The Inside Scoop on Offset Printing & Board Books with MCRL {ep. 154}
February 26, 2025
Offset printing, printing options for children's books, and board books! Lori and Taylor from MCRL cover everything from choosing the right printing method to understanding the costs and logistics of bulk printing. Plus, get insider tips on formatting, fulfillment, and how to make your book stand out. If you’re considering offset printing, board books, or just want to know more about the book production process, listen in!
In this episode, you will learn all about offset printing and MCRL!
Topics covered includeL
Offset Printing vs. Print-on-Demand (POD)
Topics covered includeL
Offset Printing vs. Print-on-Demand (POD)
- What is offset printing, and how does it differ from POD?
- Pros and cons of each method depending on your book’s goals.
- Why offset printing is a better choice for high-quality, bulk book production.
Why Bulk Printing Saves Money
- How per-unit costs decrease as your print quantity increases.
- The financial drawbacks of POD for full-color books (especially children's books).
- Why printing 500+ copies can significantly boost your profit margin.
Exciting News for Kid Lit Authors: Board Books Are Now Available!
- MCRL now prints board books—a highly requested service.
- The advantages of board books for young readers.
- How MCRL’s new board book website & online calculator make getting a quote easier.
Customization Options for Board Books
- Tactile pages (e.g., textured materials to mimic different surfaces).
- Pop-ups and peek-a-boo tabs for interactive engagement.
- Sound buttons and other multimedia features.
- Finger puppets and mirrors to make books more engaging.
- Custom packaging options, including kits with flashcards, puzzles, and more.
Avoiding Common Printing Pitfalls
- Why formatting is crucial for getting a high-quality printed book.
- The importance of hiring a professional book formatter—even if you have an illustrator.
- How to access MCRL’s free artwork and formatting guides to get your files print-ready.
- The most common file submission mistakes and how to avoid them.
Shipping & Fulfillment Tips
- Shipping & Fulfillment Tips
- Why storing hundreds (or thousands) of books at home might not be the best idea.
- Logistech Solutions, is a fulfillment and storage provider in North Carolina that many authors use and MCRL recommends
- How Logistech Solutions integrates directly with your e-commerce store (e.g., Shopify) for seamless order fulfillment.
- The benefits of temperature-controlled storage and having a professional pick/pack/ship team.
Pricing & Hidden Costs: How to Compare Quotes Like a Pro
- Not all printing quotes are created equal—how to spot hidden fees.
- Why some low-cost quotes may not include essential services like shipping, duties, and tariffs.
- The importance of checking whether shipping includes delivery to your doorstep or just to the nearest port (a HUGE cost factor).
- What to look for in a fully inclusive quote to avoid surprise costs later.
The Importance of Bound Proofs
- What a bound proof is and why it’s non-negotiable for any bulk printing project.
- The differences between a digitally printed proof and the final soy-ink offset print run.
- What to check for in a bound proof before approving a full production run.
- How skipping this step can result in expensive mistakes or unexpected design issues.
Where to Get $100 Off Your First Order
- Exclusive discount for Women in Publishing Summit listeners:
- Save $100 on your first order when you print with MCRL.
- Offer available at womeninpublishingsummit.com/MCRL.
- How to use MCRL’s board book calculator at boardbookprinting.com.