Printing a book can be an intimidating process for many self-publishers, but it doesn’t have to be. We look at the benefits of leveraging book printing services, the different types of printing services for book publishers, and tips for independent publishers to get the most out of them.
What is book printing?
Book printing is the process of taking digital files of a book and turning them into a physical product. The files can be provided to us as print-ready PDFs. The files are then printed onto paper and bound into books. Depending on the publisher, the books can be printed as self-published paperbacks or self-published hardcovers.
Book printing is a critical part of your self-publishing process, as a well-printed book is much more likely to be read and enjoyed than a poorly printed book. It’s also important for independent publishers like you to find a reliable and cost-effective book printer — like us! — who can help you produce a quality product that your readers will love.
Benefits of leveraging book printing services
Leveraging book printing services can provide a number of benefits for self-publishers. First, it can save you time and money. By outsourcing the printing of your books to a reputable offset printer, you can avoid the pitfalls commonly associated with digital production (expense) or print-on-demand services (poor quality and limited options). In addition, you can take advantage of the expertise of experienced book printers to ensure that the books are printed to the highest quality standards, indistinguishable from the books issued by the “big five” publishing houses. Offset book printers have the right equipment and experience to ensure that the books are printed in the correct format, with the right paper, cover, and binding. This can go a long way towards ensuring that your books look professional and present well. You’ll have access to a wider range of materials, such as recycled paper, vegetable-based inks, and eco-friendly binding materials. This can be a great way for you as a self-publisher to take more control over your product and make your books more eco-friendly and to stand out from the competition.
Different types of printing services for book publishers
When it comes to book printing, there are a few different types of services available. The most common type is offset printing, which is used for larger print runs of around 500 or more copies in most cases; while at QinPrinting, we offer our book printing services for as few as 100 copies in a single run. It involves printing the book on large sheets of paper, which are then cut and bound into individual books. Offset printing is ideal for self-publishing if you are looking to print a large number of books at once as the price-per-unit decreases the larger the size of the print run. When printing at volume, you can be talking cents per book rather than dollars.
For smaller print runs of less than 100 copies, digital printing is often the preferred option. This involves printing the books directly from digital files, with no need for large printing presses. Digital printing is ideal for self-publishers who are looking to produce smaller quantities of books and don’t need to worry too much about the cost. Together with print-on-demand, these services can be useful for self-publishers who are looking to produce books in small quantities or to test the market before investing in a larger print run with an offset printer.
Offset printing services for book publishers
Offset printing services are the most popular option for successful self-publishers looking to up their game and print higher-quality products for their readers. When using offset printing services, you can choose from a range of options, including single-color printing, full-color printing, embossing, and other special printing effects. You can also select from a range of paper stocks, including glossy, matte, and FSC-certified or recycled. In addition, offset printing services can provide access to a range of binding options, from perfect binding to coil binding. Offset printing services can also offer you an exceptional a range of special finishes, such as soft-touch lamination and foil stamping. These finishes can be used to enhance the look and feel of your books and to make them stand out from the competition in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
Self-publishers: How to find the right book printer
When it comes to finding the right book printer for your self-publishing project, there are a few key things to look for. First, make sure to find a printer who is experienced in printing books (hello!). This will make sure that they have the right equipment and expertise to produce a quality product. Second, make sure to find a printer who is familiar with the self-publishing process (nice to meet you!). This will ensure that they understand the specific needs of self-publishers and can tailor their services to meet those needs. Finally, make sure to find a printer who is reliable and cost-effective (yes, that’s us). This will help guarantee that your books are printed quickly and without any delays, and that they are printed at a cost that is within your budget.
How to sell print books as a self-publisher
Once you have printed a book, you need to find a way to get it into the hands of your readers. There are a few different ways to do this. The most common is to sell the books directly from your own website or through online bookstores such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Another option is to sell the books at bookstores, libraries, and other local outlets. This can be a great way to reach a wider audience and to build a local following. For that, you’ll need to purchase an ISBN code for your book and include it and a barcode on the back cover before registering it with services such as Nielsen in the UK and Bowker in the US, who can also provide you with the ISBNs and barcodes for a small fee.
Tips for independent publishers to get the most out of book printing services
When it comes to leveraging book printing services, there are a few tips that you can use to get the most out of your print run. First, make sure to review the proofs of your book before it goes to print. This will help you to feel confident that the book is printed correctly and that there are no mistakes or typos. We provide digital proofs as standard and other kinds of proofs and samples for a small added fee. Also, make sure to order enough books to meet your needs. Too few books can mean missing out on sales, while ordering too many can mean wasted money. Take the time to accurately estimate the number of books that you need to order and stick to it. If you have any doubts, talk to us and we’ll be happy to help.
The importance of book printing for self-publishing success
Book printing is a critical part of the self-publishing process. It’s important for you as an independent publisher to find the right book printer who can help you produce a quality product that your readers will love. With the right partner, you can print a book quickly and cost-effectively to maximize your self-publishing success. At the same time, it’s important for you to understand the basics of book printing and to take the time to find the right partner for you.
Talk to us!
We hope that’s been helpful to you. More self-publishers now than ever before are running their businesses at a very professional level. Increasing numbers of successful independents are turning to traditional custom offset printers to fulfill their printing requirements because they’re discovering that they can get a better product at a cheaper price. At QinPrinting, we’ve been at the forefront of this revolution over the last 25 years and counting; helping self-publishers and independent creative produces superb books that other services just can’t match.
If you have a project in mind or you’d just like to chat through the options in more detail, get in touch. We’re truly passionate about printing and we have decades of experience helping authors just like you to realize their dreams. Call for a chat, drop us a line, or ask for a quote. There’s no obligation on your part. We’d be happy to help. Let’s talk!
