As a parent, aspiring author, or avid reader, you may have a children’s story that you want to bring to life in print. Seeing your cherished tale come together in a professionally bound book is a magical feeling. But finding the right place to print your children’s book can be challenging.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain all your options for children’s book printing. Whether you want to print a single copy as a gift or make hundreds of copies for sale, you’ll discover the pros and cons of different printing methods. From local print shops to online services and DIY printing to working with publishing companies, I’ve got you covered.
By the end, you’ll know exactly where to go to turn your story into a gorgeous printed book. So let’s dive in!
Where to Print a Children’s Book?
Traditional Printing Companies
Local Print Shops
Local print shops offer a streamlined way to print your book while supporting small businesses in your community. With lower minimum order quantities than large printing firms, local printers are ideal for short print runs.
The hands-on experience lets you see sample materials to visualize the final product. Quick turnaround times get your books printed quickly. However, per-unit costs are often higher than mass production.
Pros of Local Print Shops:
- Personalized service and the ability to discuss your project face-to-face
- View physical samples of materials/finishes
- Support small/local businesses
- Low minimum order quantities
- Fast turnaround time
Cons of Local Print Shops:
- Potentially higher per-unit costs
- Limited printing options based on equipment
Large Printing Firms
Large printing firms are the way to go for large print runs or advanced printing techniques like foil stamping, embossing, or spot UV. Offset printing presses produce mass quantities at a low cost per unit, and knowledge of intricate printing procedures ensures a polished product.
The downside? Higher minimum order volumes and longer lead times. But when you need thousands of full-colour children’s books with perfect binding, a specialized printer can help.
Pros of Large Printing Firms:
- Ability to produce thousands of copies
- Advanced printing techniques available
- Volume discounts for bulk orders
- Consistent, high print quality
Cons of Large Printing Firms:
- High minimum order quantities
- Less personalized service/communication
- Longer lead times for fulfilment
Online Printing Services
Print-On-Demand
Print-on-demand (POD) lets you print books as they’re ordered to avoid large upfront investments and leftover inventory. When customers order a copy, POD companies print, bind, and ship individual books within days.
Leading POD services like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Gobook Printing, IngramSpark, and Blurb make printing simple through online dashboards. Just upload your interior files and cover art and set your price. Books are printed within short time frames, and distribution can expand your reach.
Pros of Print-On-Demand:
- No need to invest in large print runs
- Easy to update/revise manuscripts
- Integrated global distribution
- Print only what is ordered
Cons of Print-On-Demand:
- Higher per unit cost than bulk printing
- Limited control over print quality
Dedicated Children’s Book Printers
Niche printing companies that specialize in children’s books provide quality materials suitable for little hands. When durability and visual appeal matter most, printers like Kidoodle Books and Dream Big Print offer solutions.
You can customize options for young readers, from wipe-clean laminated pages to lay-flat binding styles. Expect beautiful results and white glove service. Pricing scales are based on features, but children’s book printers make the process effortless.
Pros of Children’s Book Printers:
- Specialists in high-quality children’s printing
- Durable paper/binding options
- Custom printing selections
- Meticulous quality control
Cons of Children’s Book Printers:
- Generally higher per-unit costs
- Possible longer lead times
DIY Printing
Home Printing
At-home printing puts you fully in charge of creating a small batch of books. With the right paper stock, inks, and binding equipment, crafting books yourself can save money and time.
Be aware of limitations in printable sizes based on your equipment. And complex binding, like case wraps and hardcovers, may prove extremely challenging without proper adhesive/stitching supplies. But for quick paperback books printed in manageable volumes, home printing is a handy option.
Pros of Home Printing:
- Total creative control over the process
- An affordable way to print small quantities
- Immediate access/no wait times
Cons of Home Printing:
- Restricted to basic binding techniques
- Time investment for printing/assembly
- Limited print quality/ink/paper options
Crafting Services
For convenient book printing without specialized equipment, crafting services like Shutterfly and Mixbook provide templates for easy book creation.
Upload your text and images to predetermined layouts and pick standard or premium paper choices. Depending on the service, binding options range from coil to hardcover. Distribution is not included, but these sites are solid solutions for low-quantity printing projects.
Pros of Crafting Services:
- User-friendly web interfaces
- Various binding styles are available
- Routine sales/discounts
Cons of Crafting Services:
- It is less customizable than custom printing
- Print quality varies by paper selection
Key Factors When Printing Children’s Books
Print Quality
Superior print quality ensures vibrant images and crisp text while quality papers prevent bleed-through. Rich-coated stocks provide durability to withstand tiny fingers flipping through pages repeatedly. Prioritize materials that complement the visual aesthetics of children’s stories.
Cost
Printing costs vary widely based on printing technique, order volume, paper selections, and binding style. When selecting printing options, balance quality with budget considerations. DIY printing works beautifully for shorter runs, while offset printing offers the best value for bulk orders.
Print Quantity
Assess whether you need a few copies as personal mementoes or intend to sell hundreds of copies online. Print-on-demand works excellently for lower quantities since copies print as ordered. For large runs, digital and offset printing reduce per-unit expenses thanks to volume.
Distribution
If selling books online, research printer databases and distribution channels beforehand. Many printers ship books to customers directly or integrate with sales platforms like Amazon. Others leave distribution in your hands for maximum flexibility. Consider sales avenues as part of printing plans.
Print Your Cherished Children’s Book!
Finding the perfect printer for a beloved children’s story requires planning, but with so many printing options at your fingertips, you can produce gorgeous books tailored to your specific needs.
The ideal choice becomes clear when factors like cost, volume, distribution requirements, image quality, durability, equipment, expertise, and more are weighed against available printing methods.
Whether you opt for professional printers, DIY solutions, short runs or mass production, you’ll hold a polished children’s book before you know it. From imaginations to print shops and readers’ hands, see your tale come to life between two covers today!