model. However, you might wish to make print-on-demand your major means of book printing, but also order some print books to have on hand. These can be used for sending to fans or giving out to people at writing events. 

Now that you know the basic idea behind a book printing service and the two major ways it operates, let's consider how to choose between different companies. Because the truth is, the best publishing company is not the same as the best printing company.

How to choose between different book printers

It can be overwhelming to know which company to choose to print your book.

And it&#;s a decision that really shouldn&#;t be rushed into! Choosing the wrong printer does your book a disservice. All of the time and energy you put into writing it should be rewarded with a high-quality end product. But how can you go about making sure that&#;s what you get?

Before you reach out to different book printers and risk getting taken in by their sales pitch, it's worth taking the time to ponder your answers to the following points.

1. Am I looking for print-on-demand, offset printing, or both?
2. Do I have requirements for paper quality?
3. Do I want the option to print both hardcover and paperback books?
4. Does my book have images that need to be printed at a certain resolution?
5. What genre is my book? Do I want a printer with experience in this genre?
6. Am I willing to pay more to get a higher quality book?
7. Do I want a printer that has integrated sales and distribution capabilities?
8. What kind of customer service channels do I want for my book printer?
9. What is my budget for book printing?

It's worth not only thinking through the answers to each of the nine questions but also taking the time to write them down.

When you do this, you have a clear set of guidelines to assess different book printers on. It can also help you make a clear, rational comparison if you feel torn between two or more different options.

After you have your answers, read on to discover a few specific companies that print books.

A quick guide to BookBaby Printing

BookBaby is one of the biggest names out there when it comes to book printing services for self-published authors.

We&#;ve gathered together some key information about BookBaby so you can decide if they are worth exploring further.

Does BookBaby offer print-on-demand?

Yes, BookBaby is one of the main specialists when it comes to print-on-demand book printing for self-published authors. 

BookBaby has retail partnerships with some major names in the bookselling world such as Barnes and Noble. When a customer orders a print copy of your book through one of those stores, BookBaby prints it and handles the logistics for you. 

Does BookBaby offer offset printing?

Yes, BookBaby recommends authors start with a minimum of 500 copies when using their offset printing services, but state that the best value comes from ordering copies or more at a time. 

What kind of books does BookBaby print?

If you want to make sure your specific type of book is something BookBaby can handle, the company specializes in:

• Paperback books
• Hardcover books
• Children&#;s books
• Christian books
• Photography books
• Poetry books
• Cookbooks
• Coloring books 

There are many more specific genres and book styles handled by BookBaby, so take a closer look if you want to see if they have examples of your type of book. 

How much does it cost to print a book with BookBaby?

BookBaby has a calculator you can access here to get a custom price for your type of book and size of order.

To give you an example, BookBaby states they can print 100 US Trade size softcover books with a gloss cover finish for $570. 

A quick guide to IngramSpark Book Printing

IngramSpark offers a wide range of services to self-published authors, and book printing is one of them.

You can check out our full exploration of IngramSpark here, or read on to discover the most important information about their book printing capabilities. 

Does IngramSpark offer print-on-demand?

Yes, IngramSpark offers a print-on-demand option.

The way it works is that you upload everything needed for a print book into the IngramSpark dashboard. This involves your interior formatting, book cover, etc. Then, when someone places an order, IngramSpark prints a copy of your book and ensures it is distributed correctly. 

Does IngramSpark offer offset printing?

Yes, you can order a large quantity of books on an offset printing basis from IngramSpark.

What kind of books does IngramSpark print?

IngramSpark publishes books of all different genres and types.

Instead of genre, the customization available with IngramSpark comes down to:

• Ink quality. A choice of black and white, standard color, or premium color ink. 
• Paper color and weight. Creme, white, or groundwood paper available in different weights.
• Book cover options. Paperback or hardcover book covers.
• Book textures. You can opt for matte, gloss, or digital cloth for your IngramSpark book cover. 
• Book binding. Perfect bound, saddle stitch, or case laminate bindings available.

How much does it cost to print a book with IngramSpark?

IngramSpark also offers a calculator tool so you can get a custom quote on how much your book printing needs will cost. 

However, as an example, we calculated the costs of 100 copies of a black and white paperback with a gloss color cover, which came in at $477.50 with shipping and handling costs factored in. 

A quick guide to KDP Printing

KDP Print is the book printing service associated with Amazon and its Kindle Direct Publishing service.

You might have heard of a service called Createspace that was associated with Amazon and offered book printing. This has now been absorbed into KDP Print. There is no separate Createspace service in operation anymore.

Heao Printing contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

So what do you need to know about Amazon&#;s book printing service?

Does KDP Print offer print-on-demand?

Yes, KDP print allows you to sell books on a print-on-demand basis. This is flawlessly integrated with the Amazon sales environment, so is convenient for authors and readers alike. 

Does KDP Print offer offset printing?

Yes, as a KDP Print author you can order wholesale quantities of your book on an author copy basis. 

What kind of books does KDP Print print?

Unlike the other book printers featured in this guide, KDP Print only offers paperback printing for your book. If you are looking to get hardcover copies, you should consider another service. 

How much does it cost to print a book with KDP Print?

KDP Print offers authors a 60% royalty on paperbacks sold on Amazon and its distribution channels, less the cost of printing.

There is an option to sell your KDP Print books more widely. To take advantage of this, you need to select expanded distribution when you set up your book. However, if you sell KDP Print books through channels other than Amazon, you only receive a 40% royalty as opposed to the 60% received for selling through Amazon. 

You now have a quick insight into three of the biggest and most popular book printing services in business today. Be sure to check them out directly and reach out to the companies with your requirements before you make your final choice. 

What type of books can I get printed?

A lot of indie authors focus their author career on selling eBooks. After all, with eBooks there are no printing costs, no need to factor in the cost of postage, and no need for inventory.

However, although you should make eBooks a part of your author strategy, you're missing out on a valuable opportunity if you overlook print books.

For starters, some people simply don't like to read eBooks. They might have been the perfect reader for your book and left it a fantastic review, but never got the chance as it wasn't available in print!

Aside from readers who have a strong preference for print books, some book types are much more suited to hardcopy than eBook.

If you are interested in writing any of the following, you really can&#;t afford to focus on eBooks alone:

• Study guides
• Coloring books
• Photography books
• Cookbooks
• Puzzle books

At the very least, we recommend that authors offer their books in paperback through KDP Print and Amazon. Seeing as most of your sales will probably come from Amazon anyway, taking the extra time to set this up is almost always worth it. 

How much does it cost to get a book printed?

The cost of getting your book printed can vary greatly. It depends upon if you opt for a print-on-demand or offset service, whether you want paperback or hardcover, and the quality of ink and paper you want to use. 

To give you a few examples from the major printers featured in our guide:

• BookBaby can print 100 softcover books for $570
• IngramSpark can print 100 softcover books for $477.50
• KDP Print charges 40% of revenue plus printing costs for its print-on-demand service

Because there are so many variables impacting the cost of printing, it&#;s worth reaching out to book printing companies directly to get a quote. Don&#;t be afraid to negotiate and shop around for the best deal!

Choose the best book printing company for you

Hopefully, you now feel ready to choose the right printer for your book.

We would love to know your experience and how you get on.

Which company are you thinking of using? What attracted you to them?

Have you had any good experiences in the past? Or what about things you wish you did differently?

Feel free to drop a comment and share your thoughts on book printing and which service to go for!

• Printing

How to print your book: a guide for self-publishers

As a creative pursuing self-publishing, you have taken a giant leap by finishing your book. The next crucial phase is bringing your creation to life through printing. 

Book printing is a less glamorous yet universal process that applies to every physical copy in every genre. It doesn&#;t matter if you&#;re an aspiring children&#;s book author, a talented photographer, a creative comic book artist, or any independent writer; understanding the book printing process is crucial in determining the outcome and expense of your project.

We&#;re here to explore the essential steps to get your book printed and printed professionally. We&#;ll discuss the different printing options available to self-publishers, along with the pros and cons of each. We&#;ll demystify printing terminologies like paper type, binding options, ISBN, barcodes, and the proofing process. 

Armed with this knowledge, you will have the confidence to navigate the printing process and ensure your book meets bestseller print standards. We also get that budget can be a significant concern, so we share strategies to help keep your printing costs manageable without skimping on quality.

Book printing options

Two primary options to consider when printing your self-published book are offset printing and print-on-demand (POD). Each method has its benefits and drawbacks. But in most cases, POD often works best for self-published creators, while offset printing can be more efficient for publishing houses working with established authors.

What is offset printing?

Offset printing is a traditional, cost-effective method suited for large print runs. It involves creating metal plates to transfer ink onto rubber blankets and, finally, onto the printing surface. This process is the industry standard for delivering high-quality results in large quantities. It&#;s ideal for creators with a substantial demand for their books.

Offset printing is cost-effective for large print runs and offers superior print quality, making it ideal for visually rich books. It allows for extensive customization, allowing you to choose from various paper types, finishes, and ink colors to match your vision. As the method used by traditional publishers, offset printing involves higher upfront costs due to plate creation and minimum print quantities. Managing inventory can also be challenging if demand is uncertain.

What is print-on-demand (POD)?

POD is a modern printing method that revolutionized self-publishing. With POD, you print books as you receive orders, eliminating large financial investments and tricky inventory management.

Print-on-demand reduces upfront costs as you only print books when orders come in, saving on storage and logistics. It also allows the flexibility to print single copies or small batches, making POD great for testing the market or niche audiences. However, the cost per unit may be higher than offset printing for larger quantities. 

Finding a printing service

The next step is pinpointing a reliable printing service that meets your requirements and publishing standards. With such an array of digital book printers available, evaluating several factors when picking your service is wise.

• Services offered. Begin by assessing the services provided by different printing companies. As a rule, only work with providers that specialize in book printing. These providers generally have the experience, expertise, and technology tailored to your requirements. 
• Printing quality. The quality of your book is super important, so thoroughly examine samples of their previous work. Request print samples or look for books they&#;ve printed to gauge the paper quality, binding, and overall finish. A professional printing service should showcase consistency and excellence.
• Customization options. Consider the level of customization each service can provide for your book. Ensure they offer a variety of paper choices, finishes, and binding options to actualize your creative vision. Look for the flexibility to create a unique and visually appealing book that aligns with your artistic direction.
• Turnaround time. Time is of the essence in publishing. Ask about each service&#;s production timeline and turnaround times. Be sure the company you choose can deliver within your desired timeframe without compromising quality.
• Pricing and quotes. Get detailed quotes from multiple printing services and carefully review their pricing structures. Compare the costs for different quantities and evaluate any additional fees or setup costs. Balance the overall cost to self-publish your book with the level of service and quality provided.
• Reputation and reviews. Research each printing service&#;s reputation. Seek customer reviews and testimonials to learn about the service&#;s reliability and communication and gauge past clients&#; satisfaction.
• Distribution. Consider every printing service&#;s shipping options and distribution capabilities. Ensure they can handle the distribution of your book to various retailers&#;or directly to customers if you&#;d like.
• Proofing process. Verify every service&#;s proofing process to ensure you can review and approve a physical copy (proof copy) of your book before the full print run. Your review is crucial to catch any potential errors or layout issues before your book goes into production.

Working with the right printing partner can make a significant difference in delivering a beautiful, bookstore-quality product that exceeds your readers&#; expectations and represents your work in the best possible light.

Essential elements that go into printing a book

You must check several boxes before submitting your work for printing. Preparing your manuscript, choosing your binding and paper type, and navigating printing costs are all necessary steps in turning your book into a tangible finished product. This section dives into the essential elements of printing a book, helping to ensure a frictionless journey across the final self-publishing line.

1. Manuscript: preparing for print

A critical step in pre-printing is ensuring your manuscript is properly prepared and formatted for production. Pay attention to your margins, font selection, page numbers, headers, and footers. Here&#;s how.

• Margins: Adequate margins ensure your text doesn&#;t get too close to the edge of the page, which prevents content from being cut off during printing and binding.
• Font selection: Choose a legible font that suits the genre and style of your book. If you publish an ebook, stick to standard fonts to ensure compatibility across different reading devices.
• Page numbers: Include page numbers consistently throughout your manuscript for seamless navigation.
• Headers and footers: Add headers with the book&#;s title and chapter names for easy reference.

While polishing your manuscript, consider investing in developmental editing services before getting into layout and print. A developmental editor will help you improve your book&#;s structure, content, and style before publication. Catching narrative inconsistencies and stylistic challenges early can pay dividends in the long run.

2. Professional editing and design

The quality and readability of your book&#;s content are pivotal to its success. While you can do a lot independently, recruiting support in this area makes sense for many self-published creators. 

It&#;s no secret that it&#;s difficult to catch typos in your own writing. Psychologists call this generalization&#;the mind&#;s default mechanism to store information and understand meaning rather than technicality. So, hiring a professional editor is invaluable in ensuring your book is free from errors, typos, and grammatical mistakes. Undoubtedly, a well-edited book elevates your credibility as a self-publisher. 

In addition to editing help for your copy, photos, and other content, consider a book designer. Investing in professional book design can elevate your book&#;s marketability and curb appeal. Designing a captivating book cover can distinguish your book on the shelves and capture potential readers. And an organized, aesthetically pleasing interior layout creates an enjoyable reading experience. 

In short, don&#;t skimp on proper book editing and design. You put a lot of time, energy, and resources into creating your book. Maximize your investment by ensuring your book looks and reads like a future bestseller.

3. Paper and binding options

Your choice of paper and binding significantly impacts the look and feel of your final book. With visually oriented books, like photo books, opting for quality is key. But for literary novels with hundreds of pages, efficiency is more of a factor. When weighing these options, consider the following.

• Paper weight: Different paper weights affect the thickness and durability of your book. A heavier paper adds substance and longevity, while a lighter paper is better for portability and affordability.
• Paper color and finish: Paper color and finish contribute to the overall aesthetics of your book. Choose between white, cream, or colored paper, and test out matte or glossy finishes. If your printing service offers a proof or swatch kit, try printing your photo book on different paper so you can see how your images show up on each type.
• Binding options: There are many options, including perfect binding, spiral binding, and hardcover binding. Each has unique advantages, with perfect binding being cost-effective, spiral binding providing flexibility, and hardcover offering durability and a premium look.

Some printing services offer swatch kits, allowing you to experience different paper types and finishes before deciding. Spend time figuring out which materials work best with your book vision and budget.

4. Cover options: paperback versus hardcover

The front cover is your book&#;s first impression, so choosing the right type is vital. If you&#;re unsure which book option is best, let&#;s explore both in detail.

• Paperback: Paperback covers are flexible, lightweight, and cost-effective. They are perfect for novels, zines, and serialized books with frequent updates or revisions. However, they&#;re less durable than hardcovers.
• Hardcover: Hardcover books exude a premium feel and durability, making them ideal for special editions, coffee table books, and books with a longer shelf life. However, hardcovers are typically more expensive to produce.

Consider your book&#;s genre, target audience, and budget when choosing between a paperback and hardcover. Or, best yet, offer both and let your fans decide! 

5. Typeface: choosing the right font

Selecting the right typeface is essential for the book&#;s cover and interior. Typography complements your book&#;s design, helps set the tone, and enhances readability. But choosing the right font is not always easy. Here&#;s what to think about when picking.

• Prioritize readability. Clear and legible fonts are integral to any book design. After all, what is a book&#;s point if a reader can&#;t make out the photos, captions, or text?
• Match the font to your book&#;s genre and tone. The right font can immediately create a cohesive and immersive reading experience.
• Maintain consistency. Avoid using too many fonts; limit your selection to two or three for a cohesive design.
• Experiment with font sizes and line spacing. Play around to strike the right balance between readability and aesthetics.
• Seek feedback. Gather opinions on the font&#;s readability and appeal from mentors and trusted advisors.
• Consider san-serif and serif. Sans-serif fonts are usually best for contemporary genres, while serif fonts are great for classic or historical genres.

Remember that simplicity and legibility often trump decorative or overly stylized fonts. 

6. ISBN and barcode: the essentials for distribution

An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique identifier that distinguishes your book from others in the market. It is essential for sales, distribution, and libraries. You can obtain an ISBN from your country&#;s ISBN agency or through self-publishing platforms. Blurb issues ISBNs for free* with any book created using BookWright, our Adobe InDesign plugin, or our PDF to Book uploader tool.

Barcodes are also crucial for retail distribution. They encode the ISBN and facilitate accurate scanning at bookstores. Many printing services provide barcodes and ISBNs or offer guidance on obtaining them.

*Before you can set your book up for sale with Blurb and distribute through the Blurb Bookstore, Amazon, or Ingram Global Retail Network, you must first purchase a copy of it. Purchasing a physical copy will allow you to see and touch your book while also being able to check and correct errors before making it available for others to purchase.

7. Proofing: ensuring perfection

Before proceeding with the entire print run, request a physical proof copy of your book. Many printing services offer this option, which allows you to review your final product and catch any remaining errors, layout issues, or formatting glitches. A proof copy is a great way to comb through your book and ensure it&#;s ready before giving the green light to initiate a complete print run.

You may also want to get a second set of eyes and recruit the services of a professional proofreader or copy editor. Hiring a professional editor can be invaluable for several reasons:

• Unbiased evaluation: Professionals provide an impartial review, catching errors you might miss due to familiarity with the content.
• Language expertise: Editors enhance grammar, punctuation, and clarity, elevating readability and flow.
• Consistency and style: Editors ensure consistent spelling, capitalization, and punctuation, maintaining a cohesive writing style.
• Enhanced content: Editors can suggest revisions to strengthen the book&#;s content and message.
• Visual elements: Proofreaders verify accuracy in images, captions, and tables, ensuring correct placement and labeling.
• Catching last-minute errors: Professional editors find those last-minute mistakes that may have slipped through multiple self-edits.
• Saving time and effort: Hiring a professional frees up time for other aspects of publishing, helping you focus on what you do best.

8. Cost considerations

Printing costs are a significant aspect of self-publishing, and there&#;s much to be mindful of. Here&#;s where to start.

• Setup costs: Offset printing may involve upfront setup expenses, like creating printing plates or molds for your book. These costs are more significant for offset printing than print-on-demand, where setup fees are minimal or nonexistent.
• Per-copy costs: The per-unit cost of printing each book varies based on print quantity, trim size, paper type, and binding options. Bulk printing with offset may reduce the per-copy cost, making it cost-effective for higher print quantities.
• Shipping: If you&#;re distributing physical copies of your book, you must consider shipping costs. The printing facility&#;s location and the book&#;s destination influence shipping expenses.
• Additional charges: Depending on your requirements, there may be additional charges for services like rush printing, special finishes, or customizations.

To keep costs manageable without compromising quality, consider these cost-saving strategies.

• Print-on-demand is cost-efficient for creators with uncertain demand or those testing the market. It eliminates the need for significant upfront investments and inventory storage.
• Digital printing is more economical for short print runs, as it eliminates setup costs associated with offset printing.
• Opt for a standard trim size for your book to avoid additional trimming costs during production.
• Bulk printing with offset may be cost-effective due to reduced per-unit costs if you anticipate high demand.
• Invest in self-promotion and marketing to increase book sales&#;it takes money to make money, as they say.

By grasping all the costs involved in self-publishing and implementing relevant cost-saving strategies, you can effectively budget your book printing expenses accordingly and price your product with an adequate profit margin.

Print your book with Blurb

We&#;re Blurb, a print-on-demand service built by and for indie self-publishers. Our easy-to-use bookmaking software tools, array of customization options, and convenient print and distribution capabilities provide a cost-effective yet professional-quality solution. 

With Blurb, only print what you need when you need it, saving on upfront costs and minimizing inventory risks. You can also leverage Blurb to help sell and distribute your book across popular channels, including Amazon. 

Start your self-publishing journey and turn your work into the print version you envision.

For more Customize Contents and Sizes for Hardcover Book Printing Mockup Setinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.