Choosing the Right Printer for Your Self-Published Book
Being a self-published author comes with plenty of hurdles—and one of the biggest is finding the right printing company for your book. There’s a lot more to it than just clicking “print.” The choices you make will affect your cost, timeline, and the quality of your finished product.
Here are some key things to consider:
Quanity
How much are you able to invest upfront? Ordering in bulk lowers your cost per book, but it can still be a significant initial expense. Space available for book boxes should also be taken into consideration.
Printing Location
Do you want your books printed in the U.S. or overseas?
Overseas printing is usually cheaper per copy, but it comes with longer wait times, more complex logistics, and potentially higher shipping costs.
Stateside printing costs more per book but offers faster turnaround times, easier communication, and fewer shipping complications.
Format Options
Decide whether you want hardcover or softcover editions (or both). Hardcover books feel more premium, but softcovers are lighter, more flexible, and less expensive to produce.
Cover Finish
Do you prefer a glossy or matte finish? Glossy covers stand out with color and shine, while matte finishes give a softer, more sophisticated look that resists fingerprints.
Binding Style
Your binding determines how your book holds together and how it feels in readers’ hands:
Adhesive casebound (glued) is common for picture books and holds up well for moderate use.
Smyth-sewn binding offers the highest durability and allows books to lay flat.
Book Size
Your trim size affects layout, printing cost, and shelf appeal. For example, I chose a square book, which makes reformatting easier if I ever change the size—but it’s important to finalize your dimensions early when comparing printers.
Paper Weight
Heavier paper feels sturdier and prevents illustration bleed-through, but it also increases cost and shipping weight. Consider what best suits your book’s purpose and audience.
Page Finish
Do you want satin or gloss pages? Gloss pages enhance vibrant illustrations, while satin offers a smoother texture with less glare—ideal for a storybook feel.
Dust Jacket
If you’re printing a hardcover, decide whether to include a dust jacket. It adds polish and protection but also increases production cost and complexity.
How I Order My Books
For The Hibernating Combine, I print through Mixam, a U.S.-based company known for high-quality short-run printing. My books are hardcover children’s picture books, printed in full color throughout, with the following specifications:
Size: 8.5" x 8.5" square
Length: 32 pages
Binding: Smyth-sewn
Paper: 100 lb. satin text paper
Finish: Matte hardcover with satin interior pages
These details give the book a sturdy, professional feel that holds up to frequent reading while maintaining a smooth, slightly glossy texture for the illustrations.
Finding a reliable printer takes time and research, but once you do, it makes the entire self-publishing process smoother, more efficient, and far more rewarding.