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 If you're a writer who has opted to go with a self publishing model, there is the potential for you to write, edit, proof-read and typeset your own work completely. But unless you also own a printing company, this job is one that should get left completely to the specialists.
You will need to understand that when you print a book there is the potential for many high-priced complications that may happen in the printing process. That is the reason why you should join up with a printing company that specializes specifically with books; not the ones that also do business cards or letterheads, but the book printing corporations that only focus on books, day in day out.
Before meeting with book printers, here are some of the questions that you need to ask:
What size are you wanting your book?
There are a variety of different sizes and you've got the choice to make your book any size you would like, but you must note the printing presses are made for certain dimensions A-size; B-size, B-plus, C-format, Quarto; and so on. While you can customize your dimensions, it is strongly recommended to follow the set dimensions or you will find yourself paying for the bigger size with wasted space at the sides.
What paper do I use?
The solution to this question relies on the quantity of pages and whether you would like to increase the apparent cost of the book. As an example, the Bible contains a lot of pages so to use thick paper wouldn't be a smart idea; therefore the many bibles that use very thin paper. If a publisher has a set price they need to put on a book they may bulk the book up with a thicker paper. But, thick paper does not work well for books with a lot of graphics and pictures as it will soak up the color too much. So if you've got a lot of photographs then you want a high-bright paper (it is white and is a little bit thinner) where the color bleeds less.
What kind of cover do I want?
Firstly, you want to choose whether you need a hard or soft cover. Then, if you would like a hard cover, are you going to print on the cover or are going to have a jacket? If you go with a soft cover is your design going to be matte or gloss? Are you going to use design systems like embossing (where the letters have been punched out and the letters are raised like Braille) or spot polish (where the light picks up part of the cover)? What costs are concerned with each approach?
Do I want bookmarks?
Bookmarks are great marketing tools that are inexpensive and straightforward advertising. Nevertheless if you make a decision to print bookmarks, ensure you tell your printer before they start printing. The reason for this is that when they print your cover, they customarily have left over space on the paper which allows for them to print the bookmarks at the exact same time. If you're a good negotiator, you might be able to secure a large volume of bookmarks at no charge.
How many books do I print?
This is always most challenging question, as price is influenced seriously by the amount of books that you print. If you’re going to print a book for very first time then you need to look at short print runs, like 100-200 copies. Often this can be done digitally and will cost a lot more to print each individual book. However you currently have something to show your database, clients, publishers, the media and other members of your audience. After gauging everybody’s feedback, you may then make all the necessary changes and then think about doing larger print runs.
When you print a book, it’s usually the complex stage in the book production process and one that will become complicated with the various choices that have to be made.
Nonetheless, if you're clear on what you need and articulate these ideas to your printer then you will be able to minimize any issues that may happen.
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