How to Get a Book Printing Quote: Use this Simple Checklist

A softcover book about the history of the Sparkle Bottling Company with colorful bottles of soda on the cover

estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Getting an accurate book printing quote isn't really that complicated

A lot of people are apprehensive about requesting a book printing quote. This is mostly due to uncertainty about what information a printer needs.

Though it may appear complicated, most of the information required is very straightforward. And once you understand the basic specifications of a book order - which are outlined below - you'll see that requesting a quote for book printing is actually fairly simple.

So without further ado, below is a simple checklist outlining the key details a commercial printer will need to provide an accurate quote for printing your book.

A softcover book about the history of the Sparkle Bottling Company with colorful soda bottles on the cover — *High quality books don't begin on press - they begin with precise specifications*

Book Printing Quote Checklist:

1. Project Description

Provide a brief description of your book project, such as Technical Manual, Product Catalog, Comic Book, Member Directory, First Aid Guide, Mystery Novel, etc.

This helps your printer understand the purpose of the book and how it will be used.

2. Quantity

How many copies do you need?

Quantity has a major impact on price because…

Short runs are typically more economical when produced on a digital press
Larger runs are generally more economical when produced on an offset press

If you'd like to compare the pricing at different order levels, simply request pricing for multiple quantities - such as 100-200-300 or 250-500-1000.

3. Finished Dimensions (Trim Size)

What size will your book be once it's been printed and trimmed?

Will it be a common book size like 5.5" x 8.5", 6" x 9", or 8.5" x 11"?
Or will your book be made to custom dimensions?

If you're unsure, your printer can recommend a size that is both practical and economical.

4. Page Count and Binding Style

How many total pages are in the book?

Be sure to include all interior pages, including any front matter and back matter.
If your page count isn't final yet, provide your best estimate. Even a range is helpful.
Read How to Provide an Accurate Page Count for more info

How will the book be bound?

These are the most popular binding options...

Perfect Binding (flat, printable spine and square edges)
Saddle Stitching (folded sheets secured with staples)
Spiral Coil Binding (helical binding element made of PVC)
Wire-O Binding (series of twin loops made of metal wire)

The best binding option is often determined by the page count and the intended usage.

5. Paper Type and Thickness

What type of paper do you want for the cover and pages?

If you know the paper you want, specify…

Coated or Uncoated
Weight/Thickness (such as 60#, 70#, 80# text or 100#, 12pt, 14pt cover)

If you're not familiar with paper types and weights, that's okay. You can simply describe what you have in mind…

"Non-reflective, novel-style paper"
"Glossy magazine feel"
"Thicker, high-end feel"

An experienced printer will be able to translate your description into technical specifications.

6. Ink Color and Placement of Ink

What ink colors do you want for the cover and pages?

Full color cover and full color pages
Full color cover and black ink on pages
Black ink on cover and black ink on pages
Some other ink combination

Color printing significantly affects cost, so this detail is essential for accurate pricing.

7. Additional Specifications

The specifications outlined above will give your printer all the information they need to provide an accurate book quote. Having said that, you may also want to add some optional features to your book, such as having a protective finish applied to the cover.

The most common cover finishes include…

In addition to laminates and clear coats, a book's appearance can also be elevated with specialty enhancements like embossing, foil stamping, or spot UV.

What If I Don't Know All These Details?

It's true that the more complete your information, the more precise and reliable your quote will be. But don't worry if you're uncertain about any of your book's specifications because your printer can guide you through the process.

So if you're missing a detail or two, just say so. A follow-up conversation can fill in any gaps.

Below is an example of a Quote Request for printed books. These are the specifications needed for an accurate price quote.

An example of a Quote Request for a printed book showing the specifications needed

Ready to Request Your Book Printing Quote?

Color Vision specializes in book printing. We produce manuals, catalogs, directories, comic books, novels, autobiographies, handbooks, field guides, and more - in both short and long runs.

As a full-service provider, we offer…

Digital printing for short runs
Offset printing for higher-volume projects
A wide variety of binding options
Finishing options such as lamination, clear coats, soft touch, embossing, foil, and spot UV
Custom sizes to fit your exact specifications

Now that you have a better idea about the information needed for an accurate quote, the next step is simple:

>>> Fill out our Quote Request Form, and we will email a custom quote to you.

The more details you provide, the more accurate your quote will be - but again, if you're unsure about anything, we'll be happy to walk you through it. Just give us a call at 800-543-6299.

We look forward to assisting with your book printing project!