How to print your own book

If you’re wondering how to go about printing your own book, P2D Books Ltd can help!

Through our considerable experience in UK book printing, we work closely with publishers, self-publishers and authors. With a state-of-the-art factory using the very latest digital and litho printing technology, integrated with fully equipped craftsman bindery, we offer softback and hardback book printing to a very high standard.

So where to start?

Here’s our handy guide for what to consider when printing your own book:

Research book printing styles

The first step to printing your own book is to decide what you would like your book to be printed on. Have a look through books you have at home or in the library. Have a feel of them and determine what you like and what you don’t like. Perhaps even look at books that are in the same genre as yours; you may find they have a set style that you might want to continue with.

Choose the right paper

Novels tend to be printed on bookwove paper and non-fiction tends to be printed on plain white paper. At P2D Books Ltd, our papers include offset, white and cream bookwove, and coated silk

Choose your cover – paperback or hardback

You could argue this is the most important thing to consider, as a book’s cover can create a lasting impression. Both Paperback and Hardback covers can be printed in gloss or matt laminated options, and you can even choose to print on one or both sides.

You may also want to consider a special finish, such as embossing or spot UV. With so many options to consider you may find it easier talking to a member of our team.

Consider the overall size and shape

You may want to consider the overall size and shape of your book to create the right emphasis. At P2D Books Ltd, we offer portrait, landscape or square options.

You may also want to include imagery in your book so you will need to weigh up the use of colour. This is ideally suited for art books, photo books, directories, cookery books, directories, annuals, academic books to name but a few.

Colour can raise the price of printing, but if it creates the impact you’re after, the price can be well worth it. 

Binding always requires careful thought

The binding of your book requires careful thought as it could affect whether you have a spine or not:

Perfect binding and case-binding are widely used for paperback and hardback books.

Spiral bound and wire-o binding are popular for larger documents or recipe books as they allow the book to open completely flat on a desk as well as have 360-degree rotation of pages.

Saddle stitched binding is popular for fewer pages; as sheets are folded, gathered together and stapled.

Once you’ve determined your cover, paper and binding options, you can determine whether a spine is required. If so, be sure to ask one of our dedicated book production advisers for a cover lay down guide for your cover artwork. 

Submit book printing order online

Our online ordering system couldn’t be easier. The online price calculator is quick and easy to use. With a comprehensive and easy to follow list of requirements, starting with the size of the book and finishing with the quantity required.

As you update the order form, you can easily see the overall cost, so if you are sticking to a budget you can keep track of money. And should you require further assistance you can always e-mail your order through to one of our team.

Prepare for the printing 

Now it’s time to get your book printed. This is where things can get a bit complicated. At P2D Books Ltd, our aim is to make this process as stress free as possible, especially if you are looking to produce the files yourself. Print ready PDF files are required for both text and cover, ideally with crop marks included, and at least 10mm white margins all round.
 

The cover file should have 3mm bleed added all round. If images are included in the text pages, these need to extend to the edge of the page with 5mm bleed. Images should also be supplied at 300dpi.

If you require help with laying out text or are looking for some design options for your cover, we can recommend designers that we have worked with for a number of years with budgets to suit everyone.

Check all your pages

It is very important once you have submitted your book that you proof check your pages. With printed books there is no room for error so it’s really important that you check your pages before you commit to printing.

At P2D Books Ltd we give you the option to check your book proof either as loose printed pages or as a PDF. We would always recommend the printed proof as this gives you a better indication of the final product. However, timings may be tight, so a PDF would work better in this instance.

Once you’re happy with the proof it’s over to us!

With the latest digital and litho printing technology running alongside craftsman bindery; we ensure our books are printed to an exceptionally high standard. Our priority is to ensure your book production runs smoothly from start to finish.

We pride ourselves on our reputation for being easy to work with, friendly and very receptive to any challenges provided; and aim to keep you updated with progress along the way.