How to Print Your Own Book in India: A Complete Guide

Dreaming Of Holding Your Own Book In Your Hands?

Self-publishing has made this possible for many aspiring authors. Gone are the days when you needed to wait for a big publishing house to accept your manuscript, a process that often felt like winning the lottery. Instead, self-publishing empowers you to take control of your literary journey, turning your dreams into a tangible reality. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the printing process, ensuring you know exactly what to do from the moment you finish your manuscript to the exciting day you hold your printed book.

The road to self-publishing begins with editing your manuscript. This crucial step ensures your book is polished and ready for readers. Next, you’ll select the perfect trim size for your book, a decision influenced by your book’s genre and target audience. Choosing between hardcover and paperback, you’ll weigh the balance between cost and durability, ensuring your book looks and feels just right.

Binding style, paper types, and ink options further personalize your book, making each copy unique. Thoughtful typesetting enhances readability, while a captivating cover design grabs potential readers’ attention. Preparing your files correctly is essential for high-quality printing, and reviewing a proof allows you to catch any last-minute errors.

Finally, exploring print-on-demand services like Amazon’s KDP, IngramSpark, or Lulu can help distribute your book widely without the need for large print runs. By following these steps, you can skip the gatekeepers and bring your book to life on your own terms, making your publishing dreams a reality.

Can You Print Your Own Book?

Absolutely! Many user-friendly book printing companies offer high-quality printing with customizable options. Some even help distribute your work online.

The Cost Of Printing Your Book

• Printing your own book is an exciting venture, but understanding the costs involved is crucial to making informed decisions. The price of printing your book can vary significantly based on several factors, each contributing to the overall expense.
• Number of Pages: The length of your book directly impacts printing costs. More pages mean more paper, which increases the price. For instance, a shorter book of fewer than 108 pages might cost around $2.30 per copy for a basic black and white paperback, while a longer 300-page novel could cost closer to $5 or $6 per copy.
• Trim Size: This refers to the dimensions of your book. Different genres typically have standard sizes. For example, novels are often smaller and thicker, while children’s books are larger and flatter. Larger trim sizes use more paper, thus increasing the cost.
• Binding Style: Choosing between paperback and hardcover affects both the cost and durability of your book. Paperbacks are less expensive to produce but are also less durable. Hardcovers, although pricier, add a professional touch and can be more appealing to readers. Each binding style also has variations, such as perfect binding for paperbacks and case wrap for hardcovers, which influence the cost.
• Cover Type: The type of cover you select—glossy or matte, with or without a jacket—also impacts the cost. Glossy covers might add to the appeal of a children’s book or a photo book, while a matte finish might be more suitable for novels.
• Paper Weight and Quality: The thickness and quality of paper affect both the tactile experience and the price. Standard black and white pages are cost-effective for most novels, while premium color printing for photo books or comics will raise the costs. For example, an 8.5-by-11-inch 100-page photo book with a hardcover, premium color, and the highest quality paper can cost about $29.69 on platforms like Lulu.
• Ink Color and Quality: Opting for color printing significantly increases costs compared to black and white. This is particularly relevant for books with illustrations, graphics, or photographs. High-quality inks enhance the appearance of your book but also add to the overall expense.
• Understanding these factors will help you budget effectively and make choices that best suit your book’s needs and your financial plans. Whether you opt for cost-effective solutions or invest in premium features, knowing where your money goes ensures you get the most out of your self-publishing journey.

Expect to pay:

• $2.30 per book for a black and white paperback under 108 pages
• $5-6 per book for a standard 300-page paperback novel
• More for larger sizes, hardcovers, and color printing

When printing your book, costs will vary depending on the specifications. Here’s a rough estimate converted to Indian Rupees (INR):

• Black and White Paperback (under 108 pages): Approximately ₹150 per book.
• Standard 300-Page Paperback Novel: Around ₹250 to ₹350 per book.
• Larger Sizes, Hardcovers, and Color Printing: These options will be more expensive.

These estimates are based on current exchange rates and can fluctuate. Always check with your chosen printing service for the most accurate pricing.

Here are 3 popular print-on-demand services:

• Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
• Kitablane
• Pothi
• Notionpress
• IngramSpark
• Lulu

Let’s Get Started: 9 Steps To Print Your Book

Embarking on the journey of printing your own book is an exhilarating process, filled with opportunities for creativity and self-expression. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this exciting path.

1. Edit Your Text: The first and most crucial step is editing your manuscript. It’s essential to get feedback to polish your writing. Consider hiring a professional editor or asking trusted friends and colleagues to review your work. Their insights can help catch errors and improve the overall quality of your manuscript, ensuring it’s ready for publication.
2. Select a Book Trim Size: Choosing the right trim size is important as it affects the book’s appearance and readability. Think about the type of book you’re publishing—novels typically have smaller, thicker dimensions, while children’s books are larger and flatter. Look at similar books for guidance on standard sizes.
3. Paperback or Hardcover? This decision impacts both the cost and the durability of your book. Paperbacks are more affordable and lighter, making them easier to handle and transport. Hardcovers, on the other hand, are sturdier and give a more professional look, which can be appealing for certain genres and audiences.
4. Pick Your Binding Style: The binding style affects the book’s longevity and aesthetic. Saddle stitch is suitable for shorter books, while Wire-O binding is common for notebooks. Most authors prefer perfect binding for paperbacks or case wrap binding for hardcovers, as these styles provide a polished, professional finish with a flat spine for printing the title and author’s name.
5. Paper and Ink Options: The choice of paper and ink significantly influences the book’s look and feel. Black and white printing on standard paper is cost-effective for most novels. If you’re publishing a photo book or comic book, opt for heavier, high-quality paper and color printing to showcase your artwork beautifully.
6. Choose Your Typeset: Typesetting involves selecting fonts and layout that enhance readability and match the tone of your book. A well-chosen typeset goes unnoticed by readers, ensuring they are not distracted from your content. Experiment with different fonts and margins to find the perfect combination that complements your book.
7. Design Your Book Cover: An eye-catching cover is crucial for attracting readers. Your cover should convey the essence of your book and entice potential readers. If budget allows, hiring a professional graphic designer can make a significant difference in creating a high-quality, visually appealing cover.
8. Prepare Your Files: Before printing, ensure your files are correctly formatted and high resolution. Follow the specific guidelines of your chosen printing service, typically requiring separate PDF files for the cover and manuscript with images at a minimum resolution of 300 dpi.
9. Review Your Proof: Before committing to a bulk order, always request proof copies. This step allows you to see a physical copy of your book, review the print quality, and make any necessary corrections. Once you’re satisfied, you can proceed with confidence, knowing your book is ready for the world.

By following these nine steps, you can transform your manuscript into a beautifully printed book, ready to captivate readers and fulfill your publishing dreams.

Additional Tips

Before you start printing, explore various book printing companies to find the best fit for your needs. Compare options like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and Lulu for their unique services and pricing.

Consider using print-on-demand (POD) services to avoid stocking inventory. This reduces upfront costs and minimizes the risk of overprinting, allowing you to print copies as they are ordered.

Self-publishing platforms such as KDP, Kitablane and IngramSpark can help you distribute your book to online retailers. KDP offers access to Amazon’s vast marketplace, while IngramSpark provides broader distribution options, including libraries and bookstores.

Ready to print your book? With careful planning and the right resources, you can turn your dream into reality. Enjoy the journey of self-publishing and soon, you’ll be holding your finished book in your hands, ready to share with the world.