Technology

How do I choose the right printer for my book?

How do I choose the right printer for my book?

Finding it difficult to choose a good party to print your book? That is not surprising! After all, it’s not a daily job and few people have experience with it. So the best printing company for your book is something to think carefully about.

In this blog article, we will give you six questions to help you select a printing company for your book:

  • Does the printing house have experience in printing books?
  • Does the (book) printer do and can do everything itself?
  • What is the price-quality ratio?
  • How long does it take to make the books?
  • What guidance does the printing house offer?
  • Do you have a good feeling about the printing house?

Is your manuscript ready for printing? Congratulations! But… then your file has to be suitable for printing. Use our free checklist to find out which delivery specifications your file needs to meet.

#1: Does the printer have experience in printing books?

Not every printer has experience in printing books. Unlike printing flyers, for example, printing a book involves much more than just putting ink on paper. A book needs to be bound, the margins need to be right, it needs a cover and it needs to be finished. For this, experience is essential.

So check carefully whether the printer of your choice has more than enough experience (and can show examples).

#2: Does the (book) printer do and can do everything himself?

There are printers who outsource book printing. Or part of the printing process, such as binding. There is nothing wrong with that in itself. But it does mean that the printer has less direct influence on quality and speed. A printer who has all disciplines in-house usually prints a better book and often has better control over delivery times.

In addition, not every printer can supply everything. For example, do you want a reading ribbon in your book? Or do you want part of your print run to come with a hardcover? Then check in advance whether your preferred printer offers those options.

#3: What is the price-quality ratio?

There are sometimes big price differences between printers who seem to do the same thing. But the cheapest provider often has to cut back on something to be able to charge a lower price. If the differences in price are very large, there is probably a catch after all. Sometimes different, cheaper paper is used or the binding is done (too) cheaply. Your book will then not get the quality it deserves.

The annoyance of poor quality works through when the joy of the low price is long gone.

#4: How long does it take to make the books?

Money, time and quality are always linked. If a faster delivery time is needed for a book, then either the price goes up or the quality goes down. You can also think about options, such as a hardcover, which then cannot be delivered. Therefore, bear in mind that the normal delivery time for a smaller print run is about a week. And always check with the printer of your choice!

#5: What support does the printer offer?

Assess in advance whether your printer is only interested in your order or also in making a good product with you. It is therefore nice to be able to easily approach the printer of your book with all kinds of questions. About the layout of the inside, for example. Or about cover dimensions, your colophon, ISBN, fonts, line spacing, paper types, colours and so on.

#6: Do you have a good feeling about the printer?

You can easily find reviews from other writers about the printers they use via the internet. And otherwise, you can easily ask about them via social media. But whatever responses you get, remember: the right feeling with a printer is essential. Do you trust the qualities of the printer? Do you believe you will end up with a book to be proud of?

Comments
To Top

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This