How to Get a Paperback Book Printed
If you've written a book, the next logical step is to have it published. However, if you don't have the time or aren't willing to put in the effort to seek out traditional publishing forms, you can always self-publish your book. This involves using a print-on-demand service to print your book. Once done, you will be able to order as many paperback copies of your book as you want.
Instructions
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Locate a printer who provides self-publishing or print on-demand publishing. There are many sites out there that offer this service, including Lulu, Cafe Press and Outskirts Press. Research one that will provide what you're looking for in a paperback and has a pricing schedule that fits in your budget. Check with writer forums for suggestions and links to printers who will do the job correctly.
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Visit the website of the printer you have selected. On-demand sites will require you to sign up with them before going any further. Click the "Sign up now" link and follow the on-screen set-up instructions. For self-publishing printers, you will first get in contact with them by requesting a quote. Click "Get quote" and fill in basic information about what you want in a paperback book and how many you plan on ordering.
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Select the size of the paperback. You can go with standard trade-paperback size or with a custom size that will cost a bit more. Select the binding of your paperback book. You will have three options for binding. Coil Bound is like a report or spiral notebook. Saddle Stitch is what's found in comic books and magazines, with a larger piece of paper folded in the middle then stapled in the crease. Last is Perfect Bound, the most common binding for trade paperbacks and novels.
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Select the quantity you will have printed. When working with a self-publishing printer, print-on-demand will do as they say. When you need 10 or 1,000 copies of your books, you can order what you need for when you need them.
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Submit or e-mail your book and cover art to your self-publishing printer. They will let you know what kind of text format they need the book in and the image file format for the cover. When working with a print-on-demand printer, you will upload to your account the word document or PDF of the book and the cover as a JPG or TIFF file. Print-on-demand sites will then hold onto the book linked to your account so it's ready for when you need to print.
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References
- Photo Credit old paperback books image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
