So you’ve written a children’s book and are ready to turn it into a physical board book. Congratulations! This is an exciting step. But if you’ve never gone through the board book printing process, it can also feel daunting. Where do you even start? How do you find a good printer? What kinds of options and specifications do you need to consider? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of board book printing from start to finish. We’ll share insider tips to help you navigate the options, ask the right questions, and end up with a high-quality board book you can feel proud to share with little readers. By the end, you’ll feel equipped to start your board book printing journey confidently.
Regarding board books, the most popular binding way is specialized board book binding. It’s a durable type of binding that is able to withstand daily wear and tear, making it a great option for young children who may not be gentle with their books. There are two types of board book binding: self-cover and hardcover.
Self-cover board books are made with a single sheet of thick, sturdy board that is folded in half to create the cover and pages. This type of binding does not use any separate paper for the cover, and the board is the same material on both the cover and pages.
The self-cover binding technique has the advantage of being more affordable and allows for more pages in the book. However, it may not be as aesthetically pleasing as a hardcover book.
On the other hand, hardcover board book binding is a more traditional binding method where the cover is made of a thicker board material and wrapped in a printed paper cover, the cover material is the same as custom hardcover book printing. The inner pages are then sewn or glued to the spine of the cover. The hardcover option provides more durability and is often more visually appealing. The cover of a hardcover board book can even be personalized with a variety of finishing options, such as foil stamps, embossing and debossing, spot varnishes, and more.
In both self-cover and hardcover binding, the thick board material creates a sturdy and durable book, making board book binding a perfect choice for children’s books. Additionally, many board books are printed with rounded corners, making them safer for children to handle.
When choosing a trim size and page count for your board book, there are a few factors to consider:
The age range of your intended audience will determine an appropriate trim size and page count. For young children (0-2 years), a small trim size, around five by 5 inches, and 10-16 thick pages are ideal. Their little hands can quickly grasp and turn these pages. For slightly older toddlers (2-4 years), a mid-size trim of 6 by 6 or 8 by 8 inches and 16-24 pages is suitable.
The trim size and page count you select will directly impact the production cost of your board book. Smaller books with fewer pages are more affordable to print. If budget is a concern, opt for a smaller trim size and lower page count.
Think about how long your story is and how many pages you’ll need to tell it. A shorter story may only require 10-16 pages, while a more extended story could need 20 pages or more. It’s best to aim for a consistent number of words or sentences on each page so the story flows well.
If your board book includes interactive elements like lift-the-flaps, peek-through holes, or touch-and-feel areas, you must account for these in your page count. Interactive books often require more pages to incorporate all the elements without making pages too busy.
Proofing and editing your custom board book is one of the most critical steps in self-publishing. Double-check that everything is exactly as you want in your board books before sending it off to print. Here are some tips to ensure your board book printing is picture-perfect:
Reading your board book aloud is the best way to catch errors or awkward phrasing. Have someone else read it aloud to you as well. Our brains tend to autocorrect small mistakes when we read silently, so reading aloud helps identify anything that could be improved.
Ensure all images are clear, the colors are vibrant, and there are no pixelation issues. Double-check that the photos match the story and text and are in the proper order. It’s also a good idea to have a few people review the images to ensure there’s nothing inappropriate for children.
Double-check that your board book file matches the trim size you selected. The trim size refers to the final cut size of the pages. If the file size is correct, the final product will turn out differently than expected. Getting the trim size in writing from your printer is best to ensure everything is clear.
“Widows” and “orphans” refer to single words or short lines at the beginning or end of a paragraph. They can make the text look uneven and messy. Try to edit the text so at least two words are on each line.
Have friends and family review your final board book file, especially those with kids. Fresh eyes may spot any remaining text, images, or layout issues. Make necessary changes before approving the final file to send to your printer. Their feedback can help ensure your board book is high quality and ready to print.
So you’ve written and illustrated a fantastic board book, and now you’re ready to get it printed with children’s book printers. As a beginner, you may have some questions about the process. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about children’s book printers to help you get started
Do some research on printers that specialize in board books. Check their reviews and samples of previous work to find one that fits your needs and budget. Many offer short-run printing for first-time authors. Get multiple quotes to compare.
The printer will need finalized text, illustrations, and book specs like trim size, page count, and binding type. Provide the text and art in the format they request, typically high-resolution PDFs or image files. Prepare to sign a printing agreement regarding deadlines, payment terms, and shipping.
The entire printing process usually takes 2 to 3 weeks for a typical board book. Timelines will vary depending on factors like the printer’s schedule and workload, as well as the complexity of your book. Build in extra time for unexpected delays and for reviewing and approving proofs. It’s best to start the process at least 3 to 6 months before your desired release date.
So there you have the basics of board books printing to get you started. While the process may seem complicated, you’ll be holding your custom board book in no time by focusing on one step at a time. Start finalizing your content and illustrations, then find a reputable printer specializing in high-quality board books. Decide on a size, binding, and special features to make your text stand out. Get print quotes, place your order, and before you know it, your book will arrive on your doorstep, ready to delight little readers. The effort will be well worth it. Now get out there and create something magical! You’ve got this.
Welcome to Aliasshare.shop, where convenience, great deals, and a wide variety of products come together…
In our modern world, vehicles are essential for daily life, whether commuting to work, running…
Minecraft was launched in 2009 and it has since become a landmark within the gaming…
For gamers who crave the thrill of complex tactics and battlefield strategies, war literature is…
As the accountancy industry moves further into the digital era, the competition for clients is…
As seniors age, they may not be able to do as much as they could…
This website uses cookies.