How Long Does it Take to Print a Book?

Our Book Printing Process

Short Run Printing is the Best Way to Print 25 - 5,000 Books

The flowchart below provides an outline of our production timeline. With over forty years of experience, we've perfected the art of printing high-quality books. We utilize top-of-the-line digital printers, capable of printing up to 160 sheets per minute. So if you want premium, custom books at affordable prices, get a custom online quote or call us at 360-623-1323 to discuss your book printing project.

What is the Fastest Way to Print My Book?

Your binding style will be the biggest factor in determining how long it will take to print your book. Perfect bound books take between 10-15 business days to print. Hardcover books take between 5-6 weeks, and spiral bound books take between 3-4 weeks. Please allow additional time for proofing and shipping.

We offer two main paths for getting your book printed; you can either supply PDFs of your cover and interior, or you can utilize our book design services. If you supply print-ready PDFs, we will print your book using your exact file specifications, giving you the fastest turnaround time. If you would like Gorham Printing to design your cover and/or interior layout, allow 1-2 additional weeks for consultation and design.

Related Book Printing Topics

How to Get an ISBN for Your Book

how to get an isbn self publsihing

If you plan on selling your book in a brick-and-mortar or online bookstore you will need an ISBN number and barcode. The ISBN number is used to create the barcode, but the number and the barcode are separate things.

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Book Cover Template Generator

book cover template

Create a custom cover in seconds with our template generator. Choose from softcover, hardcover, spiral or dustjacket. Your template will automatically size your bleeds and margins for the perfect cover.

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How to Copyright Your Self Published Book

how to copyright a book

In the United States, copyright law grants protection for "original works of authorship." In other words, it prevents your hard work from being stolen. Copyrighting your self published book is easier than you may think.

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Interior Paper Stock Options

Choose your weight, color, and coating from our selection of Rainforest Alliance certified papers.

Cover Fabrics & Laminations

Explore fabrics, leathers, foil colors, and lamination options for our hardcover and softcover books.

Premium Book Features & Add-ons

Make your book stand out with our premium options like Metallic Printing and 3D Spot UV.


Free Self Publishing Guide

Our free, 64-page guide covers the basics of securing a copyright, choosing a typeface, getting an ISBN, and more.

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

4.8 / 5
Customer Rating

Read success stories from independent authors and publishers who have worked with Gorham Printing.

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