Frequently Asked Questions

What is the printing cost per book?

The cost per book is determined by a number of factors that include the size of your print run, as well as the printing- and binding options you select. The simplest way to determine the cost per unit is to fill in our quote form to receive a tailor-made quote.

Is paper colour and paper weight important?

Paper weight, also called grammage or density, affects the weight of your book, as well as shipping and postage costs during distribution. However, Heavier paper stock immediately places your book in a more premium category. The colour of the paper, on the other can influence readability.

What is the turnaround time on my order?

Every project is handled on a case-by-case basis. We know that timeous delivery of your printed items is of utmost importance, which is why we’ll work with you to draw up a workable timeline that allows our team to deliver a premium product within a time frame that takes your marketing and distribution needs into account.

It is my first time having a book printed. How can I ensure a successful result?

The first step is to collaborate with a printing provider who has the necessary experience in the book printing field. The Book Printers team has more than 100 years’ collective experience, so when you partner with us, you can rest assured that everything will go smoothly. Next, you should give your printer as much information as possible to ensure that they have a clear idea of your vision for the final product. Our comprehensive quote form has been designed to do exactly that.

What other services does Book Printers provide?

Aside from printing hardcover- and paperback books, coffee table books, diaries, magazines, journals, annual financial reports, brochures, catalogues, text books and thesis documents, we also offer a range of complementary products. This includes posters, flyers, gift boxes and game plan boards, as well as fridge magnets, scratch pads and calendars to serve as promotional material.

What type of bindings do you offer?

Hard Cover

  • Wire bound/coil bound
  • Case bound (thread sewn)
  • Hard case bound (glued)
  • Quarter bound
  • Half bound

Soft Cover

  • Saddle-stitched (also called staple bound) up to about 68 pages
  • Wire bound/coil bound
  • Perfect bound (textbooks etc.)
  • PUR bound (same as perfect bound – different glue)

Other

  • Paper drilling
  • Interscrews (menus, documents)
  • Document binding (periodicals, law books, journals)
  • Thesis binding (hard case, foiled)

What is perfect binding?

‘Perfect binding’ refers to the process whereby single pages or printed sections are collated into book blocks and hot molten glue is applied along the spine before a cover is drawn on.

What types of books can I print?

We print everything from hardcover- and paperback books, to coffee table books, diaries, magazines, journals, annual financial reports, brochures, catalogues, text books and thesis documents. See what we print here.

What is a hardcover book?

A hardcover book is bound with protective covers (normally of cardboard covered in cloth or heavy paper), sewn with a flexible spine, so the book may lie flat when opened.

What is a softcover/ paperback book?

A softcover book is a publication that has its pages bound within a pliable paper cover, e.g paperback novels, corporate annual reports or magazines.

What does ‘saddle stitch’ mean?

Saddle-stitching is an industry term that refers to the popular book binding method of gathering folded sheets together inside one another and stapling it together through the fold line from the outside to clinch the whole volume together between the innermost pages.

What is ring binding?

Ring binding, also referred to as wire, coil or spiral binding, is a versatile book binding option that entails fastening the pages of a document by means a spiral of wire or plastic that coils through a series of holes punched along one side of each page, as well as the front- and back cover.

The are the benefits of ring binding?

Ring binding is very durable and excellent for applications like cookbooks and textbooks that are used frequently and need to be laid down completely flat. The coils itself are crush resistant and the continuous shape thereof eliminates the possibility of pages falling out.

What is perfect and PUR binding?

‘Perfect binding’ refers to the process whereby single pages or printed sections are collated into book blocks and hot molten glue is applied along the spine before a cover is drawn on. PUR binding is similar, but a different glue, Polyurethane Reactive (PUR), is used to ensure that the resultant publications are immensely durable.

What are coffee table books?

A coffee table book is an oversized, usually hard-covered book that is intended for display on a table in waiting areas and areas within the home where one entertains guests so it may keep guests occupied and inspire conversation.

Why should I have my annual financial reports, catalogue or brochures printed by Book Printers?

We’re affordable, dependable and we deliver for FREE nationwide. We also offer a wide selection of printing options that can be tailored to your requirements and timeline.

What is the difference between a dust jacket hardcover and a casewrap hardcover book?

A dust jacket hardcover book has a removable paper cover with a decorative design that is used to protect the book from everyday dirt and damage. A casewrap hardcover book, on the other hand, is wrapped in white stock that can be printed in full colour and is then normally laminated with a glossy finish.

Why should I choose Book Printers as my publishing partner?

Our team has been creating bespoke printing solutions for a wide variety of individuals and businesses for more than 28 years. Our expert input on every project is based on an in-depth understanding of the South African book manufacture and distribution landscape, based on decades of experience. When you choose Book Printers as your printing partners, you can rest assured that our team will work closely with yours to ensure that the end product suits your requirements, budget and timeline. It’s printing made easy. Get in touch with us today.