Short run book printing

[SandInMyShoes]

I'm just wondering if anybody can recommend a printer that will print a short run (10-50 copies) of a book. It's pretty much just text, though I'd like a nice full-color hardcover. Any leads would be appreciated

 

[Injury]

Where are you located? How many pages? Will the company have to do the layout/pre-press work on this? What is your budget?

Not too sure, but from your current description you are probably looking at $1k minimum, with a minimum run of 100 books. It really depends on the specifics, though. Could go lower if you find a much smaller printing company to handle it and elect to go paperback.

 

[homercles337]

Yea, short run books are a pain for press operators. I used to be one back in college. Thats a lot of plates and setup time for a 10-50 run. Back then i remember hearing about automated presses (this is assuming you want offset lithography and not photocopying) specifically designed for stuff like this (obviously the heidelbergs were the nice ones). I had my thesis photocopied, it was 10 copies or so. With binding and the color figures it was like $150 (about 140 pages, double sided was 70, duh).

 

[SandInMyShoes]

A photocopy wouldn't be acceptable. My girlfriend wrote a 150 page novel, and I just think it'd make an awesome birthday present if I could get a few copies printed. Softcover would be better than nothing. 20-30 copies would be really nice, but since I'd like to stay below $500-600, as few as 10 copies would be alright. I live in Missouri.

 

[homercles337]

Originally posted by: SandInMyShoes
A photocopy wouldn't be acceptable. My girlfriend wrote a 150 page novel, and I just think it'd make an awesome birthday present if I could get a few copies printed. Softcover would be better than nothing. 20-30 copies would be really nice, but since I'd like to stay below $500-600, as few as 10 copies would be alright. I live in Missouri.

Some printers/copiers use a wax-like substance for ink, rather than that dry shit. I can tell the difference visually, but i doubt the layman could. The print quality is nice, but it smells like wax rather than the oil and chemicals of an offset press (assuming oil-based ink of course). I seriously doubt your girl would know.

 

[DrumminBoy]

iPhoto Books? Would probably be a huge hassle having to turn each page into a jpeg but just an idea

 

[Spacehead]

Just sent an email to my nephew. His wife works in printing. I'll let you know what the say.

 

[kranky]

There's a place that specializes in just what you're looking for - lulu.com

 

[xochi]

I've never used them, but they have a good reputation, especially in the college/university setting.

Text

 

[xochi]

Originally posted by: kranky
There's a place that specializes in just what you're looking for - lulu.com

bet me to it.

 

[SandInMyShoes]

Wow, Lulu looks like exactly what I'm wanting, and the prices are really reasonable too. Thanks so much kranky and xochi!

Now I just have to figure out which binding to go with for a romance novel, casewrap hardcover or hardcover w/ dust jacket... I'm thinking casewrap is the way to go.

Again, thanks. This is sweet!