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Last Updated on November 25, 2022 by Packoi Team
Printing books can be expensive, but did you know there are affordable ways to have printed books bound in all sizes? In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore different affordable book printing services and their impact on your project. So, whether you’re a first-time author or looking to save money on your next project, read on for the best tips and tricks.
How To Go About Affordable Book Printing and Binding?
There’s nothing like holding a freshly printed book in your hands. The weight of the pages and the ink’s smell – it’s an experience that we can’t replicate online. But what if you want to print a book on your own? It can be daunting to figure out all the details but don’t worry because it’s easy. Let’s enlist the crucial aspects of affordable book printing that you need to know:
Types of Bookbinding
The type of binding you choose for your book can significantly impact its final look, feel, and cost. Here are three popular binding options for books and how they stack up in terms of affordability:
Perfect Binding
Perfect binding glues book pages and covers together at the spine. These books tend to lie flat when opened, making them a good choice for books that will be read cover-to-cover. Perfect binding also allows for full-bleed printing on both the front and back covers. The main downside of opting for this one of the finest binding options is that it could be better suited for books with a large page count. Think of a page count of more than 250 pages since the spine can easily become weak and tear. That being said, perfect binding is one of the most affordable types of bookbinding, making it a good choice for budget-conscious customers.
Saddle Stitching
Saddle stitch binding is among the top binding options where the pages are stapled together at the spine. A saddle stitch book will usually be smaller—no more than 96-page count—since anything larger would be too cumbersome to staple together. The saddle stitch binding method, which resembles spiral binding and wire o binding, is a quick way to bind thin paper stocks. This ease of spiral binding makes it a good choice for short books, pamphlets, manuals, comic books, and children’s books. And since there’s no need for adhesive or extra materials, saddle stitching also goes easy on your budget.
Case Binding
In case or wire binding, book covers, page count, and paper stocks are adhered together at the spine and reinforced with cloth or paper over boards. Case-bound books tend to be more durable than other binding options, making them a good choice for books that will be read frequently or handled roughly. This spiral binding can also be printed with foil stamping or embossing on the cover for a more premium look and feel. The downside of this softcover binding is that it can be more expensive than other types of bookbinding, making it less than ideal for custom printing.
Book Sizes
The size of the book is one of the primary deciding factors in the cost of book printing services. Here are the main book sizes to consider and how they affect the price of custom book printing for custom book binding option:
Small Books
A small printed book is surely less expensive because it requires a less page count, and the book printing process is easier. In terms of sheer quantity, a small custom book will cost you less money to print because of its thin paper stock. Small bound books are also easier to store, saving you money in the long run if you’re planning on keeping an inventory of your novels or children’s books on hand. However, a small custom book may be more difficult to read, which could deter some readers. If you’re planning on selling your book, smaller-sized books may also be less appealing to customers and could hurt sales. You must consider these aspects while onboarding online book printing services for your custom book publishing.
Medium Books
Medium-sized novels of children’s books offer a happy medium (no pun intended) in terms of cost and appeal. They’re still relatively inexpensive to print, but they offer a larger page count and font size, which makes them more readable. In terms of sales appeal, custom printing books of medium size bridge the gap between small and large children’s books – they’re not as expensive as large hardcover books, but they look and feel more luxurious than small paperbacks.
Large Books
Large books are impressive – there’s no denying that. They often convey a sense of importance or heft with their thick paper stock, making them more appealing to buyers. However, large books also come with a hefty price tag. Not only does custom book printing of this size require more paper, but they often need to be bound with thicker covers and higher-quality materials to support their size. Sure, large hardcover books give your book an air of sophistication, but their book printing process is costly.
Printing Options
You always have two custom book printing options depending on the message you want to convey: black and colorful. Here’s a quick look at the differences between these book printing styles:
Black Printing
Black book printing is the most affordable option for printing your book, especially when you want to shelve out bulk book copies. If you are on a tight budget, black printing is the way to go. Black ink is also less likely to smudge or fade over time, which means your book will look great for years to come.
Colorful Printing
Book printing in color is more expensive than black printing, but it can make your book pop. Colorful books are eye-catching and tend to sell better than black-and-white books. If you can afford it, opt for colorful custom book printing to give your book the best chance of success.
Paper Choices
Matte, glossy, or another paper type for your book printing goals? When it comes to choosing paper for your book printing project, there are a lot of factors to consider. And the cost is certainly one of them. Here’s a quick sum up of them:
Glossy Finish
Glossy paper is usually more expensive than matte paper but also delivers a higher-quality finish. If you want your book printing project to stand out, glossy paper is the way to go. Keep in mind that glossy paper can be more susceptible to smudging and fingerprints, so if you’re going this route, be extra careful when handling your prints.
Matte Paper Finish
If you want budget-friendly book printing services, matte paper is a great choice. It’s not as flashy as glossy paper, but it does the job. Plus, matte paper is less likely to show fingerprints or smudges, which is always a bonus. However, one downside of matte paper is that it can sometimes appear dull or flat. If you’re going for a more vibrant look, you might want to consider another option.
How To Choose the Right Paper Type and Weight for Your Brand?
The paper choice might not be at the top of your mind when you first begin thinking about self-publishing your book. But trust us, it matters. A lot. Not only does the right paper type add to the overall aesthetic of your book, but it also affects a reader’s experience.
The Right Paper Type
There are two main types of paper – coated and uncoated. Coated paper has a smooth, shiny surface that is ideal for projects that require high-quality printing, such as books with photos or graphics. Uncoated paper has a more natural look and feel and is perfect for projects like novels or textbooks.
You can also choose different types of finishings for your coated paper, such as gloss, satin, or matte. Each finishing gives your book a different look and feel, so choose the one that best fits your project.
The Right Paper Weight
Paper weight is measured in GSM (grams per square meter), and the higher the number, the thicker the paper. For example, 70 GSM is standard copy paper, while 150-300 GSM is cardstock.
For book printing, we recommend choosing a paper weight between 80-120 GSM for the inside pages (text block) and 250-300 GSM for the cover. This will give your book a professional look and feel without breaking the bank.
Paper Color
The color of your paper will also affect the look and feel of your book. For example, using white paper sets a classic tone, while cream-colored papers have an antique feel. If you want something different, consider using colored papers but be mindful of how it will affect legibility—dark colors on light backgrounds are the easiest to read. As with everything else related to choosing the right paper for your book, it ultimately comes down to personal preference, so experiment with different colors until you find the perfect match!
Select the Perfect Binding Type for Your Book
Depending on the type of book you’re printing, you’ll want to choose a binding that will best showcase your work. For example, if you’re publishing a photo book, select a binding that will allow your pages to lay flat so that your photos can be seen in all their glory. This binding style will make the book feel like a custom gift box because of its seamless finish.
On the other hand, for a novel, you might prefer a more traditional perfect binding to keep its glued part stealth. Perfect binding is also generally more affordable than other types of binding, such as saddle stitching or case binding.
Print in Small Quantities or Large Quantities, Depending on Your Needs
One of the great things about digital printing is that it’s easy and affordable to print in small quantities. This is ideal if you’re just starting and are unsure how many books you’ll need to print. You can always print more later if you find that you need them. On the other hand, if you know that you’ll need a larger quantity of books, you can often get discounts for printing in bulk.
Get Creative with Your Cover Design and Interior Layout
The cover is one of the most critical aspects of your book, so don’t be afraid to get creative with it. And remember, the interior layout is just as important as the cover design. A well-designed interior will make your book more enjoyable and help it stand out from the competition. So, feel free to experiment with different design elements until you find something that works for your book.
Conclusion
To sum it up, choosing the right type of paper, printing colors, and binding style will be crucial to achieving an affordable yet elegant book printing experience. While the process may be complicated, taking the time to research and evaluate your options can save you money in the long run. With these tips in mind, book printing is a great way to put your ideas on paper without breaking the bank. So don’t delay and start your journey into book publishing today.
With every quality project achieved through careful planning, creativity shines through its fragrant pages at an affordable price. So, enjoy the journey, and let your story come alive – book printing doesn’t have to be expensive when done right. And if you need help with custom book printing, call us at Packoi Printing and see your dream project materializing. Our hands-on printing techniques will breathe life into your book and make it feel stunning!
