So you’ve written a children’s book and now you’re ready to get it printed. Congratulations! This is an exciting milestone. Now comes the task of finding a printer that can bring your story to life with high quality and at an affordable price. Where do you even start? There are many options out there, from large commercial printers to smaller boutique shops. How do you determine what’s right for your project and budget?
The Main Types of Children’s Book Printing
When it comes to printing a children’s book, you’ve got options. The two most common types are:
- Digital printing: Fast, affordable, and high quality. Digital presses print directly from digital files. Perfect for lower print runs (under 3,000 copies). You can print in full color or black and white.
- Offset printing: The industry standard for larger print runs (3,000+ copies). Offset uses metal plates to transfer ink onto paper. It produces crisp images and vibrant colors. Offset does have higher upfront costs, but lower per-unit price at higher volumes.
For a typical children’s picture book, either digital or offset board book printing would work great. Digital board book printing is more budget-friendly for a first print run. You can always switch to offset board book printing for subsequent larger printings. The choice comes down to your timeline, budget, and how many little readers you want to reach!
Hardcover, Paperback or Board Book: Choosing a Format
When publishing a children’s book, one of the biggest decisions is choosing between hardcover, paperback, or board book formats.
- Hardcover books are durable and high quality, perfect for libraries or collectors. However, they tend to be the most expensive option.
- Paperback books are lightweight, flexible, and budget-friendly. They work well for most casual readers. The downside is that paperbacks don’t last as long, especially for younger kids.
- Board books feature thick, sturdy pages that stand up to grabbing hands and teething toddlers. They’re ideal for infants and toddlers, but the rigid pages mean less text and simpler illustrations.
In the end, consider your target age range and how much you want to invest in custom hardcover book printing. Hardcovers and board books are great for younger kids, while paperbacks suit school-age children and up. And of course, ebooks are an affordable digital alternative if you prefer, but custom hardcover book printing offers a tangible and high-quality option for a lasting impression.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Printer for Your Children’s Book
Experience
Look for a printer with experience printing children’s books. They will understand the specific requirements like durable, kid-friendly materials, smaller page sizes, and lots of images. They can also provide guidance on creating an engaging book for little readers.
Quality
High quality is essential for children’s books. Check that the printer uses durable, acid-free paper that won’t yellow over time and inks that produce vibrant, long-lasting colors. They should also have high standards for color accuracy and alignment to bring your story to life.
Options
A good children’s book printer will offer various binding options like hardcover, softcover, board books, pop-up books, and more. They may also provide extras like foil stamping, embossing or spot UV coating to make your book shine. The more options they offer, the more flexibility you have to create the perfect book for your story.
Testimonials
Look for reviews and testimonials from other children’s book authors. See what they loved about working with the printer. Did they deliver high quality books on time? Were they easy to communicate with? Did they provide good customer service? Reviews from fellow authors can give you insight into the overall experience of working with the printer.
Pricing
While price is a factor, don’t choose a printer based only on the lowest bid. Look for a printer that offers good value for their services. Cheaper printers may cut corners and sacrifice quality, durability or customer service. Get multiple quotes to compare, but also consider the printer’s reputation, experience, and options.
Top Tips for Preparing Your Files for the Printer
File Formats
When preparing your files for the printer, save them in a format that preserves formatting and image quality. The two most common options are:
- PDF (Portable Document Format): This format preserves fonts, formatting, and image quality. It is a good choice if your book contains lots of text or high-resolution images. Most printers readily accept PDF files.
- JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): This compressed image format works well for books with lots of photographs or illustrations. Be sure to save JPEGs at a high resolution of at least 300 dpi so your images print clearly. Number each JPEG file in order so the printer can assemble your book.
Some children’s book printers may accept other formats like TIFF or PNG. Check with your specific children’s book printers, linking their website, to ensure the file types you provide will work with their equipment and software. Sending correctly formatted, high-quality files to children’s book printers will ensure that your children’s book prints exactly as you designed it.
FAQs: Common Questions About Children’s Book Printing
What types of printing options are available for children’s books?
There are a few common printing options for children’s books:
- Offset printing: Best for larger print runs of over 1,000 copies. It produces high quality prints at a lower cost per book.
- Digital printing: For smaller print runs under 1,000 copies. It’s more affordable for short runs but at a higher cost per book.
- Print on demand: Prints one book at a time as orders come in. No minimum order and you don’t have to pay for printing costs upfront. Quality may be lower.
The option you choose depends on your budget, timeline, and how many books you need printed. Talk to different printers to compare quotes and find what suits your needs best.
Proofing and Reviewing: Ensuring Accuracy in Children’s Book Printing
Double Check Details
As the saying goes, “measure twice, cut once.” The same applies to children’s book printing. Carefully review all the details in your book files before sending them to the printer. Double check that:
- The text is accurate with no typos or grammatical errors. Have a friend or family member also review to catch any mistakes.
- The page order is correct and all pages are included.
- Images are clear, the right size and resolution, and placed properly on the page.
- The trim size, page count, and any special features like die cuts or embossing are specified correctly.
- Copyright information is up to date and accurate.
Reviewing the details thoroughly at this stage will ensure there are no surprises once you receive the physical proof from the printer. It’s much easier to fix issues in the digital files rather than reprinting the entire job. Take the time to guarantee your children’s book is flawless before hitting the print button. Your readers will appreciate the care and quality!
Conclusion
So there you have it, everything you need to know to get your children’s book printed. The options may seem overwhelming at first, but by focusing on your priorities and budget, you can find a solution that brings your story to life. Whether you choose a local printer to support small business or an online service for maximum convenience, make sure you get samples, check reviews, and understand exactly what’s included. This is your chance to see your vision come to fruition and place that physical copy of your book in the hands of kids and parents. With the right printer by your side, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the next Dr. Seuss or J.K. Rowling. Now stop reading and start creating – the world is waiting for your story!
