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For over forty years, we've helped authors and publishers print custom books at affordable prices. Our high standards make us the best book printer for quality.
Short run book printing is a method of printing books that exists somewhere between print-on-demand and offset printing. It gets its name from the size of its typical print runs, which are "shorter" (meaning fewer in quantity) than traditional, offset print runs.
Our short run book printing process consists of sheet-fed, toner-based printers. Our optimum print runs are between 25 and 5000 books per order. We utilize state-of-the-art Canon Digital Presses that print at speeds of 177 pages per minute.
Compared to short run book printers, offset printers typically print on larger sheets of paper at considerably faster speeds. However, this process takes longer to set up and requires additional steps during the binding stage. With these additional requirements, offset printing only becomes efficient when printing roughly 5,000 or more books.
As mentioned, with offset printing the price per book does not become price effective without ordering a larger press run. Having your money tied up in book inventory can be problematic, not to mention the additional storage space needed.
Short run printing allows you to be more flexible with your print run size because it stays cost-effective at lower quantities. Reprinting your book is also faster because there is less setup involved than offset printing.
Print-on-demand (POD) is a relatively new method of book printing. Until someone buys the book, it is not actually printed. When a print-on-demand book is purchased, a series of automated procedures are set into motion. Once printed, the book is shipped directly to the customer. The entire process is highly automated, requiring little to no intervention by a human to complete.
Print-on-demand incorporates both printing and distribution, making it practical for authors who do not want to handle shipping. However, when comparing the price per book, printing one book at a time is more expensive than doing a full print run.
Short run printing allows for more quality checks and better color control during production. Short run printing also opens the door for more customization options, such as binding selections, book sizes, and paper stocks.
When comparing these three very different approaches to book printing, short run printing is a great option if you plan on printing between 25 and 5,000 books. If your initial print run requires many thousands of books, offset printing may be a more cost-effective approach. Some authors will opt to use a print-on-demand approach as it provides for a low budget means to distribute your book.
If you need at least 25 or more books, I encourage you to get a quote using Gorham Printing's Get a Price Tool. With great service and a huge range of customization options, we've got what you need to print your perfect book.
6x9 • Black & White Interior pages
50 pages
100 books: $3.47
250 books: $2.86
500 books: $2.57
150 pages
100 books: $5.50
250 books: $4.77
500 books: $4.42
300 pages
100 books: $8.47
250 books: $7.58
500 books: $7.16
8.5x11 • Black & White Interior pages
50 pages
100 books: $4.21
250 books: $3.50
500 books: $3.21
150 pages
100 books: $7.61
250 books: $6.72
500 books: $6.31
300 pages
100 books: $12.61
250 books: $11.44
500 books: $10.96
6x9 • Black & White Interior pages
50 pages
100 books: $18.23
250 books: $14.92
500 books: $13.31
150 pages
100 books: $20.37
250 books: $17.06
500 books: $15.01
300 pages
100 books: $24.23
250 books: $20.33
500 books: $17.95
8.5x11 • Black & White Interior pages
50 pages
100 books: $20.78
250 books: $17.20
500 books: $14.95
150 pages
100 books: $24.58
250 books: $20.26
500 books: $17.78
300 pages
100 books: $30.69
250 books: $25.14
500 books: $22.58
We don't just print your book; we help make it shine. We hand prepare every print run, allowing us to offer an expanded selection of custom features, stocks, and sizes. So if you're looking for a little something to make your book stand out from the competition, consider one of our premium features.
Discover other ways to elevate your book by exploring our full lineup of premium features. Looking for a feature that you don't see listed? Contact us, and we'll see if we can add it to your print order.
Books start as ideas. Turning those ideas into printed pages takes a few steps. Luckily, short run printing uses digital machines, making the process both fast and straightforward.
Digital printing remains at the forefront of book printing technology. Gorham Printing utilizes industry-leading machines, staffed by skilled technicians who will ensure that your books print at the highest quality.
Print in both vibrant color and rich black and white. Our machines use CYMK toner, a super-fine powder that is electrically charged and then fused with the paper during printing. This process produces crystal clear images on all types of paper, including both our coated and uncoated stocks.
For over 40 years, we've perfected the art of making books. Whether you're a new author or published dozens of books, we deliver professional grade quality to every client. We offer both design services and tools to help sell your books, making it easier than ever to successfully self publish.
Make your book exactly how you like it. Choose your binding, trim size, paper, and more with our online quote tool. Get instant pricing with no hidden fees.
Since 1976, we've printed our books right here in the Pacific Northwest. Our paper stocks are responsibly sourced and Rainforest Alliance certified.
When you call us, you'll talk with a real book printing expert who will oversee your entire production process. We work with authors of all experience levels.
Take your self-publishing knowledge to greater heights with our free guide to self publishing. Learn strategies to help prepare, print, and sell your book. We print the guide 100% in house, making it a tangible example of our paper and print quality.
Working with Gorham has been simply the best experience for which I could have hoped. It’s my wish that all authors can have the same moment of overwhelming elation when they open a box of their own hardbound books.
JT CROWLEY
This is the third book that Gorham Printing has printed for us. It's of the highest quality and our customers were very impressed. This was our first hardcover book and the binding, paper, and colors are outstanding.
ANDREW CAWOOD
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