If you are publishing a book and have chosen to print the books traditionally (using an offset method), then you will probably be sending out Requests for Quotations (or "RFQ") to various book printers. Before doing this, it might be helpful to learn a bit about each book printer, since the resulting price quote is heavily dependant on the machinery they use. Any deviation from their standard machine processes will result in an increase in your quote. Make sure you ask the following questions before submitting your RFQ:
1. "What is your standard signature page count?"
Book printers have different signature page counts. Although printers can usually print in smaller page increments (page counts divisible by 8, for example) you will get the cheapest price if your page count adheres to their standard signature -- usually 24 or 32 pages. You may need to tweak your print-ready files to adhere to their signature count.
2. "What kind of process will you be using to print this book?"
Two basic types of machines -- a web press and a sheet-fed printer -- are the most common. Web presses are common for larger runs (2,000+ books), and sheet-fed printers are used for smaller runs. Both machines may have different signature page counts, but the resulting book is usually the same. Digital presses are fine for extremely small runs (500 or less) but the cost per book will be high, and the quality and printing consistency will not be as good as with a traditional press.
3. "What are the price differences for different quantity orders?"
Usually your RFQ will allow for the quote of different quantities of books. For example, they may quote you on 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 copies. You will see that the price per book goes down as the quantity increases. Depending on a lot of factors (including your projected retail price), you should try to get the book's price below $2.00 a copy for a standard paperback.
4. "What is your cheapest paper, cover stock, trim size, etc.?"
Trim sizes are pretty standard (such as 5.5" x 8.5"). If your book requires a nonstandard trim size, the book price will go up. More than likely your printer will have a variety of paper and cover stocks, and unless your book calls for a specific kind of stock, it is best to use what the printer can get for the cheapest price.
5. "Do you offer discounts?"
An important (and often overlooked) question is whether the printing company will offer you a discount if certain criteria are met. For example, if you choose to print during a month of their choosing (when their incoming orders are low), or are print multiple titles with them at the same time, they might offer you a percentage off the RFQ for the total job. While discounts are not always given, it never hurts to ask, especially if you have worked with the same printer multiple times.
Printers are usually very understanding and will be happy to answer these questions either before the RFQ or on the RFQ itself. For example, you may choose to ask "Please quote me on the cheapest page count between 200 and 250 pages for the following quantities..." and they will assist you with getting the most bang for your buck.
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