Self Publishing Book Printer

High-Quality Self Publishing Book Printing Services

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Printing Services

Self-Publishing Printing Services for Independent Authors

Self-publishing printing services provide independent authors with professional book manufacturing without requiring a traditional publishing house. PRC Book Printing, a family-owned book manufacturer serving authors nationwide since 2012, specializes in helping self-published authors bring their manuscripts to life with high-quality hardcover and softcover books. With over 30 years of combined printing expertise, our team understands the unique needs of independent authors—from first-time novelists to established writers expanding their catalogs.

Whether you’re publishing your first novel, a memoir, a poetry collection, or a non-fiction guide, professional printing quality directly impacts how readers perceive your work. Self-published books printed with inferior materials or poor craftsmanship can undermine even the best writing. Our self-publishing printing services ensure your book looks and feels as professional as any traditionally published title on bookstore shelves.

Printing Services

Self- Publishing Book Printer BOOK PRINTING from PRC

There is an increasing amount of authors that write and distribute their books without a publisher. As a self-publishing book printer our advanced capabilities, offer customized books with diverse sizes and papers to create an exclusive book without the added expense of a publisher. Self-printing a book, there are several binding options to choose: Spiral bound, hardcover, softcover…the solutions we provide will exceed your expectations.

Self-Publishing Book Authors

Self-printing a non-fiction, children’s stories, or research education materials, you can quickly and affordably utilize our self-publishing book printer services to handle your book production needs. There were many great authors who decided self-publishing was the way to go. Stephen King was 15 years old and went to self-printing with an amateur printer to produce his books series People, Places and Things Volume 1. In 1827, Edgar Allan Poe paid a printer to produce five copies of his book Tamerlane and Other Poems. PRC offers self-publishing book printer services to start up authors, whichever book options you request.

Our services are not just for authors, our self-publishing book printer services are used by businesses, nonprofits, and artists who wish to showcase their work using professional bindery and durable construction. Our clear communication is provided to you from start to finish, including the design phase, color scheme, and size of each page. We take pride in our communication and state-of-the-art equipment that minimizes the cost of your production and putting more money in your pocket.

What you will experience with PRC Book Printing as a Self Published Author

Custom book publishing in itself is a full time job. There are many on-line self-publishing groups who can help assist with this new venture. Printing and publishing go hand in hand, but being a self-publishing book author requires further work but in the long run, you can save on bombarded fees going through a high profile book publisher.

Our process and materials to create a long-lasting and environmentally responsible book. When designing a book, PRC provides the flexibility to make your visualization become an actuality. Learning about the design pictured, we will intern work to incorporate your vision with our abilities of producing the book with our equipment and software. As a self-published author, having a hard copy of your work that is printed at an affordable rate builds the character of the book and gives you a sense of pride.

Self-Publishing book printer TIPS – be sure to purchase your unique ISBN number, which is a 13-digit number that ensures your book is identified throughout the world. This identification number also assists with distributors, libraries and other bookseller facilities for disbursement. If a Self-Publishing book printer assigns you an ISBN number, be wary, they may list themselves as the publisher of your book and you as the self-publisher authentic rights may be lost. For custom book publishing purchase an ISBN number visit isbn.org – Bowker Identifier Services. Please do not hesitate to call us regarding further information or assistance on how we can help to save on costs.

Cost Savings printing with PRC

When printing medium to large quantities, you will see tremendous savings printing the books offshore. Custom sized books can extend the self-printing costs, but moving onward with abroad printing you will see significant savings. Our innovative equipment will finalize the production process promptly. We provide proofs before completion so you can be sure your goals is met.

Every project is treated with the same level of commitment, and will hold a finished copy complete with the quantity materials that provide a durable copy. Expect delivery from our overseas partners within 11-12 weeks.

Please note some book sizes and quantities are subject to quoting with our American printing partner. Receive the product which you paid and experience the service you need. In search of a self-publishing book printing, PRC is the perfect fit for your self-printing needs to create a one-of-a-kind book design.

prc book printing

Why Independent Authors Choose PRC Book Printing

Transparent Pricing With No Hidden Fees

Many authors discover unexpected costs after committing to a printer—setup fees, proof charges, or shipping surprises. At PRC Book Printing, we believe independent authors deserve complete pricing transparency from the start. When you request a quote, you receive a comprehensive breakdown that includes all costs: printing, binding, materials, and shipping to your location. No hidden fees. No surprises. You’ll know exactly what your project costs before you commit.

We understand that self-published authors often work with limited budgets and tight margins. Our pricing structure is designed to give you the best possible value while maintaining the quality standards your readers expect. Many authors return to us for subsequent titles because they know they can trust our estimates and rely on consistent quality.

Quality That Matches Traditional Publishing

Readers can’t tell whether a book came from a major publishing house or an independent author—unless the printing quality gives it away. We use the same materials, printing processes, and binding techniques that traditional publishers demand. Your self-published book will feature:

Professional-grade paper stocks selected specifically for readability and durability. We stock cream and white paper options in multiple weights, each chosen to complement different book types and genres.
Sharp, consistent printing on offset presses that deliver superior text clarity and image reproduction. Unlike digital printing that can vary from copy to copy, offset printing ensures every book in your run looks identical.
Durable binding options including case-bound hardcovers with dust jackets, perfect bound paperbacks, and sewn binding for longer books that need to lay flat and withstand repeated use.
Attention to detail in every finishing touch—from properly aligned covers to clean-trimmed edges—that demonstrates professional craftsmanship.

Minimum Order Quantities Designed for Authors

Self-published authors need flexibility. You might want to start with a modest first printing to test the market, or you might be ready to print a larger quantity for a book launch or speaking tour. We’ve structured our minimum order quantities to accommodate different author situations:

These minimums reflect the realities of offset printing economics while remaining accessible to independent authors. The per-unit cost decreases with larger quantities, so we’re happy to discuss your options and help you determine the most cost-effective approach for your specific project and goals.

Realistic Production Timelines You Can Count On

Understanding when your books will arrive matters, especially if you’re planning a launch event, scheduling speaking engagements, or coordinating with a marketing campaign. We provide realistic production timelines based on your book specifications:

These timelines include printing, binding, quality inspection, and shipping to your location. We’ve built our reputation on meeting promised deadlines, and we communicate proactively if any issues arise that might affect your schedule. Please note that we do not offer rush production services—quality book manufacturing requires proper time for each production phase, and rushing risks compromising the quality you expect.

Expert Guidance Through Every Step

Many first-time self-published authors feel overwhelmed by technical specifications and printing terminology. Our team provides clear, patient guidance through every decision:

File preparation assistance: We review your print-ready files and flag any potential issues before production begins, saving you time and preventing costly reprints.
Material recommendations: Not sure whether to choose cream or white paper? Wondering if your book needs sewn binding? We offer specific recommendations based on your book's genre, length, and intended use.
Proofing process: Before your full print run begins, we can provide a printed proof for your review, ensuring the final product matches your expectations.
Realistic expectations: We're honest about what's achievable within your budget and timeline, and we help you make informed decisions that balance quality, cost, and practicality.

our process

Our Self-Publishing Printing Process

STEP 1: Quote Request and Consultation (1-2 days)

Submit your project specifications through our quote request form or call our office to discuss your project. We'll ask about your book's trim size, page count, binding preference, paper stock choice, cover finish, and quantity needed. Within 1-2 business days, you'll receive a detailed quote that outlines all costs and a projected production timeline.

During this initial consultation, we answer your questions and offer recommendations based on your specific needs. If you're unsure about any specifications, we guide you toward choices that suit your book type and budget.

STEP 2: File Preparation and Submission (Your timeline)

Once you approve the quote, you'll prepare your print-ready PDF files according to our specifications. We provide detailed file preparation guidelines that cover proper margins, bleed requirements, color profiles, and formatting standards. If you're working with a book designer or formatter, they're typically familiar with these requirements.

Before final submission, our prepress team reviews your files for any technical issues that could affect print quality—low-resolution images, incorrect color modes, text too close to trim edges, or other common problems. If we spot concerns, we contact you immediately so you can make corrections before production begins.

STEP 3: Proof Review (Optional - adds 1-2 weeks)

For many authors, especially first-time self-publishers, seeing a physical proof provides valuable peace of mind. A printed proof allows you to hold your book, check text readability, evaluate paper weight, assess cover colors, and confirm that the final product matches your vision. If you request a proof, we print and ship a sample copy for your review.

You review the proof carefully and either approve production or request changes. Minor adjustments like color corrections can often be implemented quickly. Significant changes that require new files may add time to your schedule.

STEP 4: Production (4-6 weeks hardcover / 2-5 weeks softcover)

Once files are approved, your project enters our production queue. Your books go through several stages:

Plate creation: We create printing plates from your approved files.

Printing: Your interior pages print on our offset presses, sheet by sheet, with careful attention to color consistency and registration.

Binding: Depending on your specification, books receive perfect binding, case binding, or sewn binding. Hardcover books get wrapped in printed cover materials and fitted with dust jackets if specified.

Trimming and finishing: Books are trimmed to final size, inspected for quality, and prepared for shipping.

Quality control: We inspect samples from your print run to ensure they meet our quality standards before packaging.

STEP 5: Delivery (Included in timeline)

Your completed books ship directly to your specified address. We work with reliable freight carriers for larger shipments and pack books carefully to prevent damage during transit. You receive tracking information so you can monitor delivery progress.

Upon arrival, inspect your shipment promptly. While we maintain strict quality control, we want you to review your books and contact us immediately if you notice any concerns.

faqs

Common Questions About Self-Publishing Printing

What file formats do you accept for printing?

We require print-ready PDF files for both interior pages and covers. PDFs should be created using professional design software (Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, or similar) with proper print settings. We provide detailed specifications for margins, bleeds, color profiles (CMYK for covers, grayscale for black and white interiors), and resolution requirements (300 DPI minimum for images).

If you're working with a professional book designer or formatter, they'll be familiar with creating print-ready PDFs. If you're designing your own book, we recommend following our file preparation guide carefully or consulting with a designer to ensure your files meet printing standards.

Can you help with ISBN and copyright information?

While we don't provide ISBN numbers or handle copyright registration directly, we can print your ISBN, copyright information, and any other legal text on your copyright page as long as you provide the complete, formatted content in your print-ready files.

You'll need to obtain your own ISBN from Bowker (the official U.S. ISBN agency) or your country's designated ISBN agency. Many self-published authors purchase ISBNs in packages of 10 or more for better value. Your ISBN and copyright information should be properly formatted on your book's copyright page (typically page 4 or page 6) before you submit files for printing.

Do you offer distribution services to bookstores or online retailers?

No, we focus exclusively on book manufacturing and printing services. We print your books and deliver them to your specified location, but we don't handle distribution, warehousing, or sales fulfillment.
Most self-published authors handle distribution through:

Amazon KDP Print or IngramSpark for print-on-demand distribution to retailers
Direct sales through their own websites, speaking events, or local bookstores
Consignment arrangements with independent bookstores
Fulfillment services that warehouse inventory and ship customer orders

Many authors use our services to print quantities for direct sales (events, bulk orders, author copies) while also maintaining print-on-demand availability through other services for retail distribution.

What's the difference between your printing and print-on-demand services?

Print-on-demand (POD) services like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark print books individually as orders arrive, typically using digital printing technology. This eliminates upfront costs and inventory storage but results in higher per-unit costs and sometimes variable quality between copies.

Our offset printing requires minimum order quantities (500-2,000 copies depending on specifications) and upfront investment, but delivers:

Significantly lower per-unit costs (often 50-70% less than POD after setup)
Superior, consistent quality with professional-grade materials
Greater customization options for paper, binding, and finishing

Many successful self-published authors use both approaches strategically: maintaining POD availability for ongoing retail distribution while printing larger quantities with us for direct sales, events, bulk orders, or special editions. This hybrid approach combines POD's distribution advantages with offset printing's quality and cost efficiency.

Can you match a specific Pantone color for my cover?

Yes, we can print covers using specific Pantone (PMS) colors for an additional charge. However, for most self-published books, we recommend using CMYK process color printing, which provides excellent color accuracy at lower cost. Process color printing can reproduce most colors accurately when files are prepared correctly with proper color profiles.

If your cover design includes a specific brand color that must match exactly (corporate logo, established brand identity), or if you want a specialty finish like metallic ink, we can accommodate Pantone color matching. Discuss your color requirements during the quote process so we can provide accurate pricing and guidance.

How should I prepare my book files for printing?

Proper file preparation is crucial for achieving professional results. Here are key requirements:

Interior files:

PDF format, properly imposed (usually single pages, not spreads)
Correct trim size with proper margins (typically 0.5" to 0.75" inside margin, 0.375" to 0.5" outside margins)
Appropriate bleed if your design includes elements that extend to page edges (typically 0.125")
Grayscale color mode for black and white interiors
300 DPI minimum resolution for any images
Embedded fonts

Cover files:

PDF format including front cover, spine, and back cover as one continuous piece
Correct dimensions calculated for your specific page count and paper choice (we provide spine width calculations)
CMYK color mode
300 DPI minimum resolution for images
0.125" bleed on all edges
Safety margin for text (at least 0.125" from trim edges)

We provide detailed file preparation specifications when you request a quote, and our prepress team reviews your files before production to catch potential issues.

Do you offer hardcover books with dust jackets?

Yes, we print hardcover books with dust jackets as well as hardcover books with printed case covers (no jacket). Dust jackets provide additional design space and create a premium presentation that many readers associate with high-quality hardcover books.

Dust jacket printing requires an additional file that wraps around the entire book, including front cover, spine, back cover, and inside flaps (typically 3-4 inches wide on each side). We provide exact specifications for dust jacket dimensions based on your book's specifications. The underlying case cover beneath the dust jacket is typically printed in a single color or uses cloth material.

What paper options do you recommend for different book types?

Paper selection significantly affects your book's readability, feel, and overall quality:

Novels and fiction:

Cream offset paper (natural/off-white) is traditional for novels and easier on readers' eyes during extended reading
50# to 60# weight provides good opacity and comfortable feel
Smooth finish works well for text-only books

Non-fiction, business, and self-help:

White offset paper provides clean, modern appearance
50# to 60# weight depending on page count
Slightly smoother finish if book includes images or charts

Photography, art, and illustrated books:

Heavier weight paper (70# to 100#) to support image quality
White paper for accurate color reproduction
Coated or glossy finish to enhance image vibrancy

Children's books:

Heavier weight paper (70# to 100#) for durability
Glossy or coated finish to make illustrations pop
Board book options for youngest readers (printed on very thick board stock)

We discuss paper recommendations during your quote consultation based on your specific book type and budget.

Can I order a small quantity first and then order more later?

Yes, you can place an initial order for our minimum quantity and then order additional copies later. However, understand that each print run requires new setup and plate creation, so reprint costs may not be identical to your original per-unit price—especially if material costs or specifications change.

For authors planning to sell books over time, we recommend considering your likely sales volume over the next 6-12 months when determining your initial print quantity. Larger print runs provide better per-unit economics, but must be balanced against storage considerations and cash flow.

If you anticipate strong ongoing sales, printing a larger quantity upfront often makes financial sense. If you're testing the market or have limited storage space, starting with a smaller quantity and planning for reprints may be more practical.

How long do you store my printing files?

We typically retain your approved print-ready files for 12 months after your project completion. This allows you to order reprints during that period without resubmitting files. However, for reprints beyond 12 months or any new projects, you should submit fresh files.

We recommend keeping master copies of all your print-ready files in multiple secure locations (cloud storage, external drives, backup systems). This ensures you always have access to your files regardless of how long it's been since your last printing.

contact us

Ready to Print Your Self-Published Book?

Transform your manuscript into a professionally printed book that readers will be proud to own. Whether you’re publishing your first title or your tenth, PRC Book Printing provides the quality, transparency, and support independent authors need.

Request Your Free Quote

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

Our office hours

Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST

Let’s discuss your project, answer your questions, and provide a detailed quote that helps you make informed decisions about printing your self-published book. We’re here to help you succeed as an independent author.