So, you’ve written your book (or you’re close)—congrats! Now it’s time to bring that beautiful manuscript to life with a physical copy. But where do you start? With so many book printing companies out there, it can be hard to know which one to trust.
Whether you’re printing 50 copies or 5,000, choosing the right printer is a big deal. After helping over 1,300 authors publish their books, here’s what I’ve learned about picking the perfect book printing partner.
✨ Why Choosing the Right Book Printing Company Matters
You’ve poured your heart into your book. The last thing you want is a poor print job with dodgy colours, thin paper, or a flimsy cover. A great book printing company ensures your finished product is professional, high-quality, and worthy of being sold, gifted or proudly displayed on shelves.
Your book is your brand—so quality matters.
What to Look For in a Book Printing Company
Here’s what to check before locking anything in:
✅ Print Quality – Ask for samples. Good book printing companies will happily send you copies to review before you go all in.
✅ Options & Flexibility – Do they offer various paper stocks, finishes (matte or gloss), binding types, and custom trim sizes?
✅ Cost Transparency – Make sure they provide all-inclusive quotes. Watch out for sneaky add-ons like setup fees or file adjustment costs.
✅ Turnaround Time – Can they deliver in your timeframe? Some book printing companies offer express services, others don’t.
✅ Reputation – Google them. Check reviews. Better yet, ask other authors who they recommend.
✅ Minimum Orders – Some printers only deal with big runs. If you just want 100–200 books to start, make sure they cater to that.
Popular Book Printing Companies (Australia & Beyond)
If you’re looking for trusted names, here are a few book printing companies authors use regularly:
🇦🇺 Australian Printers:
- McPherson’s Printing Group – One of Australia’s leading book printers, known for its experience and full-service solutions for both major publishers and self-publishing authors
- Printforce – High-quality print and binding. Great for authors who want a more traditional print run.
- IngramSpark – Offers both global distribution and local printing (with print-on-demand options)
- Ecoprint – A green option for those wanting eco-friendly printing.
🌍 International Options:
- Amazon KDP – Print-on-demand worldwide. Handy for online sellers, but limited on quality control.
- Lulu – A good option for colour-heavy books or workbooks.
- BookBaby – Offers printing plus extra publishing services.
- Blurb – Great for photography or coffee table books.
💡 Nat’s Tip: Start With a Short Run
Not sure how many copies to print? Start small. Many book printing companies offer short-run or print-on-demand options. This gives you the chance to test your book in the real world before going all in on a big batch.
Choosing from the many book printing companies out there might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Focus on quality, service, and fit for your goals—and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions.
And if you want support from a team who’s done it all before (and already knows which printers to trust), reach out to us at Ultimate 48 Hour Author. We’ve got the relationships, the experience, and the systems to make book printing simple, affordable and stress-free.
🖨️ Want help getting your book printed beautifully and professionally?
Let’s have a chat and show you how we’ve helped hundreds of Aussies hold their book in their hands—proud and published.
To your book writing success,
Natasa
