Custom Book Printing

Board Book Printing Producing Custom Sizes

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CUSTOM BOOK PRINTING from PRC

What is a great binding method for a children’s book? If your children’s book has few words and illustrations to get the point across to our new little learners, the best binding method is board book printing. The little hands of a child sometimes have tribulations turning a thinner paper stock.

Using board book printing and customized book binding, the thick pages make it easier for turning the pages, along with the tearing issue that can arise. The durability of board books is a hot sale! These types of books are great for children ages newborn to age 4.

Board books are produced in many shapes and sizes. Shapes are created using a die-cutting machine, which can have your book stand out from the standard board book. You can design different shapes, you can die-cut a board book to look like a kangaroo, a bear, a leaf or just about anything!

Printing Services

Custom Book Printing for Unique Publishing Projects

Custom book printing creates one-of-a-kind books tailored to specific visions, purposes, and requirements that standard book formats can’t accommodate. PRC Book Printing, a family-owned book manufacturer serving creative publishers and authors nationwide since 2012, specializes in bringing unique book concepts to life through customized sizes, specialty bindings, premium materials, and distinctive finishing options. With over 30 years of combined printing expertise, our team understands how to translate creative visions into professionally manufactured books—from unusual trim sizes and custom die-cutting to specialty papers and unique binding solutions.

Whether you’re creating a distinctive art book, a premium limited edition, a uniquely formatted educational resource, a corporate showcase piece, or a personal project that demands something beyond standard offerings, custom book printing allows you to realize your exact vision while maintaining professional manufacturing quality.

Custom Book Printing Services and Binding Options

The cover is the first eye-catcher to draw readers towards purchasing a custom printed book. The case or cover is created separately from the block of text pages. Below lists and explains the different covers for specialty books:

Contact PRC Book Printing and work with our experienced and reliable team of accomplished printers. We’ve worked with many self-publishing customers, so we can walk you through the process and make things easier every step of the way.

20+ years in the custom book printing business

PRC has produced millions of high quality hardcover books.

PRC - The Best Hardcover Book Printing Services Company

PRC - The Best Hardcover Book Printing Services Company - Coffee Table Book

Printing Custom Book for Authors

Leather or Leatherette Cover:

This choice is one of the more expensive designs. Leather or leatherette covers come in a variety of colors, patterns, and thicknesses. Typically, with leather and leatherette covers, foil ink is used for the font.

Cloth Cover:

Cloth cover binding is more common than leathers for custom bound books. There are several colors ranging from a sandy tan, fire engine red, blue as the ocean, to black as the night.

There are not only the color options, but also textures like smooth silk, suede, pure cotton, poly silk, linen, mixed cloth, and many more. Applying a dust jacket to the cloth case can provide added information regarding the interior text. This application is less expensive if printed in China due to the handwork process. Please visit our custom book printing China hand work blog for more information. Foil stamping on the front cover is the norm. Debossing, which is the process of pressing into the fabric and adding the foil, nicely lays in the impression.

Where you will start seeing a cost savings over US prices would be around 1000 quantity. Now, many of our clients produce several titles at once, which can save costs by making different board book sets for re-sale. Also, when producing several or many titles at once you may want to consider putting them into a slip case. This is great because it represents a collection rather than just one board book.

Board book printing in China and the USA is the economical way for producing your children’s best board book. You can see EXTREME Cost Savings while having the superior print and binding quality.

Paper Cover:

Paper covers are the standard cover choice for photography and novel printing in China and the US. Printed covers are directly printed to paper and then wrapped around board. There is an option to print on cloth, unfortunately there are limitations.

Standard overseas paper cover stocks are glossy, matte, or uncoated paper. Other options are texture papers, but these are considered specialty stocks and the price can increase compared to standard case book price. Average customized book inks are CMYK, a four color process with a lamination applied.

Contact PRC Book Printing to learn more information customizing the covers. There are more options to create a stunning book cover.

Custom book printers have different types of manufacturing equipment. At PRC, we ensure the custom book design fits our press and bindery, which provides the best value for your job. The more pages you can fit on a sheet of paper, the more the price decreases. For more information on signature sizes, please visit our blog.

Contact PRC Book Printing and work with our experienced and reliable team of accomplished printers. We’ve worked with many self-published authors, so we can walk you through the process and make things easier every step of the way.

How do I print my book?

Your easiest solution? Contact PRC Book Printing about our custom book printing services, and we’ll make the printing process easy-peasy. We will assist you with the quality of paper and other binding specifications to complete your revelation.

prc book printing

Why Publishers and Authors Choose Custom Book Printing

Creative Freedom Beyond Standard Formats

Standard book formats serve most publishing needs efficiently, but some projects demand something different:

Custom trim sizes allow books to match specific content requirements, stand out from competitors, or create distinctive shelf presence. Square formats, oversized dimensions, unusually tall or wide proportions—custom sizing lets form follow function and creative vision rather than conforming to predetermined standards.
Unique binding solutions accommodate special requirements that standard bindings can't address. Projects might need books that fold in unusual ways, open from unexpected directions, or incorporate interactive elements requiring custom binding approaches.
Specialty paper choices beyond standard offset stocks let you select papers that enhance your content—translucent vellum for overlay effects, textured papers for tactile interest, heavyweight stocks for premium feel, or specialty papers with unique properties suited to your project.
Custom die-cutting and shapes create books with distinctive silhouettes, cutout windows, rounded corners beyond standard radii, or shaped elements that serve functional or aesthetic purposes.
Mixed binding methods within single projects can combine different binding approaches in creative ways—perhaps perfect bound sections with fold-out pages, or case-bound books with inserted specialty components.

Premium Materials and Finishing Options

Custom projects often demand elevated materials and special finishes:

Specialty cover materials including cloth, leather, printed papers laminated to board, custom-textured materials, or combinations that create unique cover experiences.
Enhanced finishing techniques such as foil stamping (multiple colors and metallic finishes), embossing and debossing (creating raised or recessed design elements), spot UV coating (selective glossy highlights on matte backgrounds), soft-touch lamination (velvety tactile experience), and specialty coatings.
Custom endpapers printed with designs, photographs, or information rather than standard colored papers. Endpapers provide opportunity for additional creativity in hardcover books.
Ribbons, headbands, and details that add traditional bookbinding elegance to special editions.
Slipcovers, slipcases, and custom packaging for books requiring protective or presentational enclosures.

Personalization for Special Occasions

Custom printing accommodates personalized books for meaningful occasions:

Family heritage books preserving recipes, stories, photographs, and genealogical information in formats designed specifically for your family's content and preferences.
Memorial and tribute books honoring individuals with thoughtfully designed layouts, premium materials, and personalized touches that reflect their lives and legacies.
Wedding albums and guest books with custom sizes, premium materials, and personalized design elements that become cherished keepsakes.
Corporate anniversary books documenting organizational histories with custom formats, premium finishes, and distinctive presentation worthy of milestone celebrations.
Limited edition art books for photographers, artists, and designers who want their work presented in formats that enhance and complement their creative vision.

Expert Consultation and Problem-Solving

Custom projects benefit from experienced guidance:

Feasibility assessment helps you understand what's possible, what's practical, and what compromises might be necessary to balance vision with manufacturing realities and budget constraints.
Material recommendations based on your project's intended use, aesthetic goals, and budget parameters. We guide you toward choices that achieve your vision effectively.
Technical guidance on file preparation for unusual formats, binding considerations for custom sizes, and design adaptations that ensure custom projects manufacture successfully.
Budget planning that identifies where customization adds significant value versus where standard approaches work equally well, helping you allocate resources effectively.

PRC Book Printing

Custom Book Printing Capabilities

Size and Format Options

Beyond standard trim sizes
Square formats in custom dimensions
Oversized formats for portfolios and coffee table books
Miniature formats for specialty publications
Panoramic proportions (unusually wide or tall)
Custom dimensions to match specific content needs

Page configurations
Standard page layouts
Fold-out pages for large illustrations or maps
Gatefold sections that open to reveal extended content
Die-cut pages with windows or shaped openings
Mixed page sizes within single books

Binding Customization

Hardcover variations
Case binding with custom-printed cases
Cloth-wrapped cases with foil stamping
Leather or faux-leather binding
Custom board thickness for specific feel
Rounded corners and shaped covers

Alternative binding methods
Spiral and coil binding in custom configurations
Japanese stab binding for artistic presentation
Coptic binding for lay-flat functionality with exposed stitching
Custom hybrid binding solutions

Material and Finishing Choices

Interior paper options
Standard offset papers (50# - 80# in various colors)
Coated papers for photo reproduction (80# - 100#+)
Specialty papers (translucent, textured, metallic)
Mixed paper stocks within single books
Custom paper selections for specific effects

Cover finishing
Foil stamping (gold, silver, copper, colored foils)
Embossing and debossing
Spot UV coating
Combination finishes (multiple techniques on single cover)
Soft-touch and specialty laminations

Additional enhancements
Custom endpapers with printed designs
Ribbon markers in custom colors
Head and tail bands
Edge painting or gilding
Custom belly bands and wraps

our process

Custom Book Printing Process

STEP 1: Concept Consultation (Schedule varies)

Custom projects begin with detailed consultation to understand your vision, requirements, and constraints. We discuss:

Project goals and vision: What you're creating and why it needs custom treatment. Format and size requirements: Dimensions, page counts, binding preferences, and any unique structural needs.

Material and finishing preferences: Papers, cover materials, special finishes, and enhancement options.

Budget parameters: Understanding your investment range helps us recommend approaches that achieve your vision within financial realities.

Timeline requirements: When you need completed books and how that affects production planning.

Quantity needed: Custom projects often have different minimum quantities than standard formats, depending on customization complexity.

This consultation helps us assess feasibility, identify potential challenges, and develop recommendations for achieving your vision successfully.

STEP 2: Custom Quote Development (3-5 days)

Custom quotes require more detailed development than standard projects:

We research specific materials, calculate custom die costs if needed, determine specialized production requirements, and develop comprehensive pricing that covers all customization elements. Custom quotes typically take longer than standard quotes due to the unique considerations involved.

You'll receive detailed pricing breakdown covering all costs with transparency about what drives pricing in your specific project. We often provide alternative approaches at different price points, allowing you to choose the balance of customization versus budget that works best.

STEP 3: Sample and Mockup Development (Optional - timeline varies)

For complex custom projects, physical samples or mockups can be invaluable:

Material samples let you see and feel actual papers, cover materials, and finishes before committing to full production.

Structural mockups (created from plain materials) demonstrate how custom binding solutions, unusual formats, or special features will function.

Printed samples of specific elements (cover proofs, interior spreads with specialty papers) verify that your design translates successfully to chosen materials.

Sample development adds time and cost but often saves money and frustration by identifying adjustments needed before expensive full production.

STEP 4: File Preparation and Technical Review (Your timeline)

Custom formats require especially careful file preparation:

Custom templates provided by us ensure your files are sized correctly for non-standard dimensions with appropriate margins, bleeds, and safety zones.

Special considerations for die-cutting, fold-outs, or unusual page configurations need proper setup in your files.

Color management for specialty papers or materials may require adjustments from standard approaches.

Multiple file reviews ensure everything will manufacture correctly. Custom projects often need closer collaboration between designers and production team than standard books.

STEP 5: Production (Varies by customization complexity)

Custom project timelines vary significantly based on what customizations are involved:

Standard customization (unusual size, upgraded materials, special finishing): May add 1-2 weeks to standard timelines

Moderate customization (custom die-cutting, specialty binding, complex finishing): May add 2-4 weeks

Extensive customization (highly unusual binding, multiple specialty processes, very unique materials): May require 8-12+ weeks

Base timelines:
Hardcover books: 4-6 weeks (before customization additions)
Softcover books: 2-5 weeks (before customization additions)

We do not offer rush production services. Custom work requires proper time for planning, setup, production, and quality control. Rushing custom projects risks errors that would be expensive to correct.

STEP 6: Delivery and Satisfaction

Custom projects receive extra attention during quality control and packaging. Your unique books are carefully inspected, properly protected during shipping, and delivered with documentation of specifications for any future reorders.

faqs

Common Custom Book Printing Questions

What's the minimum order quantity for custom books?

Minimum quantities for custom projects vary based on customization extent. Simple customizations (non-standard size, upgraded materials) typically follow standard minimums: 500-1,000 copies for hardcover, 1,000-2,000 for softcover. More complex customizations requiring special dies, unique binding setups, or unusual materials may require higher minimums to justify tooling and setup costs. We discuss minimum quantities during consultation once we understand your specific requirements.

How much does customization add to the cost?

Cost impact varies dramatically based on customization type. Custom trim sizes might add 10-20% to standard pricing. Custom die-cutting for unique shapes might add 20-30%. Premium materials and specialty finishing can add 30-50% or more. Highly customized projects with multiple specialty elements might double or triple base costs. During consultation, we provide specific pricing for your requirements and often suggest phased approaches—perhaps starting with fewer customizations and adding more in future printings if initial books succeed.

Can you create a physical sample before full production?

Yes, for complex custom projects we can develop samples and mockups. This might include material samples showing actual papers and finishes, structural mockups demonstrating binding and format, or printed proofs on actual materials. Sample development adds time and cost but often proves valuable for confirming custom elements will work as envisioned. Discuss sample needs during initial consultation.

What's the most unusual custom book you've produced?

We've manufactured various unique projects: square-format art books with custom die-cut covers, oversized photographic portfolios with specialty binding, small-format gift books with leather binding and foil stamping, and corporate showcase books with mixed materials and multiple finishing techniques. Custom capabilities continue expanding as we work with creative clients who push boundaries. Your unique vision might become our next interesting manufacturing challenge.

How do I know if my project needs custom printing?

Consider custom printing if: standard trim sizes don't suit your content or vision, your project concept requires unusual binding or format, you want premium materials or specialty finishes unavailable in standard options, you're creating limited editions or special presentation pieces that warrant enhanced production, or your project serves marketing or corporate purposes where distinctive presentation adds significant value. During consultation, we help assess whether customization serves your goals cost-effectively or whether standard options might work equally well.

Can you print books with mixed page types?

Yes, we can manufacture books with fold-out pages, different page sizes, specialty papers on select pages, or other mixed configurations. These require careful planning during design and file preparation stages. Mixed page types add complexity and cost but can create highly functional or aesthetically interesting books. Discuss your vision during consultation for feasibility assessment and recommendations.

What if I need help designing my custom book?

We focus on manufacturing rather than design services. However, we provide detailed specifications for your custom format and offer technical guidance throughout file preparation. For custom projects requiring professional design, we can recommend experienced book designers familiar with custom formats and specialty printing. Having an experienced designer helps ensure custom books manufacture successfully while achieving your creative vision.

How long do custom projects take?

Timeline depends on customization complexity. Simple customizations (unusual size, upgraded materials) might add 1-2 weeks to standard timelines of 2-6 weeks. Moderate customizations (custom die-cutting, specialty binding) might add 2-4 weeks. Extensive customizations requiring unusual materials or complex processes might need 8-12+ weeks. We provide specific timelines during quote stage once we understand your requirements. Rush services are not available for custom projects.

Can you match custom books across multiple print runs?

Yes, we retain specifications and can reorder custom books maintaining consistency with original production. However, some specialty materials have limited availability—if you're creating books requiring very specific materials, consider ordering sufficient quantities initially or accepting that exact materials might not be available indefinitely. Discuss long-term plans during consultation so we can recommend materials with reliable availability if needed.

PRC book printing

Custom Book Design Considerations

Format Selection

Content-driven sizing: Choose trim sizes that enhance your content—photography books might benefit from square formats, poetry collections might work well in tall narrow formats, technical manuals might need wide formats for charts and tables.

Shelf considerations: Unusual sizes create distinctive presence but may face shelving challenges in retail environments. Consider distribution channels when selecting custom dimensions.

Production efficiency: Some custom sizes waste less paper than others during printing. We can suggest custom dimensions that minimize waste while achieving your vision.

Material Choices

Appropriate quality level: Choose materials that match your project's positioning and price point. Ultra-premium materials make sense for limited editions and luxury presentation but might not be justified for broader distribution.

Functional suitability: Consider how books will be used. Coffee table books need heavy papers and durable binding. Reference books need lay-flat functionality. Gift books benefit from premium tactile experiences.

Budget allocation: Identify which custom elements add most value to your specific project and invest there, potentially using standard approaches elsewhere.

Binding Selection

Usage patterns: Books requiring frequent reference benefit from sewn binding or lay-flat options. Presentation books prioritize appearance and might choose premium case binding with enhanced finishing.

Content structure: Books with many photographs benefit from binding that allows full-bleed spreads. Books with fold-out sections need binding that accommodates different page types.

Durability needs: Consider expected use intensity and lifespan when selecting binding methods and materials.

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Ready to Create Your Custom Book?

Transform your unique vision into professionally manufactured books that stand apart from standard offerings. Whether you’re creating a distinctive art book, a premium limited edition, or a corporate showcase piece, PRC Book Printing brings custom concepts to life with expert manufacturing.

Request Your Free Custom Book Consultation

Call us directly

888-659-8320 (Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM EST)

Email your project details

info@prcbookprinting.com

Visit our office

400 Lincoln Ave, Hatboro, PA 19040

Let’s discuss your custom book vision, explore possibilities, and develop an approach that achieves your goals within your budget and timeline.