Cookbook Printing
What is the MOQ for cookbook printing?
The minimum order quantity is 100 copies.
How much does it cost to print a cookbook?
| Quantity | 100pcs | 500pcs | 1000pcs | 2000pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96pp + 4pp | unit $7.88 total $788 |
unit $2.54 total $1,269 |
unit $1.78 total $1,778 |
unit $1.48 total $2,952 |
| 128pp + 4pp | unit $10.04 total $1,004 |
unit $3.20 total $1,601 |
unit $2.22 total $2,221 |
unit $1.82 total $3,642 |
| 200pp + 4pp | unit $14.98 total $1,498 |
unit $4.72 total $2,360 |
unit $3.26 total $3,260 |
unit $2.62 total $5,239 |
- Cover: 300 gsm / 111 lb coated cover paper with gloss lamination
- Inner: 157 gsm / 106 lb coated text paper for interior
| Quantity | 100pcs | 500pcs | 1000pcs | 2000pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80pp + 4pp | unit $6.50 total $650 |
unit $1.86 total $930 |
unit $1.20 total $1,204 |
unit $0.92 total $1,840 |
| 128pp + 4pp | unit $9.60 total $960 |
unit $2.80 total $1,398 |
unit $1.82 total $1,824 |
unit $1.41 total $2,818 |
| 192pp + 4pp | unit $13.75 total $1,375 |
unit $4.05 total $2,027 |
unit $2.65 total $2,651 |
unit $2.04 total $4,089 |
- Cover: 250 gsm / 92 lb coated cover paper with gloss lamination
- Inner: 128 gsm / 86 lb coated text paper for interior
| Quantity | 100pcs | 500pcs | 1000pcs | 2000pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96pp | unit $12.33 total $1,233 |
unit $3.42 total $1,710 |
unit $2.43 total $2,434 |
unit $2.02 total $4,031 |
| 160pp | unit $17.76 total $1,776 |
unit $4.93 total $2,467 |
unit $3.41 total $3,407 |
unit $2.72 total $5,432 |
| 240pp | unit $24.54 total $2,454 |
unit $6.83 total $3,414 |
unit $4.59 total $4,591 |
unit $3.59 total $7,178 |
- End sheets: 140 gsm / 95 lb uncoated text paper, blank
- Inner: 128 gsm / 86 lb coated text paper
How do I choose the right binding for my cookbook?
If your cookbook will be used often in the kitchen, a lay-flat binding or wire-o/spiral binding is a good choice. Lay-flat binding ensures that the book stays open on a counter, while wire-o/spiral binding allows easy flipping through pages.
If you want a more premium option, hardcover binding is durable and professional-looking.
How do I ensure my cookbook has the best quality images?
To ensure the best quality images in your cookbook, make sure to use high-resolution images (300 DPI) in CMYK color mode. This is the preferred color space for print, ensuring your images appear vibrant and accurate.
Additionally, it’s essential to order a sample of your cookbook before proceeding with the full print run. This allows you to check the images and colors in physical form and make any necessary adjustments for optimal color accuracy.
What paper should I choose for my cookbook?
If your cookbook contains mainly images and requires vibrant color reproduction, consider using glossy or matte art paper to make the colors pop.
However, if you plan to write in your book, offset paper is recommended. Keep in mind that offset paper may cause colors to appear slightly duller compared to coated paper.
What are the available options for cover finishes?
We offer a variety of cover finishes, including matte, gloss, and soft-touch lamination. You can also choose foil stamping, embossing, and UV coating for a customized look. These options add durability and a unique feel to your book.
You can choose the finishes in our instant quote calculator.
Do you provide a document checking services?
Yes, we offer a free manual document-checking service to ensure your files are print-ready. Our team will review the document layout, bleed, resolution, and other technical details, allowing you to correct any issues before production begins.
Are there specific design file formats required?
Please submit your artwork and layout in high-resolution PDF format including 3mm bleed with all fonts embedded.
Do you offer paper and printing proofs?
Yes, we provide both digital and physical proofs. Digital proofs help you review the layout on screen, while physical proofs allow you to check the material, color, and finish before mass printing. Visit our Proof Support Page or contact our team for help.
What is the standard production time for cookbooks?
- For hardcover cookbooks, the typical production time is around 3 weeks.
- For paperback cookbooks, it usually takes about 5 to 10 days.
Shipping times vary based on your location and shipping method.
Common Cookbook Sizes
8.5″ x 11″ (Letter Size)
- Ideal for: Detailed recipes, large images, and step-by-step instructions.
7″ x 10″
- Ideal for: Balanced content, compact but still spacious for images.
6″ x 9″
- Ideal for: Portable cookbooks with concise recipes.
10″ x 10″ (Square)
- Ideal for: Coffee table cookbooks with lots of visuals.
8″ x 8″ (Square)
- Ideal for: Small, specialty cookbooks.
7″ x 7″ (Square)
- Ideal for: Compact, portable cookbooks or children’s cookbooks.
Cookbook Paper Options
Choosing the right paper impacts both the price and quality of your cookbook. For optimal results, print interior pages on gloss or matte art paper:
- Gloss Paper: Best for vibrant, full-page color photography.
- Matte Paper: Ideal for books with more text, offering clear readability.
Ensure the paper is not too thin to prevent color bleed-through and not too heavy so the book can lay flat. At QinPrinting, we recommend 128 gsm / 86 lb or 157 gsm / 106 lb coated paper for crisp, vibrant finishes without bleed-through.
The choice of interior paper also depends on the book size and thickness. Generally, thinner paper is better for smaller books as it allows them to open flat more easily. If the paper is too thick, it can make smaller books harder to open.
Interior Paper:
- For books 8.5” x 11” or larger: Use thicker paper such as 128 gsm / 86 lb or 157 gsm / 106 lb.
- For books with 32 pages or fewer and perfect binding: Use 200 gsm / 135 lb paper.
Cover Paper:
- For spiral or sewn perfect bound covers: Choose 250 gsm / 92 lb or 300 gsm / 111 lb gloss paper.
- For hardcover bindings: Use 157 gsm / 58 lb coated paper on 2 mm to 3 mm gray board. Or vinyl covers: Splash-proof, water-resistant, and available in various colors.
Cookbook Paper List
Paperback Cover Paper
- 200 gsm / 74 lb gloss cover paper
- 250 gsm / 92 lb gloss cover paper
- 300 gsm / 111 lb gloss cover paper
- 350 gsm / 129 lb gloss cover paper
- 200 gsm / 74 lb matte cover paper
- 250 gsm / 92 lb matte cover paper
- 300 gsm / 111 lb matte cover paper
Hardcover Paper
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper wrapped on 2 mm grey board
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper wrapped on 2.5 mm grey board
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper wrapped on 3 mm grey board
- Other paper wrapped on grey board
Interior Paper
- 128 gsm / 86 lb gloss text paper
- 157 gsm / 106 lb gloss text paper
- 200 gsm / 135 lb gloss text paper
- 128 gsm / 86 lb matte text paper
- 157 gsm / 106 lb matte text paper
- 200 gsm / 135 lb matte text paper
Bindings for Cookbooks
To bind your cookbook, you can choose from a range of possibilities. “Sewn perfect bound” and “Sewn hardcover” are the most popular choices, but we also bind cookbooks with spiral coils. Your choice will depend on your budget, the length of your book, your market research, and other factors. You can open all the following bindings flat.
Sewn Perfect Bound:
Ideal for cookbooks with higher page counts, this method involves grouping pages into “signatures” that are sewn together, then glued into a durable, wrap-around cover. This style offers a clean, polished look.
Lay-Flat Perfect Binding:
Similar to sewn binding but without attaching each page to the spine individually, allowing the book to open completely flat. This professional binding is also one of the most affordable options for a flat-laying book.
Sewn Hardcover:
For maximum durability, the interior pages are grouped into sewn signatures and glued into a hard cover. This method adds weight and longevity, making it ideal for long-lasting cookbooks.
Wire-O & Spiral Binding:
Popular for daily-use cookbooks, this style involves punching holes along one side and inserting a spiral coil. Pages can turn 360° and lay completely flat. Spiral-bound cookbooks can also have laminated pages and waterproof covers for added durability.
The QinPrinting Eco-Friendly Promise
At QinPrinting, we are very conscious of our responsibility to develop our industry in a sustainable way that respects the life of the planet and of future generations. For that reason, we use paper stock that’s sourced from FSC-certified sustainable forestry whenever possible. We can provide recycled paper material on request. We also use environmentally-friendly soy inks—based on harmless, biodegradable vegetable products—rather than toxic resins and solvents. Getting your book printed in batches with an offset printer — rather than one at a time with a print-on-demand service — is also significantly more energy efficient, saving both water and electricity.
When you order from us, we can include the FSC-certified logo and an environmental guarantee from the manufacturer of the soy inks.
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Talk to Us!
If you’re keen to print a beautiful, high-quality cookbook — and personal customer service matters to you as much as a world-class product — then we should talk. Get in touch today to chat through your needs or to ask for a no-obligation quote. We can’t wait to help you make a delicious, mouthwatering cookbook!