We loved having the opportunity to print this wonderful children’s book related to the music industry here in Nashville. “Grandpa the Music Executive” follows Anna and Andy as they visit their grandpa at Christmas and try to spend more time with him. You can take a closer look at “Grandpa the Music Executive” by Brian Oxley here.
However, you’re here to learn about some book printing questions and answers, aren’t you?
Given our mix of printing experience, we’ve jotted down a few of the key book printing questions you’ll want to get answered as you look to print your work of art.
Which book binding method should I use?
There are several different binding methods for books. Some options are better than others, based on the specifications of your book. Here are a few different options:
- Perfect Bound: This is the most common book binding method for paperbacks. The perfect bound process consists of stacking pages and gluing them to the inside of the cover. This method is best for paperbacks with more than 40 pages.
- Case Bound: More expensive than perfect bound, but also more durable. Case bound books are wrapped in cloth and foil stamped on the the cover and spine. Perfect for hard cover books with more than 80 pages. You can also combine a case bound book with a dust jacket for additional protection on the cloth cover.
- Case Wrapped: Similar to a case bound book, but the cover is different. Instead of foil stamped cloth, a case wrapped cover book is printed in color on paper and applied to the outside boards with adhesive.
- Others: PlastiCoil, Saddle Stitched, and Wire-O are some additional book binding methods commonly used.
It’s best to contact us to discuss which binding method is right for your book.
What’s the difference between digital printing and offset printing?
Both offset and digital printing processes have their unique advantages. Fortunately, we’ve dedicated an entire blog post about offset vs. digital printing if you’re interested in learning more.
Selecting the process that is right for you depends on a few factors:
- Price: For books with many pages, it may make sense to print them digitally even at higher volumes since digital equipment collates the sheets together and saves offline bindery steps.
- Quality: Offset printing is sometimes a higher quality option for heavy solid ink coverage. At the same time, digital printing quality has advanced greatly, and some people prefer the vibrancy of digital color.
- Paper: Offset printing equipment handles greater variety of papers such as extra light or extra heavy stocks, and textured stocks. Typically, digital presses are best running standard weight papers since many finishing functions, like folding and stitching, are completed in-line.
What type of paper should I use for my book?
Paper selection depends on the type of book. Here’s some guidelines.
- 50# white offset: most novels are printed on 50# white offset. This paper is used for books with only type and no photos.
- 60# white or natural: best for type and photos.
- 70# white offset: best for type and photos with thicker paper.
- 80# gloss text: best when photos need to pop on the page.
Those are the three big book printing questions to be answered before producing your book. For other book printing questions, please contact us.
