The complete guide to book printing services: How to get your self published book into print

 When it comes to self-publishing, getting your book into print is one of the most exciting steps in the process. Whether you’re looking to print a limited run of books for a book signing event, create print-on-demand (POD) copies for online sales, or print copies for distribution, understanding book printing services is essential.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of book printing services, the process involved, and how Book Planets can assist with printing and publishing your book in both digital and physical formats.

Why Book Printing Services Matter

While eBooks have surged in popularity, many readers still prefer to hold a physical copy of a book in their hands. Book printing services are essential for authors who want to create a tangible product that readers can purchase and enjoy. Here are some key reasons why book printing is important:

1. Tangible Product for Readers

For many readers, there’s something special about owning a physical copy of a book. It’s not just about the content — it’s about the experience. Print books are also great for book signing events, author giveaways, and direct sales at festivals or conferences.

2. Credibility and Professionalism

Having a professionally printed book lends credibility and signals that you’ve taken your writing career seriously. A well-printed book shows readers that you’ve invested time and effort in making your book the best it can be, from writing to design to the final printed product.

3. More Sales Channels

Print-on-demand services open up additional sales opportunities for self-published authors. Having a physical version of your book available in bookstores, libraries, and online retailers like Amazon can help you reach more readers and increase your sales.

4. Increased Visibility

When your book is available in print, it’s easier for it to be discovered in places like bookstores, libraries, and even in online searches. Physical books can be placed on shelves and displayed at events, leading to increased visibility and potential sales.

Types of Book Printing Services

Understanding the different book printing services available to you as a self-published author is crucial for selecting the right option for your needs. Below are the two main types of book printing: offset printing and print-on-demand (POD).

1. Offset Printing

Offset printing is a traditional method used for large print runs. This type of printing is ideal for authors who plan to print large quantities of their book and distribute them through bookstores or retail channels. Offset printing offers several benefits:

• Lower cost per unit: The more books you print, the cheaper the per-book cost becomes.

• High-quality printing: Offset printing produces sharp images and text with vibrant colors and high consistency.

• Faster turnaround times for large orders.

However, offset printing may not be ideal for authors who are only looking to print a small batch of books, as it requires higher upfront costs and a minimum print quantity.

2. Print-on-Demand (POD)

Print-on-demand is a more flexible and cost-effective option for authors who want to print copies of their book as they’re ordered. With POD services, authors can print books in small batches or even individual copies, meaning there’s no need to invest in large print runs or worry about storing inventory.

Here are the advantages of POD:

• Low upfront costs: You only pay for the books that are printed, which minimizes the financial risk.

• No inventory management: Since books are printed as they’re ordered, you don’t need to manage or store physical copies.

• Global distribution: POD services allow you to sell your book worldwide through platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IngramSpark.

Popular Print-on-Demand Services

Several POD services are available for authors, and each offers its unique set of features. Some popular POD providers include:

• Amazon KDP: Ideal for authors who want to publish their book on Amazon and offer both eBook and paperback versions.

• IngramSpark: A great option for authors looking to distribute their book to bookstores and libraries.

• Lulu: Offers global distribution options for printed books and a variety of customizations.

• Blurb: Specializes in photo books, art books, and high-quality printing options.

At Book Planets, we can help you navigate the print-on-demand services and choose the best option for your book.

3. Hardcover Printing

For authors looking to create a premium product, hardcover books are an excellent choice. While more expensive to produce than paperbacks, hardcover books are often perceived as more valuable and durable, making them perfect for collectors, gifts, or special editions.

Hardcover printing can be done through POD services like IngramSpark or in bulk through offset printing services.

At Book Planets, we offer custom book cover designs for hardcover editions to ensure your book looks stunning from every angle.

The Book Printing Process

Understanding the book printing process is key to ensuring your book is printed and published successfully. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the typical process of getting your book printed:

1. Prepare Your Manuscript

Before you can print your book, your manuscript must be ready for publishing. This means it should be properly formatted, edited, and proofread. Ensure that your book’s content is polished and formatted for both digital and print versions.

Book Planets offers manuscript formatting and book editing services to ensure your manuscript is ready for printing.

2. Design Your Book Cover

Your book cover is the first thing readers see, so it’s essential that it’s professional and visually appealing. Your book cover design should reflect the tone and genre of your book while being eye-catching enough to stand out on a crowded shelf.

At Book Planets, we offer custom book cover design services to create stunning covers that capture the essence of your book.

3. Choose Your Printing Option

Decide whether you’ll be using offset printing or print-on-demand based on your budget, quantity requirements, and distribution plans. If you’re planning to distribute widely, IngramSpark is a good option for both print and eBook distribution.

4. Upload Your Files

Once your manuscript is formatted and your cover is designed, upload your files to the POD service or printer of your choice. For POD services like Amazon KDP, you’ll typically need to upload your interior manuscript as a PDF and your cover as a separate file.

5. Order Proof Copies

Before placing a large order or making your book available for sale, always order a proof copy of your book. This allows you to check for any formatting issues, cover discrepancies, or quality concerns before committing to a larger print run.

6. Publish and Distribute

Once you’re satisfied with your proof copy, you can finalize the publishing and distribution process. If you’re using POD, your book will be available for purchase immediately. For offset printing, your books will be shipped to your desired destination for distribution.

At Book Planets, we provide book printing services and can assist you in choosing the best printing solution for your self-published book.

How Book Planets Can Help with Book Printing

At Book Planets, we provide a full suite of book printing services to help self-published authors bring their book to life. Whether you’re looking to print a limited edition for a book signing event or take advantage of print-on-demand for global distribution, we’re here to help every step of the way.

We offer services including:

• Manuscript formatting for both eBooks and printed books.

• Custom book cover design that suits your genre and audience.

• POD setup and distribution to ensure your book reaches global markets.

• Print run management for bulk printing and distribution.

Our goal is to help you create a high-quality book that stands out on shelves and in the hands of readers.

FAQs

1. What is the cost of book printing?

The cost of book printing varies depending on factors like the number of copies, the type of paper, binding, and printing method. Print-on-demand is typically more affordable for small print runs, while offset printing becomes cost-effective for larger quantities.

2. How long does the book printing process take?

The timeline for book printing depends on the printing method and your specific requirements. Print-on-demand can take a few days, while offset printing may take several weeks for large print runs.

3. Can I print my book in hardcover?

Yes, many POD services and offset printers offer the option to print your book in hardcover. At Book Planets, we offer custom designs for hardcover editions to make your book stand out.

4. How do I order a proof copy of my book?

Most POD services like IngramSpark and Amazon KDP allow authors to order a proof copy before committing to a larger print run. This helps you check for any design or formatting issues.

5. Can Book Planets help me print my self-published book?

Yes! At Book Planets, we offer a range of book printing services to help you print and distribute your self-published book. We assist with manuscript formatting, book cover design, and POD setup to ensure your book is ready for the market.