Selecting the right book printing service is crucial for authors and organizations aiming to balance quality, cost, and distribution. Below is a comprehensive comparison of ten reputable book printing services, analyzing factors such as cost-effectiveness, bulk versus individual printing costs, shipping costs and times, print-on-demand availability, and minimum order requirements.

 

Top 10 Book Printing Services Compared

1. IngramSpark

Best for: Authors seeking extensive distribution and various print options
Formats: Paperback and hardcover

Pros:

 

• • Wide distribution network, including bookstores and libraries

• • Offers both print-on-demand (POD) and bulk printing

• • High-quality printing with numerous customization options

Cons:

 

• • Setup fees and potential revision costs

• • Complex interface for beginners

• • Lower royalties due to distribution cuts

Cost-Effectiveness:

 

• • Individual POD: Moderate per-unit cost

• • Bulk Printing: More cost-effective per unit

Shipping:

 

• • Cost: Varies by location and order size

• • Time: Standard shipping times; expedited options available

Minimum Order: None for POD; bulk orders require a minimum quantity

2. Lulu

Best for: High customization and global distribution
Formats: Paperback, hardcover, coil-bound

Pros:

 

• • Multiple printing options, including premium formats

• • Print-on-demand with no inventory required

• • Bulk discounts for large orders

Cons:

 

• • Higher cost per book for small orders

• • User interface can be challenging for first-time users

• • Lower visibility compared to Amazon KDP

Bulk Printing: More cost-effective for larger orders

Shipping:

 

• • Cost: Varies by region; can be high for international orders

• • Time: Standard and expedited shipping available

Minimum Order: None for POD; bulk orders require a minimum quantity

3. BookBaby

Best for: Authors seeking a full-service printing and distribution experience
Formats: Paperback, hardcover

Pros:

 

• • High-quality printing with premium paper choices

• • Offers professional design, editing, and marketing services

• • Distribution to major bookstores

Cons:

 

• • Higher upfront costs

• • No print-on-demand—requires bulk orders

• • May be excessive for small projects

Cost-Effectiveness:

 

• • Individual Orders: Expensive due to bulk-only model

• • Bulk Printing: More cost-effective, but requires a large investment upfront

Shipping:

 

• • Cost: Varies based on order size and destination

• • Time: Generally ships in 2–3 weeks

Minimum Order: 25 copies

4. Blurb

Best for: Photobooks, art books, and niche publications
Formats: Paperback, hardcover, magazine, and photo books

Pros:

 

• • High-quality printing, ideal for visual-heavy books

• • Integration with Adobe InDesign and other design tools

• • Print-on-demand available

Cons:

 

• • Higher per-book cost

• • Not ideal for mass-market fiction or nonfiction

• • Limited distribution options compared to Amazon KDP or IngramSpark

Cost-Effectiveness:

 

• • Individual POD: Expensive but ideal for small-run or specialty books

• • Bulk Printing: Discounts available, but still pricier than standard book printers

Shipping:

 

• • Cost: Can be high for international orders

• • Time: Typically 7–10 business days

Minimum Order: None

5. Mixam

Best for: Cost-effective bulk printing with high customization
Formats: Paperback, hardcover

Pros:

 

• • Competitive pricing, especially for bulk orders

• • High-quality printing with various paper options

• • No setup fees

Cons:

 

• • No print-on-demand—requires minimum order quantities

• • No built-in distribution options

• • Shipping costs can add up for international orders

Cost-Effectiveness:

 

• • Individual Orders: Not available (bulk only)

• • Bulk Printing: Very cost-effective; prices drop significantly with larger orders

Shipping:

 

• • Cost: Varies; bulk orders may incur high shipping fees

• • Time: Can take 2–4 weeks, depending on location

Minimum Order: 25 copies

6. PrintNinja

Best for: Bulk printing with premium-quality materials
Formats: Paperback, hardcover, comic books, board books

Pros:

 

• • High-quality offset printing

• • Bulk discounts available

• • Ideal for children’s books and comics

Cons:

 

• • No print-on-demand

• • Long turnaround times for orders

• • Requires a significant upfront investment

Cost-Effectiveness:

 

• • Individual Orders: Not available

• • Bulk Printing: Extremely cost-effective for orders over 500 copies

Shipping:

 

• • Cost: International shipping can be expensive

• • Time: Typically 4–6 weeks

Minimum Order: 250 copies

7. 48 Hour Books

Best for: Fast turnaround time
Formats: Paperback, hardcover

Pros:

 

• • Rapid production (48-hour turnaround available)

• • High-quality printing

• • Offers foil stamping and embossing for premium books

Cons:

 

• • More expensive than competitors for small orders

• • No built-in distribution

Cost-Effectiveness:

 

• • Individual Orders: Expensive but useful for urgent needs

• • Bulk Printing: Discounts available, but pricing is still higher than Mixam or PrintNinja

Shipping:

 

• • Cost: Varies; express options available

• • Time: As fast as 48 hours

Minimum Order: 10 copies

8. Lightning Press

Best for: Small publishers and independent authors
Formats: Paperback, hardcover

Pros:

 

• • High-quality offset and digital printing

• • Customization options

• • No setup fees

Cons:

 

• • No built-in distribution

• • Can be expensive for small orders

Cost-Effectiveness:

 

• • Individual Orders: Expensive

• • Bulk Printing: Cost-effective for orders over 100 copies

Shipping:

 

• • Cost: Varies; bulk orders get discounted rates

• • Time: 2–3 weeks

Minimum Order: 50 copies

9. Gorham Printing

Best for: High-quality short-run printing
Formats: Paperback, hardcover

Pros:

 

• • Personalized customer service

• • No hidden fees

• • Various binding options

Cons:

 

• • No print-on-demand

• • Higher per-unit cost for small orders

Cost-Effectiveness:

 

• • Individual Orders: More expensive than print-on-demand services

• • Bulk Printing: Good value for orders of 100+ copies

Shipping:

 

• • Cost: Varies based on order size

• • Time: 2–4 weeks

Minimum Order: 25 copies

10. Barnes & Noble Press

Best for: Authors who want to distribute through B&N
Formats: Paperback, hardcover

Pros:

 

• • No upfront fees

• • Integrated with B&N stores and website

• • Print-on-demand available

Cons:

 

• • Limited customization

• • Lower visibility compared to Amazon KDP

Cost-Effectiveness:

 

• • Individual POD: Competitive pricing

• • Bulk Printing: Discounts available, but not the cheapest option

Shipping:

 

• • Cost: Varies by location

• • Time: 5–10 business days

Minimum Order: None for POD

Comparison Table

Service	Formats	Print-on-Demand	Best For	Individual Cost	Bulk Cost	Shipping Cost	Min. Order
Amazon KDP	PB, HC		Self-publishing & global reach	Low	Competitive	Moderate	None (POD)
IngramSpark	PB, HC		Wide distribution	Moderate	Good	Varies	None (POD)
Lulu	PB, HC, Spiral		High customization	High	Better for bulk	High	None (POD)
BookBaby	PB, HC		Full-service	High	Cost-effective	Varies	25 copies
Blurb	PB, HC		Art/photo books	High	Expensive	High	None (POD)
Mixam	PB, HC		Bulk cost-saving	N/A	Very good	Moderate	25 copies
PrintNinja	PB, HC		Large offset orders	N/A	Excellent	High	250 copies
48 Hour Books	PB, HC		Fast production	High	Moderate	High	10 copies
Lightning Press	PB, HC		Small publishers	High	Good	Moderate	50 copies
Gorham Printing	PB, HC		Short-run printing	High	Good	Moderate	25 copies
B&N Press	PB, HC		B&N distribution	Moderate	Good	Moderate	None (POD)

Why Look Beyond Amazon KDP?

While Amazon KDP is great for self-publishers looking for easy distribution on Amazon with no upfront costs, it lacks bulk printing discounts, limits distribution options, and takes a cut of royalties.

For authors wanting wider bookstore distribution, hardcover options, and better bulk pricing, IngramSpark is the best alternative.

If you are looking to digitally publish your book and reach a global audience, check out Boi – eBooks and Audiobooks on Google Play Store. Contact us if you want to publish your book and maximize your reach!

Which Book Printing Service Should You Choose?

If you want the cheapest and easiest way to print books, Amazon KDP is the best choice. However, you’ll be limited to paperbacks, and customization is minimal.

If you need a balance of cost and distribution, IngramSpark is ideal. You’ll have access to bookstores and libraries, but there are setup fees.

For the highest customization and bulk discounts, Mixam is the winner. It’s great for large print runs but lacks distribution options.

Final Recommendation:

Mixam for Bulk Printing, IngramSpark for POD

If your goal is to print books in bulk for a Kickstarter campaign and maximize cost savings, Mixam is the best option. However, if you also want a print-on-demand option, IngramSpark provides a flexible alternative with broad distribution.