You may have noticed that there are plenty of ways to print books these days, each with its benefits and drawbacks. If you’re thinking about getting your book printed and don’t know which option will be best, this guide can help you sort through the possibilities and decide on the best printing method for your book.
Whether you’re interested in offset, digital, or any print-on-demand service, we break down the pros and cons of each below to help you make an informed decision about your book project.
1. List Your Priorities
What’s most important to you? Time, money, or quality? Once you know what’s most important, you can start narrowing down your options. If time is the most critical factor, then digital printing might be the best option. It’s fast and relatively inexpensive.
If money is the most crucial factor, offset printing might be the best option. It’s less expensive than digital printing but requires a more extensive print run. If quality is the most crucial factor, then lithography might be the best option.
2. Do Your Research
The first step is always research. You’ll want to know your options and what will work best for your book. Are you looking for quality or quantity? How much money are you willing to spend? Once you understand the different printing methods, you can start narrowing down your choices.
What kind of paper do you want? Glossy or matte finish? What size should it be? And finally, how many copies do you need? If it’s only one copy, get ready to pay for an arm and a leg!
3. Know What You Can’t Change
You can’t change the fact that some methods are more expensive than others. You also can’t change the fact that some books are better suited for specific printing methods than others.
However, you can change your understanding of the different printing methods and how they will affect your book. With that knowledge, you can make an informed decision about which method is best for your book.
4. Think About The Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, printing your book using an online printer might be the best option. However, if you have a bit more money to spend, working with a local printer could be worth the investment. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding which printing method is suitable for you and your book.
- Your book’s genre
- The number of books you plan on printing
- The quality of the book (covers, paper, etc.)
5. Consider How Long It Will Take
There are many factors to consider when deciding on the best printing method for your book, and how long it will take is one of the most important. If you need your book printed in a hurry, digital printing might be the best option.
But if you’re not in a rush, offset printing might be a better choice because it generally results in a higher-quality product. What kind of paper and size do you want? Some printers specialize in specific paper types or offer special sizes that others don’t.
What colour options do you want? Do you want full colour? You’ll also have to consider whether your printer offers specialty finishes like spot gloss and UV coating. Online printing services like dazzleprinting.com can prove to be helpful.
6. Check Tech Requirements
Most printing methods these days don’t have any specific technical requirements, but it’s always best to check with your printer beforehand.
Offset printing is typically the way to go if you’re looking for a more traditional printing method. It offers the highest quality prints and can be done on various paper types; however, it is the most expensive option.
7. Consider Tool Availability
Not all methods are available to everyone. Some require special equipment you may not have access to, and others may be out of your budget. Consider what you have available to you before making a decision.
8. Check Sample Quality
Quality should be the number one deciding factor when choosing a method for your book. After all, you want your readers to have a great experience with your book, and that starts with high-quality printing.
Order samples from each printer you’re considering to get an idea of quality. Once you have the samples in hand, look closely at the print quality, paper quality, and binding.
9. Don’t Forget Paper Quality!
The quality of the paper you use will play a significant role in your book’s overall look and feel. Consider using heavier stock paper if you’re looking for a high-end look.
For a more rustic look, go with a lighter-weight paper. You can also get creative with different textures and finishes, and just make sure to test out a few samples before making your final decision.
10. Should You Self-Publish Or Seek Traditional Publishing?
Self-publishing is a great option for authors who want more control over their work, but it’s not the only option. Traditional publishing can offer more support and resources, but it’s not right for every author. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
- What’s your goal?
- What level of control do you want?
- What resources are you willing to invest in?
- How much time are you willing to put in?
- Are you willing to make sacrifices?
- What’s your comfort level?
- What does your gut tell you?
Conclusion
When you’re planning to self-publish your book, there are many factors to consider before you get to the actual writing part. One of the most significant decisions you’ll have to make at this point in the process involves how you want to publish your book and how you want it printed. There are several different printing methods to choose from, including offset printing, digital printing, small batch printing, and more; each method has its pros and cons that might affect the decision you make about which one is best for your project.
