Authors know how crucial it is to pick the right printing option for their books. The industry offers several types of printing options; you can evaluate the options depending on factors such as budget, quality, the user experience you want to provide your readers, sustainability, and so on. Today, we will discuss common printing options every author should know so you can decide which works best for your project.
But before finalizing the printing method, you should know how you want to publish your book, as this can affect your decision regarding print. So, let’s first figure out the publishing styles to pick from.
Publishing a Book the Traditional Way
Traditionally, authors can sell their manuscripts to a publisher and get a one-time payment or submit them for publishing while they pay them certain royalties off every sold copy. Either way, giving your book to a publishing house means they will take care of everything from marketing to printing.
But going the traditional way, you must know that authors usually do not have a say in anything, including the printing option.
Self-Publishing
If you don’t want to go for a traditional publication and want to make all the decisions about the book yourself, you can opt for self-publishing. In this scenario, you will be able to pick the printing option and make all other decisions about the visuals, costs, and sales by yourself.
Hybrid Publishing
Other than these two publishing approaches, authors sometimes choose a hybrid publishing method where they configure a customized contract with a publishing service. This way, authors can keep decision-making regarding certain things to themselves while enjoying some relaxation as the responsibilities and profit are shared with the publishing partner.
Top Printing Options for Your Book
Now that you know the different ways you can get your work published and how they can affect your authority over the choice of printing options, let’s discuss the printing methods that a writer can pick.
Offset Printing Service
The offset printing is ideal for a higher number of print runs, where the book is printed in hard copy with vibrant colors and sharp images. This printing option works best for authors who wish to print bulk copies at once and have the needed budget and required storage to keep the copies safe until sold.
Authors who can afford offset printing have to look up the right service. They must ensure that the service provider uses high-quality offset printer, paper and ink for book printing, and has advanced equipment to cater to any specific printing demands.
One thing to keep in mind when considering this method of book printing is that it is not a very sustainable option. Offset printing may lead to a lot of paper and ink waste.
Print on Demand Service
Another printing option is a print-on-demand service. With this service, you can get as many copies of your book as you wish, depending on the number of orders you receive at a given time.
This means you do not need a significant budget at once, and you can only pay for printing a certain number of books or even a single copy. All in all, this is a cost-effective printing option without the excessive hassle of arranging a space to store books. The printing option is also more sustainable than offset printing as it eliminates the wastage of printed copies.
eBooks or Digital Printing
Digital printing is an increasingly popular method that works well for all genres. This option is particularly appealing for readers seeking convenient access to books, including eBooks, which can be easily distributed online. Digital printing resolves budget problems as it is more cost-effective than other options. Moreover, it is most sustainable. This printing option is also great for authors who want to go for extravagantly creative prints and offer their readers a personalized experience. However, it may not be suitable for readers without access to digital devices, which can limit market reach.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we hope you have found the right printing option for your next book that meets all your requirements. Be sure to consider all aspects before finalizing your decision.