Long-run printing
Long-run printing means printing a book in sufficiently high volumes to ensure that the cost of each book is as low as possible. Historically this was how all books were produced and minimum print runs are typically a thousand copies or more with this production method. Although self-publishing is increasingly suited to print on demand and short run printing there are circumstances where long runs are appropriate and we can advise if that would be the best approach for your publishing project. In some cases it is beneficial to use both long-run and print on demand together and we’ll explain how and why it is that hardly any companies will offer this option. The benefits of long run printing for authors include the following:
- The cost per book is lower than with short run printing
- A wide range of paper is available
- A wide range of cover materials can be specified
- A wider range of binding is available
- Colour books are more likely to be commercially viable with long run printing
- Useful for users of Amazon marketplace
How long-run printing works
Printing books in long runs can be more effective if you have a known and measurable distribution facility. For self publishing authors who meet their readership through courses, seminars, events and speaking engagements this can be an effective way to buy their stock of books. It is not usually effective to choose long run printing for quantities below 1000 books because beneath this threshold the saving on the cost of each book is unlikely to be big enough to offset the capital required and some logistical disadvantages.
Talk to us about your long-run print requirements
Could a long print run hold the key to successful publication of your book? Do you want us to print large quantities from your own print-ready files? Or would you like our team to handle the editing and composition first? Long-run book printers can help you print paperback or hardback books to meet very specific order quantities. [Please contact us now for more information.]