There are so many different ways for indie authors to print hardcover books, however, offset printing has been a game-changer for me. Offset printing offers indie authors the chance to bring their stories to life in a visually stunning way. You can’t beat exceptional color accuracy, sharp image reproduction, and superior quality. The biggest perk is that there are no printing errors that are commonly found with print-on-demand (POD) services, which is sadly becoming more common with Amazon’s paperback printing. What works for me, might not work for you and that is OK.
Benefits of offset printing for indie authors
The pros definitely outweigh the cons, especially if you’re approaching this from a business standpoint rather than a hobby. Determine your ultimate goals before delving into this option.
1. Quality
- exceptional color accuracy (vibrant and true-to-life colors)
- high-quality paper (mine are printed at 100#)
- precise printing
- professional finishing techniques
2. Inventory
- Being in control of your inventory for every order or event is crucial to fostering amazing customer service
- Fabulous for selling on your website, attending book events, or selling books at school author visits
3. Profit margins
- These are much higher and you can determine your retail price to get the most bang for your buck (minus the cost of printing & shipping to get the books to you in the first place)
Cautions of offset printing
As with anything, there are some cons to be considered.
1. Space
- You need to have room to properly store a number of boxes of books (a room in your house or local warehouse)
- FUN FACT: I just received a shipment of 3,000 books (121 boxes) and they easily fit in an 11″ x 3.5″ ft space
2. Cost
- You may have to get creative on how to fund a large print run (do not let that discourage you)
- I have found numerous ways to save and don’t feel like I’m “missing out” (happy to chat more about what I did)
3. Willingness to sell (your level of “go-getter-ness”)
- You will now be in charge of selling these books and fulfilling orders (see above)
Finding a reliable offset printing company
Choosing the right offset printing company is crucial to the success of an indie author’s book. However, with numerous options available, it’s essential to do thorough research and consider several factors before making a decision.
1. Reputation and track record
- Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get a sense of the quality of their work and their level of customer satisfaction
- Support authors of an offset-printed book by purchasing their book to assess the quality firsthand (consider this a write-off and doing “market research”)
2. Communication
- How responsive are they to your inquiries?
- Do they provide clear and detailed information about the printing process, pricing, and timelines?
- Do they have hidden costs disguised as something else like “fees”?
3. Capabilities and equipment
- Do they have the necessary technology and expertise to handle your specific printing requirements?
- Are they able to offer a wide range of paper options and finishing services?
Tips for designing print-ready files
To ensure a smooth printing process and the best possible outcome for your book, it’s important to design print-ready files that meet the requirements of offset printing. Do your research BEFORE starting the illustration phase so you can provide your illustrator with any specific templates. *Remember the template for a POD paperback is different than an offset hardcover.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Use high-resolution images: To achieve sharp and clear prints, make sure your images have a resolution of at least 300 dots per inch (DPI).
2. Convert colors to CMYK: Offset printing uses the CMYK color model, so it’s important to convert your colors from RGB to CMYK before sending your files to the printing company. RBG should only be used for your eBooks.
3. Include bleed and trim marks: Bleed refers to extending images or colors beyond the trim edge to prevent any white borders when the book is trimmed. Including bleed and trim marks in your design files will help the printing company accurately trim your book to the desired size. *Your illustrator should handle this for you in advance…do not be unprepared for this step!
4. Pay attention to fonts: Use fonts that are easily readable and avoid using very thin or intricate fonts, as they may not print well. It’s also a good idea to embed the fonts in your design files to ensure they appear correctly when printed.
5. Proofread and double-check: Before sending your files for printing, thoroughly proofread your book to catch any spelling or grammatical errors. *Also, proofread and double-check again once you receive your proof copies before ordering in bulk.
Cost considerations
Offset printing offers superior quality, but it’s important to consider the cost implications, especially for indie authors with limited budgets. While offset printing may be more expensive upfront compared to POD, the cost per unit decreases significantly as the print quantity increases. This means that offset printing becomes more cost-effective when producing larger quantities of books. I will be happy to “talk math” with you and provide real examples if this is the route you want to take. You will be amazed at your profit margins!
However, to make the most of your budget, consider factors such as the size of your print run, type of paper, and any special finishes. Also, make sure that your book meets the necessary page limits for your desired printer. Industry standards for a children’s book are 32 pages. It should also be noted that printing a common size is also important (such as an 8.5 x 8.5 or 8.5 x 11).
Remember that investing in high-quality printing is an investment in your book’s success and can help you stand out in a crowded market.
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After printing three times with the same company, nothing compares to the quality and customer service I’ve received. Does this take work? Yes! Will it be hard to find the time to research and align everything with your goals? Yes! Will it be worth it in the end? Absolutely, yes!
Let me know if you try offset printing or if you order one of my books for “market research” of course! 😉 No, really, go for it! I’ll mail it the same day or the next day. You can even scoop up some digital book resources while you’re there!
Happy printing!
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