Considering paperback book printing? As an independent writer, you want to make an impact in the publishing world, launch a successful marketing campaign, and save some money. After all, you’re probably a solo operation where you’re responsible for all the printing costs, distribution, and advertising. One way to achieve your goals is to choose paperback book printing. Here are seven reasons it will work for you.
1. Add Credibility with Paperback Book Printing
An estimated 2 million people publish their books on sites like Amazon every year. Despite the popularity of self-publishing, there is no question that traditional publishing has a better reputation. As a writer, you face a built-in stigma for being self-published rather than selected by a commercial publisher. One way to overcome that stigma is to print your book. Printed books add respectability.
Many readers prefer a printed book to an e-book, and print books outsell electronic books. Print books are still strong sellers in bookstores, online, and in thrift stores. Readers of all ages prefer print books. You gain credibility and appeal to a wider audience with paperback book printing.
2. Save Some Money
Hardcovers are the top choice in book printing. A hardcover book looks great and is enjoyable to read. It’s also the best choice for an art book, coffee table book, or other book that depends heavily on visual elements.
The cost of hardcover printing, however, puts it out of reach for most independent writers. The average cost for a hardcover book can be anywhere from $5.00 to $20.00 for each book. The final number depends on the size of the print run, number of pages, paper copy, color resolution quality, binding type, and finishing options.
Paperback book printing is more affordable. Typically, a softcover book may run from $2.50 to $10.00 for each book, again depending on the same factors listed for hardcover printing. Bulk printing will lower the cost even more.
It’s clear that paperback books are an affordable choice for a writer who wants to enhance their credibility and give readers the possibility of buying a printed book.
3. Make Marketing Easier
If you want to launch a successful marketing campaign for your book, you must have paperback books on hand. They make it much easier to get the reviews that are essential for marketing.
Just like readers, many reviewers prefer print books. If you plan to do a mass mailing of your book to potential reviewers, book bloggers, and others, you must send them review copies. You’ll also need books to hand out at book fairs, conventions, and other gatherings where you might want to hand out copies.
Do you plan to do book readings and book signings? If you can arrange one or two of these, make the most of the opportunity. You may not sell a lot of books, but you’ll get some publicity and become known to your local book-buying community. For a successful book signing, you should bring 10 to 20 copies of your paperback book.
That’s a lot of books, but a few complimentary reviews will help you achieve your goals. With paperback book printing, you’ll be able to launch a full-scale marketing campaign without breaking the bank.
4. Small-Run Printing Is a Possibility
Small-run printing is an excellent choice for paperback book printing. Also known as short-run printing, it refers to printing a small number of books at a time. You start with a small number of copies, but you can order more as demand for your book grows. It allows you to print books as needed without having a bunch of unsold books taking up space in your home.
Why should you consider small-run book printing?
- Save money: Small-run book printing lowers your costs by allowing a smaller run without worrying about paying for a minimum order amount. If you want to change your book or update it later, you can print new editions for a reasonable price.
- Save space: You probably don’t want a pile of books taking up room in your home or a storage unit. With short-run paperback book printing, you’ll only print the number of books you need for a specific purpose, for instance, a mass mailing. If you need more books later for another reason, you can print just the number you need then.
- Reduce waste: By printing only the number of books you need, you preserve resources and prevent unwanted books from going into a landfill. By only using the resources you need, you’re acting sustainably and reducing waste.
- Get it fast: One of the best features of small-run printing is the ability to get books made quickly.
- Preserve quality: Small-run printing uses the same printing technology that larger runs use. With today’s advances in paperback book printing, you won’t sacrifice quality or color resolution when you choose this type of printing.
5. You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Are you worried about how you’re going to handle printing on demand, storage, and shipping of all your books? If you’re willing to partner with an online platform, they’ll handle all those logistics for you.
Some publishing platforms handle the printing, warehousing, and shipping of printed books for you. In exchange for that, you will pay a percentage of your sales to the publisher or distributor.
6. Paperback Books Are Great for Giveaways
Do you want to create personalized, unforgettable gifts? A paperback book written by you can make a great present.
Use signed copies as gifts to fans who follow you and review your book. Use them as lead magnets on your author’s website, or offer them as donations to a local charity.
Paperback book printing allows you to share your work with the world. As an independent writer, you don’t have access to the typical outlets that a traditionally published writer would have. Since you need to give away a lot of books, especially at the beginning, it’s smart to go with paperback printing.
7. Keep It Personal
Some writers have no intention of selling their books to the public. They write because they want to share their thoughts, write a family memoir, collect their poetry, or put together a book of their artwork. If you’re not aiming for commercial success, you may only want some printed copies for your personal use.
With a small run, you’ll have enough copies for your personal use. You’ll feel accomplished when you see a finished book complete with your writing, illustrations, and photos.
Time to Print
When it’s time to print your book, you have many options. At Dazzle Printing, we can help you pick the one that’s best for your book. For a free estimate, use our online tool, or call us.
