Short-run book printing, also called low volume book printing, is when you print under one thousand copies of a book at a time. There are many reasons one might wish to print fewer copies of a book, including the investment costs of a large print run and the storage requirements for the final products.

Is Short-Run Book Printing New?

While short-run printing isn’t exactly new, it has never been cheaper and easier to do than right now with today’s available technology.

Historically, printing was done using metal plates that were covered in ink and pressed to paper. This process is still used by some in the publishing industry today.

The large amount of time involved in setting up those plates meant that, once they were ready, printers often created large quantities of pages at a time. If another printing was needed, the plates would be set up again. To save took time and money, publishers try to print just the right number of books though estimating demand is difficult even today.

When companies save book templates digitally instead of using metal plates, they can access the templates quickly and easily. This allows the printing of smaller numbers of books without the added costs.

Saves Storage Space

The size and thickness of books vary but storing large quantities of them is something few people have space for.

In traditional print runs, the books would be sent off to a warehouse to await distribution to different stores which would each hold only a few copies apiece.

If the person ordering books is storing them in a garage or spare bedroom, instead of a warehouse, space can quickly become an issue.

Short-run book printing allows the individual the option to only order the books they can easily store and then to reorder a manageable number when their stock dwindles.

Smaller Initial Investment

Predicting book sales is tricky. Even companies that have been in the book industry for years can’t always accurately predict how well or poorly a book will sell.

Printing too many books may result in an inability to turn a profit because the initial print order, and its associated costs, is larger than the demand for printed books.

Short-run book printing allows for production in alignment with demand. More books can be printed cheaply and easily as needed without the risk of unsold copies tying up funds and taking up space.

Short-run book printing has become the solution for many smaller presses and independent authors. It makes short-run book printing more affordable and allows printing in line with demand for the book.

Get Help with Your Short-Run Book Printing Needs

InstantPublisher is available to help you with your short-run printing needs. Connect with our knowledgeable and experienced staff by calling 1-800-259-2592 or complete our simple online contact form today.

There has never been a better time for self-publishing authors to get their books out in the marketplace. Widely available high-speed internet access has made the rise of the independent or “indy” author, as well as the emergence of online passive income businesses, a mainstay of the 21st century economy. Both of these create value through the writing and self-publishing of books.

So, what are some of the other motivations to write and print your own book today? Consider these:

1. Learn a New Skill

According to a recent report from CollegeBoard, a panel established by the National Commission on Writing, businesses are spending $3.1 billion each year on remedial writing training. Good writing takes practice and what better way to practice writing than writing a book? Developing advanced writing skills through this process can open doors to many career opportunities.

2. There Are More Available Tools Than Ever Before

Anyone with access to an internet capable device can use powerful word processing tools that can create a professional quality manuscript with little time and effort. And tools such as Canva, Jing and (if you are particularly skilled) Photoshop can help create custom book covers that are as good as–or better than–those produced by commercial publishers.

3. Writing Skills Resources Are Readily Available

There are numerous online courses and YouTube videos devoted to teaching writing craft. Online forums connect authors together in communities that offer feedback and help in ways that weren’t possible before the rise of the internet.

Also, if you are struggling to bring your stories to life, hire a writing coach or ghostwriter to help organize the thoughts on the page and edit the manuscript for publication and distribution.

4.  Selling Books is Easier than Ever

Where great authors of the past got their start from selling books out of the trunks of their cars, the internet allows “indy” authors to sell books globally with a click of the mouse.

5.  Make Money

Whether using a book to promote a product–or the book is the product–there is money to be made in books. Earn money from book and product sales, as well as through increased business opportunities that arise from the publication of a book. Books are also great sources of passive income because they do not require a brick-and-mortar store and can be sold 24/7/365.

6.  Increases Credibility & Visibility

Writing a book is an excellent way to build credibility for yourself or your company. It establishes thought leadership and is a fantastic means of self-promotion. A book about your business or an emerging trend can actually attract business to your company. Using a high-quality self-published book as a “leave behind” at a business presentation or job interview is almost guaranteed to create buzz about you and your company.

7.  Personalized Book Printing is Cost-Effective and Simple

Printing a book has never been easier, or less expensive. With current digital publishing tools and techniques, self-publishing book companies can deliver short-run book printing at a fraction of the cost of printing in previous years.

In short, if you are capable of writing words you are capable of creating a book. And why not take advantage of the tools, knowledge and technology to print your own book today?

Ready to Publish? InstantPublisher Can Help.

Whether you need help with the book manuscript format, the specific details of book printing and binding process or custom printing services for promotional collateral such as bookmarks, brochures or flyers, InstantPublisher can help. Let us help you print your own book today. Connect with our knowledgeable and experienced staff by calling 1-800-259-2592 or complete our simple online contact form now.