Booklets Case Study Success Series

Strength of My Scars: Printing a Friendly, Fun Guide to Living Liver Donation

For Strength of My Scars, printing isn’t just about producing a book. It’s about creating approachable, kid-friendly resources that help children and families navigate serious health challenges. Their cartoon-style book on living liver donation is one of their most popular titles, offering clarity, hope, and reassurance in a format that feels safe and fun. When it came time to find a printing partner who could deliver quality, affordability, and flexibility, they chose PrintingCenterUSA.

Project Overview

Strength of My Scars is a small press founded by a transplant surgeon and her sister. They began creating children’s books on rare diseases when they realized very few resources existed for families facing those diagnoses. Their first book on biliary atresia quickly became their most popular because it addressed a need no one else was meeting. As their catalog grew, they needed a reliable printing partner who could help them scale their efforts affordably without compromising on quality.

To test the process, they placed a small sample order: a 40-page, full-color, saddle stitch booklet in an 8 × 8 format. The books arrived looking vibrant and professional, confirming that PrintingCenterUSA could deliver what they envisioned. After seeing the results, they began planning larger print runs with upgraded specifications.

During a call with our team, the customer shared:

Project Specifications

The initial run was printed as an 8 × 8 inch saddle stitch booklet with 40 pages. Both the cover and interior were printed in full color on 100# gloss stock, giving the book a smooth, polished look. For future projects, the team decided to make upgrades, including switching to card stock for the cover to provide a sturdier feel, and choosing matte or uncoated paper for the inside pages so that readers could write on them more easily. Blind shipping was also added as a fulfillment option, ensuring books could be sent directly to nonprofit partners or families without invoices included.

Booklet Specs:
Format: 8 × 8 inches
Page Count: 40 (Cover + 36 inside)
Binding: Saddle Stitch
Paper Stock: Cover 100# Gloss (upgrading to card stock in future runs)
Inside 100# Gloss (upgrading to matte/uncoated in future runs)
Ink: Full color, both sides

Execution

From proofing to delivery, PrintingCenterUSA worked closely with the team to ensure the final product matched their vision. A free Paper Sample Kit helped them compare finishes and weights before committing to changes in stock. The Saddle Stitch binding allowed the booklet to lay flat, making it easy for kids to read during hospital visits. Blind shipping ensured that distribution to nonprofits and families could remain discreet and professional.

A Partnership with Purpose

For Strength of My Scars, this project was more than just a print run. It was a step toward expanding access to meaningful resources for children and families dealing with rare diseases. By switching to PrintingCenterUSA, they were able to lower costs, improve durability, and make the books more interactive for readers. Most importantly, they gained a partner committed to helping their mission grow.

“This was our first book on biliary atresia and it’s become our most popular because for many rare diseases there aren’t any books”

With more titles on the way, they now have a printing solution that scales alongside their vision.

Looking to print your own educational book or nonprofit resource? Start your booklet printing project today with PrintingCenterUSA.

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