The cost of printing a book in the UK can range from £3 to £10 per copy for short runs, depending on the book’s specifications, such as page count, binding style, and whether it's in colour or black-and-white. Larger orders tend to benefit from economies of scale, reducing the per-unit cost. For print-on-demand services, the cost is typically higher per copy but allows for smaller quantities, starting from a single book.

Tip: Use our cost estimator or request a quote to get a clearer idea based on your book's specific requirements.

Offset printing is ideal for larger print runs (500+ copies), offering cost-effectiveness and high-quality output. Digital printing is suited for shorter runs (under 100 copies), providing faster turnaround times and flexibility, especially for self-published authors.

Example: Choose offset printing for a long-run paperback novel to save on costs, while digital printing works well for smaller batches of a niche non-fiction title.

Standard timelines range from 5 to 7 working days, including proofing, printing, and shipping. Factors such as the number of revisions to proofs, choice of binding, and shipping times can influence the overall duration. Allowing ample time for each step ensures a smoother process and higher quality.

Rush Orders: If you need your books faster, some services offer rush printing for an additional fee.

Yes, ordering a proof is recommended. Hard copy proofs give the most accurate representation of the final printed book, allowing you to check colours, layout, and binding quality. Digital proofs (PDFs) are also available for quicker review but may not show exact colours.

Additional Costs: Hard copy proofs typically incur extra charges but are worthwhile for ensuring quality.

Print-ready PDFs are the preferred format for book printing. They should be prepared with the correct resolution (300 DPI or higher for images), margins, and bleed settings. This ensures your book prints correctly and avoids issues such as cut-off text or low-quality images.

Resource: Download our file preparation guide to help you set up your files properly.

Printed colours may differ from what appears on screen due to the difference between RGB (used for screens) and CMYK (used for printing). To achieve the best results, convert your files to CMYK and consider ordering a colour proof.

Tip: Use a monitor calibrated for design work to reduce the discrepancy between screen and print colours.

• Perfect Binding: Suitable for paperbacks and commonly used for novels and manuals.
• Saddle Stitching: Ideal for booklets and small publications with fewer pages.
• Case Binding: The choice for hardcovers, offering durability and a professional look.

Visual Guide: See examples of different binding types to help choose the best one for your book.

Print-on-demand services allow for single-copy orders, but traditional print methods may have minimum quantities, usually starting around 50 copies. Larger orders can benefit from lower per-unit costs.

Economies of Scale: Printing in bulk can significantly reduce costs, making larger print runs more budget-friendly.

Distribution options include online retailers (e.g., Amazon), traditional bookshops, direct sales at events, or through your website. Partnering with a UK-based distribution service can simplify logistics and expand your reach.

Services: Consider using platforms like IngramSpark or Gardners for broader UK distribution. We offer this with our Global Publication Service.

Proper file preparation helps ensure that your book is printed without errors, such as text being cut off or images appearing pixelated. Meeting the printer's specifications can also avoid delays and additional costs.

Checklist: Download our pre-print checklist to ensure your files are ready for printing.