Print on demand and short-run printing serve different needs. We print and bind complete batches in Exeter, from 10 paperbacks or 25 hardbacks. Compare the specification, full cost and fulfilment arrangements to decide what suits your book and your expected sales.
Print on demand produces copies as orders arrive, often with retail fulfilment. Short-run book printing produces a batch you can keep ready for sales, events or distribution. Our minimum is 10 paperbacks or 25 hardbacks.
Consider how you will sell or share your book, how predictable demand is and whether you have storage space. Compare current quotes and samples to choose between POD and short-run printing.
Six factors that matter when you're deciding how to print your book in the UK.
| Factor | Print on demand | Short-run book printing |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum order | Single-copy production is the defining model; check the service terms. | 10 paperbacks or 25 hardbacks. The calculator shows total and per-copy prices for your quantity. |
| Per-copy cost (200pp A5 paperback) | Check a current quote for the same specification, including fulfilment and delivery. | ~£13.50 per copy at 10, ~£3.80 at 50, ~£2 at 250. Compare the full cost for the quantity you need. |
| Print quality | Compare actual samples, available papers, bindings and finishes. | Choose the paper, binding and finish shown in our calculator. Interior papers range from 70 to 170gsm. |
| Turnaround | Check production and delivery times for the chosen service, destination and quantity. | Paperbacks: 5 to 7 working days. Hardbacks: 3 to 4 weeks. Both from proof approval, plus delivery. |
| Inventory & control | Books can be fulfilled as orders arrive. Check the available proof and author-copy options before listing. | You hold the books. Free digital proof, and optional printed proof copy, before the run. You arrange storage and distribution, including signed copies, events and gifts. |
| Best for | Long-tail Amazon backlist, low-volume retail integration where you can't predict demand. | Launches, local sales, events, trade fulfilment, family editions, gift runs, library copies, academic editions, with orders from 10 paperbacks or 25 hardbacks. |
Compare the total cost for the copies you expect to use, including delivery and storage. A lower unit price is only useful if the quantity fits your plans.
The first three rows show the same 200-page A5 paperback at three quantities. Use these live prices to compare the effect of quantity, then quote your own specification.
| Format | Specification | Quantity | Per copy |
|---|---|---|---|
A5 paperback novel |
200pp mono · perfect bound · 80gsm opaque |
25 | £5.90per copy |
A5 paperback novel |
200pp mono · perfect bound · 80gsm opaque |
50 | £3.83per copy |
A5 paperback novel |
200pp mono · perfect bound · 80gsm opaque |
250 | £2.05per copy |
A5 hardback novel |
200pp mono · case bound · 80gsm opaque |
50 | £8.48per copy |
UK delivery and a free digital proof included. Cover materials and finishes are priced for your specification. For your exact spec, see the book printing quote calculator or browse full UK book printing prices.
We produce complete batches for authors and publishers. Single-copy retail fulfilment requires a different ordering and distribution service, which we do not currently offer.
Our team prints and binds books in Exeter, including sewn and glued paperbacks and hardbacks. Choose the options shown in the calculator and speak to us about your production schedule. See our Exeter facility →
These are examples to investigate if you need single-copy fulfilment. Check each provider directly for current availability, prices, specifications, proofs and distribution terms.
Check the available formats, proof process, printing costs and sales terms for the Amazon markets you want to reach.
Check Amazon retail and author-copy options.
Check the distribution arrangements, wholesale terms, returns options and charges for your intended markets.
Check trade distribution options and current terms.
Check the book specifications, ordering process, delivery destinations and tools for your intended sales channels.
Check direct-sales and fulfilment options.
Use our quote calculator, size, paper, binding, finish, quantity. Live per-copy pricing, no email gate.
Press-ready PDF of interior + cover. Our team checks files before press, free file check on every order.
A free digital proof before anything prints, add a printed proof copy if you want to hold the actual book first.
Your full quantity printed, bound and finished in-house at our Exeter facility. 5 to 7 working days for paperback, 3 to 4 weeks for hardback.
More on book printing generally? See our book printing services hub or 73-question book printing FAQ.
Get an instant online quote, no account required. From 10 copies up, with the same quality and proof process whether you're printing 10 or 10,000.