Self publish books, can anyone advise of a printer?

Question

I am looking to self publish an A4 size book, approx 500 books. I am looking to do it in black and white with 16 pages in full colour. Can anyone suggest a good printer who will do the work at a reasonable price?

Answer 1

It depends where you are. You don't want to have to travel to inspect proofs etc. or to pay transport to get the books to your warehouse (garage?). Look up Printers in Yellow Pages!

Talk to several printers first: visit them to see samples of their work, and get quotes. The service depends quite a lot, e.g. depending on how much preparation of the work you can do beforehand by computer. You need to have some knowledge (e.g. read it up from a reference book) of how to relate to the printer: that is part of the publisher's expertise that you are choosing to cut out.

Answer 2

I am wondering what you mean by "book" exactly. That isn't a stupid question, number of pages is significant and some people call magazines "books".

I'd say your cheapest option is to go for digital repro, these are best for short-run if we are actually talking books ... but you say A4, which is an unusual size for a book.

So I'm thinking, newsletter/magazine?

This is tricky, there are too many variables. I know you think you've supplied enough information ... but I'm afraid not. The number of pages is critically important since it can affect the binding chosen. And when you say "16pp full colour" that indicates you have some clue about printing in sections but then which 16 pages? Again, it's important.

Finally there's the question of cover. Did you want a separate cover? Is that supposed to be colour or mono? Is that part of the 16 pages aforementioned?

Your best bet, is to write down an exact specification of what you want, phone a lot of printers and get them to give you a quote. Narrow down the ones that you liked the sound of (literally -- how well did they answer the phone?) how efficient were they in getting you the quote and how is the price?

Choose three and get them to send you samples of similar work they have done.

So what is the exact specification?

Print run, pages, colour/mono of pages, paper weight required, gloss or matt, cover: self-cover or separate, cover weight, type of binding preferred.

If they need anything else they'll ask you for it and then you can add that to the specification for the next one you call.

Don't assume people will try to rip you off, it's only a tiny minority that would do that. Ask them for help, explain your problem, most will be glad to advise and will tell you if they can't do the job -- and usually tell you a company who can.

Answer 3

Check out the Absolute Write Forums. Scroll down to the self publish / POD thread. Lots of experiences there to read about from people who have actually done it. My personal opinion is that if you can not do most of the work of a publisher yourself, you most likely should not be self publishing. Most people who are not knowledgeable and hire vanity presses, end up loosing money on the venture.

Answer 4

I have used three different printers. First two were costly. I found First Chice Books (Victoria Bindery) In Victoria Canada. They are the only ones I have found that will do your set ups for free. No hidden charges. Send them your manuscript, they will send you a finished book for your okay. (If you have your own front and back covers made up also.) If you are happy with it you can then order and pay per book only. More books, less money.
Wayne Russell any questions [e-mail]

Answer 5

Don't self publish, go to publish america they will almost certainly do it for you and they will pay you too. They publish just about anything and they will sell the books to the author at half price even more discounts at specific times of year. They publishbooks from u.k See www.publishamerica.com
hope this helps

Answer 6

Go to Authorhouse.com It's the least expensive alternative to picking up a major publisher that I know of. Matt Patton is the author advocate I recommend.

Answer 7

Try Book Surge.com or Selfpublishingservices.com

Answer 8

if you have a good book written in a subject others are interested in you shouldnt have too much trouble finding a printer or publisher.

Answer 9

http://www.blurb.com/
I don't know about a "reasonable price" though

Answer 10

lulu.com

http://www.excaliburonlinepublishing.com/