If you dream of writing a book, you might imagine sending your manuscript to mega-publishers like Penguin Random House or Simon & Schuster. The problem is, these publishers only accept a small percentage of the manuscripts they receive.
The good news is that self-publishing has emerged as a viable, even desirable, option for getting your story in front of readers. Martian and Fifty Shades of Grey Both became bestsellers and inspired blockbuster film adaptations. Here’s how to skip the gatekeepers and get your own book printed.
Can I print my own book?
Yes, it’s very easy to print a book. Many book printing companies are user-friendly and offer high-quality printing with custom design options. Some even help you distribute your work on sites like Amazon. Word EvaluationOver the past five years, the number of self-published books has increased by 264%, with $1.25 billion worth of self-published books being sold annually.
How much does it cost to print my own book?
The cost of printing a book depends on several factors, including page count, trim size, binding style, cover type, paper weight, and ink color and quality.
For example, a black and white paperback book with less than 108 pages: $2.30 per bookA standard 300-page paperback novel will run you around $5 or $6 per book. Larger trim sizes, hardcovers, and color inks will cost more. For example, a 100-page 8.5×11-inch photo book with a hardcover, premium color, and top-quality paper will run you $1,000. Luluan online self-publishing and distribution platform.
Some book printers, such as IngramSpark, charge a fee to upload your manuscript to their site, while others, such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, allow you to do so for free. Discounts are often available for bulk purchases, and some keep costs down by only offering print-on-demand so you don’t have to hold inventory.
9 steps to printing your book
- Edit text
- Select the trim size
- Choose between hardcover or paperback
- Choose a binding style
- Consider paper type and ink options
- Please select a typeset
- Design a book cover
- Prepare your files
- Check the proof
You’ve finished writing your book. Congratulations! The hardest part may be over, but there are still a few steps left to complete your book. Most book printing companies offer a variety of customizations that affect the quality and cost of the final product. Here we’ll show you how to print your book in 9 steps.
1. Edit the text
It can be intimidating to expose your work to criticism, but you should get as many people as possible to look at your writing with fresh eyes before you commit to a final draft. Whether you need rough feedback or proofreading for grammar, spelling, and clarity, others can pick up on areas you may have overlooked, spot mistakes, and help you improve your manuscript. You can hire a professional editor, or you can hire someone with experience and interest in your genre.
2. Select the trim size
Most custom book printing companies offer books in a variety of sizes. The type of book you want to publish will likely dictate the dimensions you choose. For example, novels, trade books, comic books, and children’s books have different shapes. Novels are small and thick, while children’s books are usually large and flat. For reference, consider the sizes of similar books already printed.
3. Choose between hardcover or paperback
Paperback books are cheaper to produce but less durable than hardcover books, which are considered the highest quality and convey a level of professionalism. You may also need to decide whether you want a glossy or matte cover finish, and whether you want a book jacket.
4. Choose your binding style
The binding style affects the look, durability, and cost of your book. Saddle-stitched binding is a good choice for short books and pamphlets. Wire-O binding is another cost-effective style commonly seen in notebooks. However, most authors choose a higher-quality binding style that allows for a flat spine on which the title and author name can be printed, such as perfect binding for paperback books or case-wrap binding for hardcover books.
5. Consider paper type and ink options
Choose your ink (most printers charge extra for internal color printing) and paper, which usually comes in a variety of thicknesses and finishes. If you’re not sure, use industry standards as a guideline. Standard black and white pages are easy to read and cost-effective for novels and books. If you’re publishing a photo book or comic book, we recommend choosing a heavyweight paper and color printing that matches your images.
6. Choose your typesetting
If you can’t remember the font in the last book you read, it’s probably because a graphic designer picked the right font for you. Like grammar and punctuation, typesetting is only noticed if it’s done poorly, as it can be a distraction. Try out a few options to ensure your font and spacing are unobtrusive and fit the tone and style of your book. To get ideas, look at similar books or guides such as: This from IngramSparkOnce your manuscript is typeset and the size of your book is decided, the page count is determined.
7. Design a book cover
The old adage may be wrong. You can actually judge a book by its cover. And so will your potential readers. The cover says a lot about the content and quality of your publication. Make the design eye-catching and convey the purpose and feel of your book. If you have the budget, consider hiring a professional graphic designer to create a high-quality book cover.
8. Prepare your files
Before you print your book with your chosen printing service, make sure your files are formatted correctly. Carefully read and follow our upload guidelines. Typically, you’ll submit two files: your book cover and your manuscript. Unless otherwise specified, upload your files in PDF format with image resolution set to a minimum of 300 dpi (dots per inch).
9. Check the proof
Before purchasing and distributing a large number of books, you will request proofs, trial prints to check and correct before the final printing. If everything is OK, you can work with a book printing company to get your book to market.
3 websites that offer print-on-demand services
- Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing
- Ingram Spark
- Lulu
Here are three popular book printing companies that can help you self-publish a high-quality book.
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing
It was released alongside the Kindle in 2007. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a well-known self-publishing platform that specializes in e-books. However, it also offers printing options for paperbacks and hardcover books. KDP is simple for beginners, Cover creation toolThis is helpful if you don’t have the expertise or budget to hire a professional to design your book cover.
Self-publishing with KDP gives you instant access to the Amazon and Kindle marketplaces. KDP also offers print-on-demand services, so you don’t have to buy in bulk or worry about inventory. Publishing is free, Printing Fees This will be deducted from your royalties at the time of sale.
The downside to self-publishing with KDP is that you have to adhere to exclusivity clauses (your ISBN (commercial numeric identifier for your book) is owned by Amazon, so you can only sell on Kindle and Amazon) and your customization options are relatively limited compared to other book presses.
Ingram Spark
Ingram Spark Custom book printing available from $49 per book. Price Calculator You decide how much you want to pay to have your order printed and shipped directly to your customer. IngramSpark promises that its high-quality books will be indistinguishable from traditionally published books. You get to choose your binding style, color, lamination type, trim size, and book cover style, giving you complete control over the final product.
You can then distribute your professional-quality books through IngramSpark, making your titles available in libraries, schools, and stores like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. IngramSpark uses a print-on-demand model, so they only print as many as you sell.
Lulu
Lulu is a self-publishing company that offers a variety of printing options. You can work from templates or create your book with custom sizes, binding options, inner cover options, paper types, and cover finishes. Lulu offers print-on-demand, but bulk order discounts can help you save money. Price Calculator Calculate the cost per book.
Once you have a finished product, Lulu can also help you distribute it. Lulu Bookstorewebsite, or online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Print Your Own Book FAQ
Can I print my own book?
Yes, self-publishing is easy and affordable if you have the right resources and a book printing company.
How much does it cost to self-publish a book?
The cost of printing a book can range from $2 to $30 per book, depending on factors like size, length, print quality, etc. A 300-page paperback novel can cost anywhere from $5 to $6 per book.
Where can I sell my self-published book?
You can sell your self-published book anywhere: Many book printers will help you distribute your publication to libraries and websites like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
