The digital age is a wonder. Unfathomable amounts of information- millions of books, are available at our fingertips.
But do you ever miss the feel, the smell, the solid permanence of an actual paper book? Do you ever miss the sound of a page turning? Or the childish joy of mindlessly fanning the pages against your thumb?
Media has changed, but sometimes it’s nice to actually hold a solid book and say, “I made this”. You can’t put a pdf or a web address on your coffee table for guests to admire.
Whether you’re a writer or a business owner, custom book printing can take your ideas and make them a tangible reality. In this article, we’ll go over what custom book printing is, why it’s important, and how to get started.
What is Custom Book Printing?
Custom book printing refers to the process of creating a book that’s tailored to a client’s specific needs. This can mean personalizing every detail from the size and shape of the book, to the cover design and paper type. Of course, this also includes the personalized contents of the book. With custom printing, you have complete control over every single aspect of your project.
There are a few different types of custom book printing, including print-on-demand (POD) and short-run printing.
As the name suggests, the books are only printed as they are ordered. POD allows you to print as many or as few books as you need, without having to worry about minimum order quantities. POD products are often shipped directly to the consumer, so you don’t have to worry about storing the inventory at all.
While the POD model works well for getting your book directly to customers (especially if you have no reliable predictions as to how many will sell, where, or when), it can be relatively expensive per copy.
Short-run printing, on the other hand, is best for orders in the ballpark of 50 to 500 copies. The cost per book is usually less than POD books. Also, the inventory is still small enough to manage, especially if you are confident you’ll sell out.
Why is Custom Book Printing Important?
Custom book printing is important for a number of reasons. For writers, it allows them to self-publish their work and to retain creative control. Instead of relying on a traditional publisher to handle everything from the cover design to the paper type, writers can make their own decisions about how their book looks and feels.
For businesses, custom book printing can be a powerful marketing tool. A well-designed piece of printed media can showcase your expertise and set you apart from competitors. The books can also be used as a giveaway or promotional item, helping you to build brand awareness and to generate leads.
How to Get Started with Custom Book Printing
If you’re interested in custom book printing, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before getting started. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Choose a Printing Company
The first step is to choose a printing company that specializes in custom book printing. Look for a company with experience in your specific niche or genre, as they’ll be better equipped to handle your unique needs. You’ll also want to consider factors such as turnaround time, cost, and print quality.
Step 2: Choose Your Book Specs
Once you’ve chosen a printing company, it’s time to decide on your book specs. This includes everything from the size and shape of the book to the cover design and paper type. Your printer should be able to provide you with a range of options to choose from, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore different possibilities.
Step 3: Design Your Book
With your book specs in hand, it’s time to design your book! This includes creating a cover design, formatting your text, and adding any images or graphics. If you’re not comfortable doing this part yourself, your printer may be able to provide design services or recommend a graphic designer.
Step 4: Proof and Revise
Before your book goes to print, you’ll want to proof and revise it very carefully. This includes checking for spelling and grammar errors, as well as ensuring that the formatting and layout are to your liking. It’s a good idea to have someone else review your book as well. A fresh set of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.
Step 5: Print and Distribute
Once you’re happy with your book, it’s time to print and distribute it. If you’re using print-on-demand, your book will be printed as orders come in. If you’re using short-run printing, you’ll need to order a set number of copies upfront. Your printing company may be able to handle distribution for you, or you can do it yourself by selling your book on your own website or through retailers such as Amazon.
Custom book printing offers a unique opportunity for writers and businesses to create books that are tailored to their specific needs. Whether you’re looking to self-publish a book or create a marketing tool for your business, custom book printing can help you achieve your goals.
By following these simple steps of choosing a reputable printing company, deciding on your book specs, designing your book, proofing and revising, and printing and distributing, you can bring your ideas to life in a physical, tangible form. With the help of custom book printing, you can create a lasting impression and make your mark in the world of literature and business.