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So, you’ve poured your heart into writing your book, and now it’s time to get those pages printed. It’s thrilling, but if you’re new to book printing, you’ve probably noticed it’s not just about hitting ‘print’. There’s a bit of a learning curve, and some classic mistakes can trip up even the most careful authors. From paper choices to binding types, the details really matter—because once those books are in your hands, changes aren’t so easy. Having printed hundreds of short-run books across the UK, I’ve seen it all, and I want to share some practical tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and get the results you deserve.
1. Skimping on Paper Quality
It’s tempting to go for the cheapest paper, especially when budgets are tight. But choosing the wrong GSM (grams per square metre) paper can make your book feel flimsy or cheap. For novels or text-heavy books, something around 90–120gsm uncoated paper usually works well—it’s easy on the eyes and feels substantial. If your book has lots of images or colour, a coated paper might be better to bring out the vibrancy. I should mention that recycled papers are a great eco-friendly option these days, and many printers offer decent quality recycled stocks that don’t compromise on feel.
2. Overlooking Binding Types
Binding isn’t just about sticking pages together; it affects durability and how your book feels when held. Perfect binding is popular for paperback books and looks professional, but it’s not ideal for very thin or very thick volumes. Stapled (saddle-stitched) binding suits booklets or thinner works, while wiro or spiral binding is great for manuals or cookbooks that need to lie flat. We often see first-time authors accidentally choose a binding that doesn’t suit their book’s size or purpose, which can be frustrating when the print arrives.
3. Ignoring Bleed and Margins
This might sound technical, but it’s crucial. Bleed is the area beyond the page edge where images or colours extend, ensuring there are no white borders after trimming. Margins are the safe zones inside the page edges where text and important elements should stay clear. Miss these, and you might end up with cutting errors or text too close to the edge, which looks unprofessional. Your printer will usually provide templates, and it’s worth double-checking these before sending your files.
4. Not Checking Colour Profiles
Colours on screen don’t always match what comes out of the printer. This is because screens use RGB colours, while printers use CMYK. If you’re printing photos or vibrant covers, make sure your files are set up in CMYK to get a closer match to the final product. We’ve seen clients surprised because their bright blues or reds look duller than expected. A quick proof or sample print can save a lot of disappointment here.
5. Underestimating Proofreading and File Checks
It’s easy to focus on the writing and design but don’t skip the final proofread or file check. Typos, formatting errors, or low-resolution images often only get spotted after printing, and reprints can be costly and time-consuming. Many printers, including us at Newstyle Print, offer proofing services—digital or physical—to catch these issues before the full run.
A Quick Example: Jane’s Debut Novel
I remember Jane, a self-published author from Manchester, who came to us with her first novel. She’d chosen a very thin paper to save costs, but when she held the proof, the pages felt flimsy and the ink bled through. We recommended a switch to a 100gsm uncoated stock, which gave her book a much better feel and prevented the show-through. She also opted for perfect binding, which suited her 200-page novel perfectly. Jane was thrilled with the final product, and her readers commented on how professional it looked. Little tweaks like these made a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Printing your book is a journey, not just a step. Taking the time to understand the paper, binding, colour, and file setup will save headaches and ensure your book looks exactly how you want. Remember, every book is unique, so it’s worth chatting with your printer about your specific needs. After all, this is your story getting ready to meet the world—make sure it’s presented at its best.
Updated on 6 November 2025
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