You’ve Finished Writing Your Book – What Next?
After all the hard work and creativity that you’ve put into writing your book, you will want the finished product to look its best, and do your work and effort justice. Getting your finished work into print is a whole different task again, and there are many aspects to consider – whereas, once you would need to acquire an established book publishing house or company, advances in software have opened-up avenues to self-publish your works from using book publishing templates yourself to working with a dedicated online bespoke book printing company. Here are some of the major considerations in self-publishing and some tips as to whom you should consult to get the best, professional printing of your book:
Print On Demand
Digital technology enables smaller batches of print runs to be produced in a cost-effective manner. Whereas it used to be only financially viable to initiate large number print runs (because of the initial set-up cost for lithographic printing), self-publishers can now take advantage of better value printing.
Specialised Printer
Source an established online print company that offers bespoke book printing – they can advise you on all aspects of the preparation and print process as well as recommending the best materials for your book. Ideally find a printer that offers soft and hardback book printing and bookbinding services.
Designer
Whilst you may have created the content of your book, that doesn’t necessarily mean you are an expert in all aspects of the book finish or presentation – many will not have the requisite skills to design an appropriate and eye-catching cover for your work, so it is worth speaking with a graphic designer who can advise on the cover design, colour palettes, and the most effective typography for the book.
Correct Size
Printed books are available in many different sizes – consider which is the best fit for the style and content of your specific book. There are some ‘standard’ sizes that lend themselves to mass storage and transportation, or display on shelves in bookstores, libraries, and such – but also consider the ‘genre’ of your book and what similar titles and content to your work are normally presented as, and preferred by, the audience typically attracted to these categories.
Typeset Inside Pages
Design the inside layout of your book – the number of pages will dictate the width of the spine required to house your work and to establish the final page count you should typeset your book. It is at this stage you should consider aspects like which font to use, the type size, the margins and widths and the laying out of chapters and sections. Once you have prepared the inside pages you should employ an editor or, at least, a diligent, competent third-party to read your work for spelling errors, incorrect phraseology, and to check page numbering, chapter titles and such.
Cover Options
Having finalised the inside content and layout of your book you can consider the cover design and style – the format of your cover will dictate the overall feel and appearance of your book – softback books are cheaper to print but can still look smart, stylish, and professional. Hardback books are more expensive to produce but can appeal to a different audience and retail at a higher unit price – sometimes the content category or genre will dictate which is the more suitable format for your book.
Paper Choices
Consider the materials in which you want your book to be printed – there are different qualities of paper stock available and your choice will be dictated by cost and appearance, so ask your print company for samples and use their knowledge and experience when making your selection. Similarly, consult with your bespoke book printing company about the different styles and benefits of the spine options and choose the most appropriate for the size and style of your book.
Quantity and Cost
One of the most important aspects is the number of copies of your book you want to print and the attached costs – the more copies you print the cheaper the individual unit price will be but consider how many books you realistically expect to sell/need and work from that figure – further print runs can be easily organised if your book is an unexpected runway success! Your print company will happily furnish you with a book printing quote on request.
Proof
Once you have established all these aspects and the book content, style, appearance, and cover has been finalised, ALWAYS request a proof of the final product before it goes to print! The last thing you want is for an entire print run to be produced before you have discovered major spelling or layout errors – if the first proof contains errors, then correct them and ask for another! Only when you are satisfied with a final proof version should you authorise a print run.
Choose Print2Demand
Choosing and optimising your catalogue format is a complex process. So, if you’re considering producing a standard or custom catalogue, consider Print2Demand.
We are an all round UK book manufacturing and printing service. We work closely with publishers, self publishers and authors. We have a state of the art factory, complemented by our sales and marketing office in Westoning, Bedfordshire. We have invested in the very latest digital and litho printing technology, to integrate with a fully equipped craftsman bindery. The conclusion of which means we are offering both softback and hardback books, to a very high standard of quality.
Order your book printing online or contact our team for more information.