How to Print Your Book on a Budget in 2026

You have worked hard to write your book, and now, you are ready to make it into a printed copy. However, here is the problem: printing a book, especially for self-published authors, indie writers, or first-time creators, can be expensive, and the idea of getting printed copies in the hundreds can be overwhelming, not to mention the additional expense.

The good part of the news is that you do not need to be wealthy to print a professional-looking book. With these tips and a little creativity, you can get high-quality prints without draining your wallet. Whether you are publishing a novel, a children’s book, or a personal memoir, this article will help you print your book at little cost and with minimal hassle.

Turning the Story into a Book

You have authored, revised, and polished your manuscript; now it’s time to turn those words into a book you can take with you and hold in your hand when you are ready for print. This is where you can start to visualize your story, as it appears to be an actual book; it has chapters, margins, page numbering, and formatting that looks very professional.

Formatting is about more than the appearance of your book; it incorporates readability, print cost, and the overall reading experience for the reader. No need for expensive programs or a degree in design to get it right.

Polishing your manuscript

Before you go to print your book, ensure that your manuscript is perfectly polished. Polishing your manuscript takes your book from a rough draft to a polished, clean, professional, and compelling final version. And you don’t need to spend a fortune to do it, just some time, care, and some tools for the job.

Choosing a book size and format

Once the manuscript is ready to be read, you should decide its size and format. There are a lot of options to size your book, but the size depends on the genre of the book. Novels are mostly sized in 6×9 inches. It is easier to hold and fit in a bookshelf if the book is sized 6×9 inches. If your book contains images or illustrations, consider going with 8.5×11 inches.

To give it a unique look, you have to decide on the cover, either a paperback with a soft feel or the heirloom vibe of a hardcover. Both options have their own personalities and serve different purposes.

Designing your cover

Suppose we are playing, we listen, and we don’t judge; wouldn’t we all just agree on judging a book by its cover? This is a universal truth: we all judge a book by its cover. A great cover that is well-designed and made according to the genre of your book can be picked up by anyone, whereas people can ignore a great book with a not-so-thoughtfully designed cover.

What’s the secret to designing a great book cover? Hire a book cover design agency to get the exterior of your book designed perfectly, or just get your laptop and try design tools that offer free templates and options to create something unique. You only have to make sure that the artwork is visually appealing, grabs attention, and screams to be picked up.

Formatting the interior

Imagine you buy a book that feels like magic, the cover looks spellbound, the letters have a charm, the aura will change everything, and you cannot wait to get lost in the world of a mystical dreamscape. But right when you open the book, it is poorly formatted. The text has no space in between, the font is hard to read, and it is not consistent throughout the book.

To avoid giving an unpleasant experience to your readers, you can consider using Adobe InDesign, which most authors use, as it gives you precise control over every aspect of your book. You can also use Microsoft Word to format your book if you are on a budget.

Make sure there’s enough space for the text so it doesn’t give an overwhelming look. Sticking to simple and readable fonts is the key. And most importantly, be consistent with the fonts and format.

Select a printing method

Once you are done finalizing the manuscript and all the necessary steps to follow to get your book ready to give it into the hands of your readers, it is time to have your book printed. There are two different options to go with when you are finally ready to print your book: print-on-demand and bulk printing. Both types serve different purposes and have their own pros and cons. And you can opt for either of these options by hiring UAE book printing service.

The print-on-demand option is best suited for authors who are tight on budget and want to test the waters by throwing the first few pebbles. You will only have to upload your book to platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark, and it gets printed and shipped once someone orders the book. It won’t cost any upfront cost, but the profit margin for each book can be lower.

Bulk printing, on the other hand, can be the option that is a bit costly to pay as an upfront amount, but can be a cost-effective option as the bulk printing reduces the per-book cost. If you plan to sell 500 copies, this is the best option for you.

Once you select the printing option that is best suited for you, you can go for printing. And voila, your book is ready to be read by the bookworms!

FAQs

What is the first printing of a book called?

A book is only a first edition if it is in its original form.

What does ISBN stand for?

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number.

What papers to print books on?

An offset paper works well with nearly any book and binding.

Conclusion

After nights of thoughtful writing, rejecting your own written text, and days of running to research for printers, printing types, and the best formats, you’ve reached your goal. You’ve just published a book. It is not a small achievement. Even if you have sold only ten copies out of the thousands you thought you would sell, it is still a big win. Do not let your achievement go to waste; celebrate it. Take a moment to appreciate yourself and enjoy your success. And here are some little tips to keep track of your book and its performance: adjust your marketing strategy and keep tracking your sales. Keep expanding your network and getting in touch with different authors to explore opportunities for collaboration and promotion. Most importantly, do not get disheartened by the negative reviews and slow sales. Keep moving even when the road gets bumpy!