How to Get a Children's Book Printed

Creating a children's book is an exciting journey, but ensuring it is printed with high quality requires careful planning and attention to detail. This guide will walk you through the steps of getting your children's book printed, focusing on custom printing options to achieve the best results.

1. Define Your Children's Book Project

Choose the Book Type: Children's books come in various formats, including board books, hardcover books, and paperback books. Board books are ideal for babies and toddlers, while hardcover and paperback books suit older children.

Determine the Target Age Group: Books for infants and toddlers often feature simple text and sturdy pages, while books for preschoolers and older children can have more detailed illustrations and longer text.

Select the Page Count and Size: Common sizes for children's books include 8" x 8", 8.5" x 11", and custom dimensions. The number of pages will depend on the story length and illustration requirements.

2. Prepare Your Book for Printing

To achieve professional print quality, you need to prepare your book files properly:

Ensure High-Resolution Illustrations: Use CMYK color mode with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI to avoid blurry images.

Select Fonts and Layout: Choose fonts that are easy for children to read and ensure proper text placement with clear margins.

Include Bleed and Safe Zones: Add a bleed area (usually 3mm) beyond the trim edge to prevent white edges after cutting. Keep important text and illustrations within the safe zone.

3. Choose the Right Printing Specifications

Binding Options:
Case Binding (Hardcover): Ideal for premium-quality books.

Perfect Binding (Paperback): Great for cost-effective printing.

Spiral Binding: Suitable for activity books or interactive books.

Paper Type:
Glossy: Vibrant colors with a shiny finish.

Matte: Soft finish, reduces glare, and is easy on the eyes.

Coated/Uncoated: Coated papers offer a more polished look, while uncoated papers are better for writing or coloring books.

Cover Finishes:
Foil Stamping: Adds a metallic shine for an elegant look.

Embossing: Creates a raised effect for texture.

Spot UV: Enhances specific elements with a glossy touch.

Lamination: Increases durability and resistance to spills.

Additional Features: Rounded corners, board pages, die-cut shapes, and pop-up elements can make the book more engaging.

4. Customize Your Book Printing

Customizing your book helps it stand out and meet specific design preferences:

Special Printing Techniques: Consider sprayed edges, foil stamping, and spot UV for a luxurious finish.

Custom Accessories: Include book boxes, stickers, and interactive elements to enhance reader experience.

Eco-Friendly Printing: Use sustainable paper, soy-based inks, and recycled materials to appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.

5. Find a Reliable Custom Printing Service

Choosing a professional printing company ensures high-quality results. Sese Printing specializes in custom children's book printing, offering a range of binding, finishing, and customization options. When selecting a printer, consider:

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Sese Printing offers a starting MOQ of 300 copies, making it ideal for small to medium production runs.

Production Time: Understand lead times, which vary based on book complexity and order size.

Quality Assurance: Request samples to evaluate paper, binding, and print quality before placing a bulk order.

6. Review and Approve the Proof

Before printing the full batch, review a proof to ensure accuracy:

Request a Digital or Physical Proof: Digital proofs allow you to check colors on a screen, while physical proofs provide a real print sample.

Check for Errors: Verify colors, text alignment, page trimming, and binding quality.

Make Necessary Adjustments: If needed, revise and approve the final version before mass production.

7. Order Your Book

Once the proof is approved, proceed with bulk printing and delivery:

Choose Protective Packaging: Use shrink wrapping, bubble wrap, or cardboard boxes to prevent damage during shipping.

Select Shipping Options: Depending on order size, consider air freight for faster delivery or sea freight for cost-effective bulk shipments.

Sese Printing is your trusted partner in bringing your children's book to life. With our professional printing expertise, premium materials, and customizable options, we help authors and publishers create stunning, high-quality books. Let us handle your printing needs and turn your vision into reality!