Planning to Print Books? Follow These 5 Simple Rules to Save Money
When we plan a book project, it helps to know our options
before we get started. That way, we can make smarter choices and stay on
budget.
It is especially important to understand how a book's
features can affect the final printing cost.
As a book printer, we want to share five simple rules that
can help save money when printing books. These tips apply whether you are
printing 2,000 books for a business, such as catalogs or manuals, or 200 books
for personal use, such as a family history book or biography.
Rule #1: A Standard Size Usually Costs Less Than a Custom Size
Most book printers offer standard page sizes based on the
equipment they use. When we design a book to fit one of those standard sizes,
production is usually smoother and more affordable.
Custom page sizes can still work well, but they may not
match the printer's presses as efficiently. That can lead to more paper waste
and higher costs.
Even a small change, like adjusting the page size by half an
inch, can sometimes create real savings.
Rule #2: Black Ink Usually Costs Less Than Color
In most cases, printing in black ink is more affordable than
printing in full color. That is why many books use color only on the cover and
print the inside pages in black ink.
If the book is mostly text, black and grayscale printing is
usually the best way to save money.
Color is still a smart choice for catalogs, photography
books, cookbooks, and other projects where visual impact matters. But if color
does not add value, black ink is usually the most economical option.
Rule #3: Lighter Paper Usually Costs Less Than Heavier
Paper
We are not suggesting that you use the thinnest paper
available. But when comparing paper options, a lighter weight version of the
same paper type will usually cost less than a heavier one.
For example, if your book will be printed in black ink only,
you may want to compare 50# uncoated offset paper with 60# uncoated offset
paper. If your book will be printed in full color, you may want to compare 80#
gloss text with 100# gloss text.
If a lighter paper still gives you the look and feel you
want, it may be the better choice. It can also help lower shipping costs if the
book has many pages.
Rule #4: A Soft Cover Usually Costs Less Than a Hard
Cover
Any book that can be made with a hard cover can also be made
with a soft cover. Soft cover binding is popular because it usually costs less
to produce.
That is because soft cover books use fewer materials and
fewer production steps than hard cover books.
Hard cover books can offer added durability and a more
premium feel, but soft cover books are often the more practical choice. They
usually cost less and can also have faster turnaround times.
Rule #5: Larger Orders Usually Cost Less Per Book Than
Smaller Orders
For very short runs, such as 200 or 300 books, digital
printing often gives a lower unit cost. That is because digital printing has
very little setup cost.
Offset printing has higher setup costs, so it is usually not
the best choice for very small runs. But as the quantity grows, offset printing
often becomes more cost-effective.
Once the setup cost is spread across more books, the cost
per book goes down. Still, it is important to order the right amount. A lower
unit cost is helpful, but not if you end up with more books than you need.
Get Your Printer Involved Early
If cost matters in your book project, we recommend talking
with your printer early in the process. A few minutes of planning at the start
can lead to big savings later.
At Formax Printing, we are always happy to answer questions
and help you find ways to save on book printing. Give us a call at 866.367.6221.
Take care! Rick
