As a children’s book author, selecting a printer is one of the most important decisions you will make. The printer you choose will be responsible for transforming your creative vision into a tangible product, so you want to find a printer that will do justice to your work. When evaluating potential printers, there are several factors you should consider to determine if they are the right fit for your project. Price and quality are essential, but other elements will impact your experience and the result. By assessing printers based on the following five tips, you can feel confident you will have a printer that shares your dedication to excellence and will bring your children’s book to life.
Choose a Printer With Experience Printing Children’s Books
When evaluating children book printers choose a printer with extensive experience printing children’s books.
- Look for a printer that specializes in printing children’s books or at least has a dedicated department for children’s book printing. They will understand the specific requirements for publishing high-quality children’s books, like the need for high-resolution, vibrant images and durable, child-safe materials.
- Ask about the types of children’s books they have experience printing, such as board books, picture books, chapter books, or interactive books. The more experience they have with the specific format you need, the better equipped they will be to print your book.
- Review samples of previously printed children’s books to assess the print and binding quality. Check that the text is clear and aligned correctly, images are crisp, and the overall construction is sturdy enough for children.
- Inquire about their design and pre-press process for children’s books. An experienced printer will have a streamlined process for collaborating with authors and illustrators to create camera-ready files, review proofs, and make necessary corrections before printing.
- Ask for client references from authors they have previously printed children’s books for. Speaking to other authors about their experience with the printer can provide valuable insight into the printer’s quality of service.
Selecting a printer with specialized experience in children’s book printing will help ensure your book receives the time, attention to detail, and quality of work required to bring your story to life for young readers. You can feel confident your book is in good hands with the right printer.
Check Their Book Printing Capabilities
When evaluating potential printers for your children’s books, it is crucial to consider their production capabilities to ensure they meet your needs.
- Examine the types of binding they offer, e.g., hardcover, paperback, board book, etc. Hardcover and board books are more durable for young readers. The paperback is more affordable but less durable. Select a binding appropriate for your target age group.
- Please inquire about the range of paper stocks and laminates they provide. Thicker, higher-quality paper and laminates will create a superior product. For a picture book, coated paper that prevents ink bleed-through is ideal.
- Ask about additional finishing options like spot UV gloss, embossing, or foil stamping, which can enhance the visual appeal. Die-cutting into custom shapes is an innovative option for board books.
- Discuss their digital printing technology and proofing process. Modern digital presses can print brilliant, high-resolution color images. Ask if they offer printed proofs to ensure color accuracy before the entire print run.
- Examine sample books they have printed to assess print quality firsthand. Check that images and text are clear and aligned and that the overall construction is durable.
- Inquire about their turnaround times and how they ensure on-time delivery. Ask if they offer rush printing services for those on tight deadlines.
Evaluating a printer’s capabilities and expertise in producing children’s books is time well spent. Finding a printer to bring your creative vision to life with a high-quality product will create a book you can feel proud to share with young readers.
Consider the Type of Binding
When evaluating children’s book printers for board book printing, consider the type of binding that will be used. The binding determines how pages are attached and impacts the durability and longevity of the book. There are three main types of binding to choose from:
Perfect Binding
Perfect binding uses a flexible thermal adhesive to bind pages together. It allows books to lay flat when open and is a popular, affordable choice for paperback books. However, perfect binding can become less secure with repeated use or in high-heat, high-humidity environments. Choose a printer that uses robust, archival-quality adhesive and high-quality binding materials for the best results.
Sewn Binding
The sewn or Smyth-sewn binding uses thread to stitch pages together, creating a durable bond. Sewn binding is ideal for hardcover books, especially those intended for children or libraries where durability is essential. While more expensive, sewn binding creates a book that will withstand considerable use over many years. Ask the printer about the type of thread, number of stitches per inch, and whether endpapers are sewn in for the most secure binding.
Spiral Binding
Spiral or coil binding uses a continuous spiral wire or plastic coil to tape pages together. It allows carriers to turn 360 degrees and lay completely flat. Spiral binding is a good option for interactive, coloring, or other books where flexibility is valuable. However, the coils can bend or break over time, and the binding may need to be more durable for young children. Spiral binding also limits how thick a book can be.
In summary, consider how the book will be used and the level of durability needed to determine the best binding option. Perfect and sewn binding are good all-purpose choices, while spiral binding serves specific needs. Carefully evaluate the materials and techniques used for the best results. The binding, after all, can make or break a children’s book.
Ask About Their Paper Options
When evaluating children’s book printers, an essential factor is the type of paper they offer. The paper stock has a significant impact on the quality and durability of your book. Ask the printer about the following paper options:
Paper Weight
For the pages of your custom hardcover book printing, a heavier paper weight, like 70lb to 100lb, will feel more substantial and help your book last longer. Lighter weights like 50lb to 60lb are more prone to tearing and damage. For the cover of your custom hardcover book, consider an even heavier paper, such as 100lb to 130lb, for maximum durability.
Paper Finish
A smooth, matte finish is ideal for the pages of a children’s book, as it reduces glare and eyestrain for young readers. You can choose between matte, glossy or soft-touch laminate for the cover. Polished and laminate provide protection and an attractive sheen, while matte has a natural, organic feel.
Paper Brightness
Brighter, whiter paper, rated 90 or above on the paper brightness scale, will make colors and images pop. While the slightly off-white paper is more environmentally friendly, the brighter white is more visually appealing for children.
Recycled Paper
Many printers offer recycled paper options for an eco-friendly choice. Recycled paper tends to be slightly off-white but is a sustainable alternative if bright white is not essential. Look for paper made from 100% post-consumer waste for the greenest option.
By asking the right questions about the paper, you can determine which children’s book printer offers the highest quality materials to do justice to your story and illustrations. Like many other factors, the paper contributes to the overall impression of care, craftsmanship, and professionalism in your book. Choose wisely, as the paper is the canvas upon which your creation comes to life.
Conclusion
As you can see, several key factors are to consider when evaluating potential printers for your children’s book. Don’t rush into a partnership – take the time to thoroughly research different options and make sure you find a printer that will treat your project with the care and professionalism it deserves. A good printer can make the self-publishing process smooth and rewarding. A poor choice may lead to wasted time, money and damaged relationships. With some diligent research and by following the tips provided here, you’ll be well on your way to finding a children’s book printer that will help bring your creative vision to life and get your book into the hands of young readers. The effort will be well worth it.
