The Complete Guide to Children’s Book Printing
Imagine your children’s book being the one kids can’t put down. You’ve already done the hard part -writing and illustrating — and now it’s time for the final step: printing. This guide walks you through the essential children’s book printing options, making sure your book not only looks great but feels high-quality from cover to cover
Binding Options
A children’s book should handle the excitement and let’s be real- rough handling-that comes with kids while still making a great first impression. Here are the best children’s book printing options for binding each with its own pros to help your book stand out and last.
Saddle-stitch binding uses staples along the spine to hold the pages together. It’s a simple, budget-friendly option that’s ideal for shorter children’s books. Plus, it’s easy to open and lays flat which is perfect for those interactive stories where kids need to flip through pages easily
#1 Recommended Option for Shorter Children’s Books
Perfect binding (also known as softcover) uses glue along the spine. It’s sturdy enough to handle lots of use, making it a solid choice for young readers. If you’re after a more durable finish with a professional appearance, perfect binding is a fantastic choice for this while still being affordable.
#1 Recommended Option for Longer Children’s Books
Hardcover books offer the highest level of durability. The pages are securely glued to a stiff, protective cover. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a premium, long-lasting product. Hardcover books provide a high-end, professional feel, making them perfect for special editions.
Children’s Book Printing Size Options
Choosing the right size for your children’s book is important for both the design and the reading experience. The size you pick affects how your illustrations and text are displayed, and how easy the book is for a kid to hold. Here are a few popular children’s book printing options to consider:
Square Sizes: 8×8 or 6×6
Square books are a popular choice for children’s picture books because of their balanced, visually appealing layout. They’re easy to handle and carry, making them a great fit for little hands. The 8×8 size is perfect for showcasing larger illustrations, giving each page a bold and engaging look. For smaller projects, the 6×6 size offers a more compact option, often used for board books or smaller stories, while still maintaining the charm of the square format.
8.5 x 11
The 8.5 x 11 size is a favorite for children’s books that blend text and illustrations. Its larger layout offers plenty of room for both, allowing artwork to support the story without overpowering the page. This size gives illustrations the space they need to shine, while still leaving enough room for the text to breathe. It’s especially great for books where you want to balance storytelling and visuals without cramming everything into smaller pages.
Landscape Sizes: 11 x 8.5
A landscape layout is perfect if your children’s book is all about the artwork. The wider format gives you more space to stretch out large, detailed illustrations or double-page spreads, making it feel like a more interactive experience. This size is great for books that rely on visuals to tell the story, giving kids plenty to take in with each turn of the page.
Paper Options
The right paper will make your illustrations look vibrant while also making sure the book lasts through lots of page turns. Basically, your choice of paper sets the tone for the entire reading experience. Here are the most popular options for children’s books:
1. 100# Gloss Text: This glossy, smooth paper brings out bright, vivid colors, making it a great option for picture-heavy children’s books. It enhances the sharpness of illustrations while being durable and easy for little hands to flip through
2. 100# Matte Text: Matte paper provides a smooth, non-reflective surface that makes it easier to read text and shows more detail in illustrations. It’s a great option for books with more writing, offering a clear, easy-to-read finish while still delivering high-quality image details.
3. 100# Cardstock: Choosing cardstock for your covers will give it a sturdier feel and provide protection from wear and tear.
Children’s Book Printing FAQ
How do I print my children’s book? Create your children’s book with our online design tool or upload your print-ready PDF to our pricing tool, from there simply checkout!
How can I make sure my children’s book lasts? For durability, consider using heavier cover stock paper and opting for hardcover binding.
Do you offer any templates to help me design my children’s book? We offer free adobe templates to help you design your children’s book. This has the size, margins, and bleeds we require in the file. You can review our template options and download them here. If you do not have adobe, opt for our simple online design tool!
What is the minimum order quantity for printing children’s books? You can print as few as 10 books, making it easy for self-publishers to print high-quality books without needing to commit to large quantities upfront.
How long does it take to print my children’s book? Once your order is placed and your files are approved, the typical turnaround time for printing is around 4-7 business days. If you’re on a tight schedule, we also offer expedited shipping & production options to help meet your deadlines.
Self-publishing a children’s book offers you complete creative freedom but that doesn’t necessarily mean you know the best choices! Pay attention to the choices and make sure they align with your end goal which is a great children’s book. For a comprehensive look at how to go about your book including design tips and marketing strategies, be sure to check out our guide here.
At PrintingCenterUSA, we offer high-quality printing and customizable options that fit your self-publishing needs.
