Cheapest way to print a children’s book

Seeing your cherished children’s tale transformed into a gorgeous printed book is a magical feeling. But finding an affordable publisher can be a challenge, especially for first-time authors.

In this guide, I’ll break down your most budget-friendly options for printing a children’s book in 2024. Whether you want to self-publish using print-on-demand or work with professional offset printers, you’ll discover proven tips for minimizing expenses.

Let’s dive in and explore creative alternatives to costly children’s book printing!

Why Printing Costs Vary Widely for Picture Books

Bringing vivid artwork and imaginative stories alive requires more specialized handling than everyday documents. That personalized touch comes at a premium.

But before sticker shock sets in, understand what makes children’s books a particularly expensive printing project.

Short Print Runs Hit Per Unit Pricing

The expressive nature of children’s literature attracts enthusiastic audiences. But smaller readerships limit initial print runs, causing per book expenses to remain high with short runs.

Seasoned authors may confidently order thousands of copies. However, first printings for new releases tend closer to few hundred books.

Dimensional Elements Enhance Visuals

Die-cutting shaped edges and embossing add tactile magic sure to delight little hands. However, custom die creation and specialty ink registration hike production costs.

Vibrant Graphics Demand Print Integrity

Maintaining color consistency across long press runs challenges printing presses. Shift a single lever and hues grow dull or vibrant.

That’s why printers charge more for children’s books to perfectly balance ink densities over thousands of impressions.

Sturdy Binding Styles Withstand Heavy Usage

From board books to hardcovers, most children’s book binding methods utilize thicker spine glues and durable cover materials built to withstand years of handling.

These reinforced components improve book integrity but also increase binding expenses.

Key Factors That Reduce Children’s Book Printing Costs

While children’s books carry fundamental production premiums, authors have options to minimize fees.

Print Using Digital Presses

Short print runs under 1,000 copies cost significantly less on digital printers. With no physical press setup, digital printers utilize file-to-print workflows ideal for lower quantity jobs.

Eliminating press preparation slashes pre-production expenses. And prompt digital printing reduces costly warehousing fees incurred during offset press scheduling delays.

Print Black and White Interior Pages

For color intensive projects, restrict full color printing to covers and chapter openers by converting images inside to black and white.

This simple shift can reduce 4-color page rates by over 50 percent while preserving decorative visuals upfront.

Select Standard Binding

When suitable for story length, standard paperback binding cuts costs up to 40 percent over a comparably sized hardcover. If buyers prefer hardcovers, start with paperbacks to save on initial print batches.

Print Using a Standard Size

Standard book trim sizes like 5 x 8 inches optimize press sheet yields to reduce waste and cut page cost.

Oversized formats increase material square footage, forcing printers to purchase bigger paper parent sheets.

Simplify Illustrations and Layouts

Fancy custom illustrations and complex multi-layered layouts slow production pace. Simplify artwork intricacy and formatting to pare fees.

Print Additional Copies Upfront

It’s tempting to minimize risk with tiny test print runs when self-publishing. But bulk orders of 250+ books can dramatically drop per unit rates.

Higher volumes allow printers to spread pre-production expenses like press setup and file processing over more final books.

Compare Price Points of Major Printing Methods

From print-on-demand services to offset and digital printing, production expenses vary widely. Compare quotes across a matrix of popular options to pinpoint the most economical children’s book printer for your project specifications and budget.

Print-On-Demand (POD)

POD services like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Babelcube print single book copies on-demand when orders come in. No need to pay for books upfront. POD prints, binds, and ships titles quickly with no minimum quantities.

However, POD prints books individually, so more manual labor causes higher per unit costs.

Pros

• No minimum order quantity
• Print only what sells
• Low financial risk
• Built-in distribution

Cons

• Higher per book pricing
• Lower per book profit margins
• Little control over print quality

Cost

• $4-$6 per book

Offset Printing

Offset printers like Elanders USA and Bang Printing produce mass quantities using large printing presses. Paying for hundreds of books upfront unlocks dramatic volume discounts.

Pros

• Lower per unit pricing
• Increased profit potential
• Consistent, high print quality
• Media versatility

Cons

• High minimum orders
• Upfront expense
• Warehousing books yourself

Cost

• $2-$4 per book

Digital Printing

Digital printers like Station Ink leverage no-plate-required production, printing titles straight from files. This agile method supports mid-range print runs with quick turnarounds.

Pros

• Lower minimum orders
• Faster print completion
• Affordable small batches
• High print quality

Cons

• Slightly higher per book rate over offset printers for runs above 1,000 copies

Cost

• $3-$5 per book

DIY Home Printing

With the right paper stocks, inks, binding equipment and editing software, crafting books yourself saves money when self-publishing short press runs under 50 copies.

Pros

• Total creative control
• Affordable way to print small quantities

Cons

• Time investment
• Restricted to basic binding techniques and print quality

Cost

• Around $2 per book

Creative Recommendations to Reduce Children’s Book Printing Costs Even Further

Beyond assessing quotes across printing firms, authors have extra tricks up their sleeves to pare publishing bills.

Crowdfund Initial Print Batch

Run a Kickstarter campaign to fund first print runs. Generating smaller investments from many backers offsets risk while validating buyer interest.

Presell Books To Recoup Printing Costs

Require interested parties like schools, bookstores, parents or friends to pay upfront before printing a single page. This guarantees enough sales to offset print expenses.

Print Locally

Local printers provide quoted jobs faster without international shipping expenses factored into overseas printer rates. Support small businesses in your community when possible.

Buy Author Copies In Bulk

Some printers offer author print copy discounts when ordering in volume instead of individual copies at full price. Ask!

Set Optimal Page Lengths

When possible, edit stories to fill efficient 16, 24 or 32 page lengths. These numbers leave no wasted space on press sheets, minimizing unnecessary pages.

Publishing with Pride and Joy on a Bootstrap Budget

As an author, explore every angle possible to trim manufacturing bills for your cherished tale. Compare printer rates, leverage preorders, simplifying illustrations, optimize page counts, pursue bulk author copy deals, and crowdfund campaigns. By starting frugally, upgrade children’s book versions later as sales volume proves wider audience demand.

Most importantly, tune out the noise and write from the heart. Trust your creative voice to deliver something new to young imaginations. With focused craftsmanship during the writing process, printing the final book becomes a celebration of artistry rather than money anxiety.

Stay resilient pursuing your passion on each page turned, dear storyteller. I believe every charming character and courageous protagonist you envision deserves a chance to shine between thoughtfully designed covers.

May resourceful solutions help fantastic realms unfold affordably – this year, next year, and beyond!

How much does it cost to print a 32 page children’s book?

Picture Source: Cost to Print a 32 Page Children’s Book

For a typical trim size of 8.5” x 8.5”, common printing a children’s book rates in 2024 are:

• 50 copies = $5.87 per book
• 100 copies = $4.41 per book
• 250 copies = $3.99 per book

These print-on-demand prices from Amazon KDP and IngramSpark include full color interior printing and binding costs.

Shipping, taxes, and author copies cost extra per order.

Offset printing impresses 250+ children’s books at lower rates:

• 250 copies = $5.52 per book
• 500 copies = $3.97 per book
• 1,000 copies = $2.86 per book

Domestic printers like Elanders USA quote similar numbers when self publish children’s book offset print projects. Their bulk rates also include free shipping within the US.

So as you determine precise printing a customized childrens book costs, weigh offset savings over higher print-on-demand rates for big batches.

How can I reduce expenses when self-publishing a children’s book?

Here are pro tips to lower printing a children’s book rates:

• Print black and white interior pages
• Choose paperback binding instead of hardcover
• Use standard book trim sizes like 5×8 inches
• Simplify illustrations and layouts
• Crowdfund campaigns help fund printing costs
• Presell copies before printing to guarantee sales
• Print locally at competitive community printer bids
• Buy author copies in bulk quantities for the best discount

Carefully assessing specifications like page count, images, and binding style also helps minimize unnecessary print charges. Partnering with domestic printers simplifies the process while providing complimentary warehousing and distribution services.

Review all variables from editing to shipping when budgeting expenses for your self-published children’s book!

What should I price a 32 page picture book when selling printed copies?

For a 32 page children’s picture book, aim to retail between:

• $9.99 or $10.99 – Appears more affordable below $11
• $12.99 – Standard mass market children’s book rate
• $14.99 – Specialty children’s book price; earns better royalties
• $19.99 – Premium indie picture book mark for profits

If you self publish children’s book via print-on-demand, a retail cost above $12.99 works best to profit.

But printing over 250 copies offset unlocks flexibility to sell between $9.99 up to $19.99 at strong margins.

Study competitor pricing while ensuring your printing a children’s book rate allows worthwhile author royalties per copy sold.

Balancing printer quotes, quantities, and quality allows pricing books competitively within common children’s book benchmarks!

Thanks for reading! For all your printing needs, trust GoBookPrinting to bring your stories to life. Happy creating!