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Useful Printing Resources
Need Design Help? Try Our FREE Online Design Tool!
- Select your Binding & Size.
- Add photos, text and more!
- When finished with your design, continue through checkout and place your order!
Place and receive your order quickly and easily
- Select your children's book options.
- Upload your print-ready files.
- We'll review your uploaded files.
- Approve your online proof.
- Your children's books will be delivered to your doorstep for you to enjoy!
If you are ready to place your order, then follow these steps.
1. Fill Out Pricing Tool
Once you are logged in to your PrintingCenterUSA account, go to your desired product page and fill out the pricing tool on the right.
Be sure to drop down the “Estimate Shipping” tab above the “Order and Upload Files” button on the pricing tool to enter your zip code and view your shipping options. The price in the estimating tool is based on zip code only. In final checkout, the full address is used and this may cause your shipping cost to change. Click “Order and Upload Files” to continue.
2. Upload Your Art Files
Upload your Print-Ready PDF. Click Continue
You can create your own Print-Ready PDF using our free booklet templates. Click here to learn more. If you designed your project on PrintingCenterUSA’s online design tool, then you can simply click “Proceed to Checkout.”
Page Count
We require that any multi-page PDF files be sent as single page images, not spreads. In the files, page 1 should be the front cover and the last page should be the back cover (see left). Learn More
Color
Save your PDF in CMYK Learn More
Resolution
PrintingCenterUSA recommends that the resolution of your images and document be 300 dpi or more. Learn More
Bleeds
Bleed is an extra 1/8” of image that extends beyond the trim area of your printed piece. The project is printed on an oversized sheet that is cut down to size with the appearance that the image is “bleeding” off the edge of the paper. Learn More
How Much does it Cost to Print a Children’s Book?
For the most accurate children’s book quote, use our pricing tool. Enter the specifications of your children’s book to get an instant quote. If you would like to get a shipping estimate, click on the button that says, ‘Estimate Shipping & Delivery Date’ and enter your zip code.
How Do I Print My Own Children’s Book?
It’s fast, easy, and affordable to print your own custom children’s book with PrintingCenterUSA. Simply create your children’s book with our online booklet design tool or upload your print-ready PDF to our pricing tool. Then, depending on your printing time, you can get your children’s book as quickly as 3-4 days from proof approval. Click here to learn more on how to create a Print-Ready PDF.
What is the Difference Between Paperback and Hardcover?
Paperback book cover is made of thick paper or cardstock whereas hardcover book cover is made of binder’s board, heavy paperboard covered with cloth, heavy paper, or occasionally leather. Paperback books are cheaper to produce than hardcover books. Paperback books are also bound together with glue vs. a hardcover book that has a flexible, sewn spine.
Is it Better to Self-Publish a Children’s Book?
There are definitely benefits to self-publishing your children’s book. When you self-publish you can control every aspect of your book. You can choose your own illustrations, paper, content, and the overall vision of your book. Not to mention that when you self-publish and you choose to sell your children’s book, the margins from your sales will be higher.
How Many Pages Should a Children’s Book Be?
The average number of pages that a children’s book is about 32 pages. Children’s books are usually Saddle Stitched, or Staple Stitched and are in a square shape. But if you print with PrintingCenterUSA you can choose whatever binding and size that you would like. Click here for more information on how to arrange pages for booklet printing.
What is the Average Word Count for a Children’s Book?
The average word count for a children’s book depends on the age range for the children that you are targeting for your book. Children’s books for children up to age eight average about 1,000 words. Chapter books are typically 10,000-12,000 words.
Saddle Stitch Printing
Saddle stitched books are, simply put, folded, and stapled together. Saddle stitch is basically single sheets of paper, printed on both sides, collated in page number order, folded in half, then stapled through the fold with staples made of thin wire securing the sheets together and then trim the 3 sides to the desired, finished size. Because of the way a booklet is produced, you can’t have a random number of pages. It has to be a multiple of 4. Products can be saddle stitched along the left edge or top edge, depending on how the project is planned out. Softcover and self-cover are available. Does not have a flat or square spine. They can lay flat and stay open when you are flipping through the pages, which makes it easier to read.
This is most commonly used for picture books, portfolio books, and coloring books.
Saddle Stitch Printing
With the saddle stitch method, the pages of the booklet are printed on large sheets of paper and then folded in half, which is why you must have a page count that is evenly divisible by 4. Each sheet of paper will contain 4 of the booklet’s pages.
For example, if you are printing an 8.5” x 11” saddle stitch book, it’s pages and cover would be made from 11” x 17” sheets that are folded in half to the size of 8.5” x 11.”
We can print saddle stitch orders that are 8 - 96 pages. In other words, your document (counting the front and back cover) should be one of the following page counts:
8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 36 40 | 44 | 48 | 52 | 56 | 60 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 | 88 | 92
Upload Pages in this Order:
Creep
When saddle stitching, there is a term called “page creep,” which refers to the inner-most pages being pushed out further than the pages closer to the outside of the booklet. This is most noticeable when there is a large number of pages or thicker paper. Generally, booklets under 40 pages total will not require adjustments for creep.
Diagram A below shows how the pages stick out (creep) from the book and Diagram B shows how the pages are trimmed after being stitched. PrintingCenterUSA makes every effort to adjust for creep when necessary.
Available Sizes
Learn More:
Print-Ready Files Every TimeIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Inside Paper Options
100# Gloss Text (5pt) This shiny and lustrous coated sheet is excellent for full color printing making photographs stand out and look rich and beautiful. It is about 25% thicker and heavier than 80# text, giving a more upscale, sharp and appealing look with a higher end feel. This premium paper features high opacity for two-sided printing that will have minimal show through the opposite side.
Learn MoreCover Paper
100# Gloss Cover Cardstock (9 pt) For a more upscale look and a higher end feel, upgrade to our 100# gloss cover. It has the same characteristics and uses as 80# gloss cover but is about 25% more bulk being thicker and heavier, making it our highest quality premium paper. UV coating is available for a more shiny and luxurious high gloss finish. *Recommended*
Learn MoreLearn More:
Print-Ready Files Every TimeIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Softcover
A SOFTCOVER BOOK is like a paperback novel, catalog, or magazine. The soft covers are printed on a more durable heavier weight cover cardstock paper to give your book a little more thickness and heft. We recommend 80# or 100# gloss or matte cover cardstock for the cover and 80# or 100# gloss or matte text for the inside pages. 70# gloss text is available when weight becomes an issue, for example, when mailing your books.
- We offer 4 types of softcover binding: Perfect bound and saddle-stitched are our most popular binding types. We also offer softcover Spiral bound and Wire-o binding.
- Softcover books offer the BEST VALU
- The cover can be coated with Soft Touch Lamination to create a matte, velvety smooth, finish.
- They are more popular, affordable, and offer a quicker turnaround time compared to hardcover books.
- A hardcover book has a cover made from thick, rigid paperboard (like an elementary school textbook). We do not offer hardcover books.
Self-Cover
A SOFTCOVER BOOK have the same paper weight for the front and back cover and the inside pages. 100# Text (Gloss or Matte) is recommended. We only offer self-cover for Saddle Stitched Books.
- Easier to fold into a self-mailer or put into an envelope
- Does not require the durability and longevity of a heavier cover
- More easily damaged when mailed.
- 80# or 70# gloss text are also available when weight becomes an issue, for example, mailing.
Learn More:
Print-Ready Files Every TimeIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Perfect Bound Printing
Perfect binding booklet printing is single sheets (text weight) paper printed on both sides and collated in page number order, one on top of the other, and gathered into a book block. The spine edge is ground off. The softcover (a thicker cardstock) is placed over and around the book block (interior pages) and attached by the application of a strong yet flexible PUR glue along the binding edge, creating a professional looking square spine that can be printed on. The other three sides of the book are then trimmed to the desired finished size to give them that clean “perfect” edge, thus the name “perfect” bound.
An open perfect bound book does not lay flat like a saddle stitch, wire-o or spiral bound book.
Number of Pages Accepted
The minimum number of pages is 28 pages to 2” thick maximum. 2 page increments are required when ordering.
Upload Pages in this Order:
Perfect Bound Design Tips
- Gutters:because perfect bound books cannot lay completely flat without breaking, there is a portion of each inside page that will lose visibility into the spine. This inside gutter can take up between ¼” and 3/8” of each page. Be mindful of this while designing and add an extra ½” cushion to the binding-side margins of each page of your perfect bound book.
- Crossoversor images that span two adjacent pages, inside of perfect bound books are not recommended.
- Spine Width A unique feature of perfect bound books is the ability to design the spine if it is larger than 1/8th inch (2" thick maximum). You can keep it a solid color, add text or have one continuous image covering the front cover across to the back cover. Determining your spine width depends on your number of pages and the paper stock you have selected. click here to download our spine calculator.
Available Sizes
Learn More:
Print-Ready Files Every TimeIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Softcover
A SOFTCOVER BOOK is like a paperback novel, catalog, or magazine. The soft covers are printed on a more durable heavier weight cover cardstock paper to give your book a little more thickness and heft. We recommend 80# or 100# gloss or matte cover cardstock for the cover and 80# or 100# gloss or matte text for the inside pages. 70# gloss text is available when weight becomes an issue, for example, when mailing your books.
- We offer 4 types of softcover binding: Perfect bound and saddle-stitched are our most popular binding types. We also offer softcover Spiral bound and Wire-o binding.
- Softcover books offer the BEST VALU
- The cover can be coated with Soft Touch Lamination to create a matte, velvety smooth, finish.
- They are more popular, affordable, and offer a quicker turnaround time compared to hardcover books.
- A hardcover book has a cover made from thick, rigid paperboard (like an elementary school textbook). We do not offer hardcover books.
Learn More:
Print-Ready Files Every TimeIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Inside Paper Options
100# Gloss Text (5pt) This shiny and lustrous coated sheet is excellent for full color printing making photographs stand out and look rich and beautiful. It is about 25% thicker and heavier than 80# text, giving a more upscale, sharp and appealing look with a higher end feel. This premium paper features high opacity for two-sided printing that will have minimal show through the opposite side.
Learn MoreCover Paper
100# Gloss Cover Cardstock (9 pt) For a more upscale look and a higher end feel, upgrade to our 100# gloss cover. It has the same characteristics and uses as 80# gloss cover but is about 25% more bulk being thicker and heavier, making it our highest quality premium paper. UV coating is available for a more shiny and luxurious high gloss finish. *Recommended*
Learn MoreLearn More:
Print-Ready Files Every TimeIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Spiral Bound Printing
Spiral bound printing is single sheets of paper printed on both sides, cut down to trim size and collated in page number order. Then a continuous plastic coil loop shaped like a long spring passes through a row of punched holes at the edge of the printed piece the binding can be on the left or top of the project depending on how the project is designed. Spiral Bound Books are easier to handle and will lie flat (180 degrees) for easy reading reference materials. Pages turn easily, lack spinal tension, and can fold or wrap back around themselves (360 degree).
Spiral bound book printing offers different coil colors, sizes, and diameters that are readily available and can accommodate a higher page count up to 2 3/4” thick. You cannot print on the spine or add or remove pages. Crossovers, or images that span two adjacent pages, inside of perfect bound books are not recommended.
Number of Pages Accepted
We can print spiral and wire-o orders that have 8 pages - 800 pages (or up to 2 ¾” inches thick) and we require them be in 2-page increments.
Upload Pages in this Order:
Design Tips
You must leave extra space for the hole drilling on the binding-side of your Spiral or Wire-O booklet. Set your binding-side margins to be 3/8”. Refer to our free downloadable templates for a design guide.
While bleeding images are fully acceptable, PrintingCenterUSA does not recommend crossover images due to the substantial gap between pages.
Available Sizes
Learn More:
Print-Ready Files Every TimeIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Inside Paper Options
100# Gloss Text (5pt) This shiny and lustrous coated sheet is excellent for full color printing making photographs stand out and look rich and beautiful. It is about 25% thicker and heavier than 80# text, giving a more upscale, sharp and appealing look with a higher end feel. This premium paper features high opacity for two-sided printing that will have minimal show through the opposite side.
Learn MoreCover Paper
100# Gloss Cover Cardstock (9 pt) For a more upscale look and a higher end feel, upgrade to our 100# gloss cover. It has the same characteristics and uses as 80# gloss cover but is about 25% more bulk being thicker and heavier, making it our highest quality premium paper. UV coating is available for a more shiny and luxurious high gloss finish. *Recommended*
Learn MoreLearn More:
Print-Ready Files Every TimeIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Softcover
A SOFTCOVER BOOK is like a paperback novel, catalog, or magazine. The soft covers are printed on a more durable heavier weight cover cardstock paper to give your book a little more thickness and heft. We recommend 80# or 100# gloss or matte cover cardstock for the cover and 80# or 100# gloss or matte text for the inside pages. 70# gloss text is available when weight becomes an issue, for example, when mailing your books.
- We offer 4 types of softcover binding: Perfect bound and saddle-stitched are our most popular binding types. We also offer softcover Spiral bound and Wire-o binding.
- Softcover books offer the BEST VALU
- The cover can be coated with Soft Touch Lamination to create a matte, velvety smooth, finish.
- They are more popular, affordable, and offer a quicker turnaround time compared to hardcover books.
- A hardcover book has a cover made from thick, rigid paperboard (like an elementary school textbook). We do not offer hardcover books.
Learn More:
Print-Ready Files Every TimeIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Wire-O Bound Printing
Wire-O Bound Printing is single sheets of paper printed on both sides, cut down to trim size and collated in page number order. The wire, often referred to as a wire comb or twin-loop / double-loop binding, has pre-formed pairs of two small loops of wire that run along a C-shaped spine that looks like a comb. These wire loops are inserted through each of the square holes that have been punched through the edge of the printed book’s cover and pages which allow the pages of your book to line up precisely. A wire closer squeezes the spine until it is round securing the cover and pages. the binding can be on the left or top of the project depending on how the project is designed. Wire-o binding will generally have a lower page count than spiral up to 1 ¼ “thick. The wire is available in different lengths for your bound books and calendars. The color of the standard wire we offer is black. You cannot print on the spine, add or remove pages. Crossovers, or images that span two adjacent pages are not recommended.
Upload Pages in This Order
Number of Pages Accepted
We can print spiral and wire-o orders that have 8 pages - 800 pages (or up to 1 ¼ inches thick) and we require them be in 2-page increments.
Design Tips
You must leave extra space for the hole drilling on the binding-side of your Spiral or Wire-O booklet. Set your binding-side margins to be 3/8”. Refer to our free downloadable templates for a design guide.
While bleeding images are fully acceptable, PrintingCenterUSA does not recommend crossover images due to the substantial gap between pages.
Available Sizes
While bleeding images are fully acceptable, PrintingCenterUSA does not recommend crossover images due to the substantial gap between pages.
Learn More:
Print-Ready Files Every TimeIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Inside Paper Options
100# Gloss Text (5pt) This shiny and lustrous coated sheet is excellent for full color printing making photographs stand out and look rich and beautiful. It is about 25% thicker and heavier than 80# text, giving a more upscale, sharp and appealing look with a higher end feel. This premium paper features high opacity for two-sided printing that will have minimal show through the opposite side.
Learn MoreCover Paper
100# Gloss Cover Cardstock (9 pt) For a more upscale look and a higher end feel, upgrade to our 100# gloss cover. It has the same characteristics and uses as 80# gloss cover but is about 25% more bulk being thicker and heavier, making it our highest quality premium paper. UV coating is available for a more shiny and luxurious high gloss finish. *Recommended*
Learn MoreLearn More:
Print-Ready Files Every TimeIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Softcover
A SOFTCOVER BOOK is like a paperback novel, catalog, or magazine. The soft covers are printed on a more durable heavier weight cover cardstock paper to give your book a little more thickness and heft. We recommend 80# or 100# gloss or matte cover cardstock for the cover and 80# or 100# gloss or matte text for the inside pages. 70# gloss text is available when weight becomes an issue, for example, when mailing your books.
- We offer 4 types of softcover binding: Perfect bound and saddle-stitched are our most popular binding types. We also offer softcover Spiral bound and Wire-o binding.
- Softcover books offer the BEST VALU
- The cover can be coated with Soft Touch Lamination to create a matte, velvety smooth, finish.
- They are more popular, affordable, and offer a quicker turnaround time compared to hardcover books.
- A hardcover book has a cover made from thick, rigid paperboard (like an elementary school textbook). We do not offer hardcover books.
Learn More:
Print-Ready Files Every TimeIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Cover Cardstock Paper
Options
100# Gloss Cover Cardstock (9pt) - For a more upscale look and a higher end feel, upgrade to our 100# gloss cover. It has the same characteristics and uses as 80# gloss cover but is about 25% more bulk being thicker and heavier, making it our highest quality premium paper. UV coating is available for a more shiny and luxurious high gloss finish. *Most popular for Softcover*
100# Matte Cover Cardstock (9 pt) - For a more upscale look and a higher end feel, upgrade to our 100# Matte cover. It has the same characteristics and uses as 80# Matte cover but is about 25% more bulk being thicker and heavier, making it our highest quality premium paper.
80# Gloss Cover Cardstock (8pt) - is a coated paper with a smooth finish similar to a glossy photograph. It is about twice as thick as 80# text and gives a sharp and appealing look with a substantial and sturdy feel. UV coating is available for a more shiny and luxurious high gloss finish.
80# Matte Cover Cardstock (8pt) - Dull coated sheet and exhibits low gloss finish. This lightweight cardstock is about twice as thick as 80# gloss text and has a substantial and sturdy feel. It is glare free making it easier to read when there is a lot of typed copy.
Coating Options
Gloss paper has a shiny and lustrous smooth coated gloss finish. Excellent for making full color printing appear more vibrant.
Matte paper is a dull coated sheet that exhibits low gloss finish. Paper has minimal glare, making it easier to read text.
Uncoated paper is easy to write on and should be used in projects such as a workbook or coloring book.
Learn More:
Print-Ready Files Every TimeIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Join Over 70,000 Customers Who Have Trusted Us With Their Projects
Rated
4.8 / 5 based on 375
reviews onHow Much Does it Cost to Get a Children’s Book Printed?
You can get 100 copies of an 5.5” x 8.5” 8 page Saddle Stitch children's book on 100# Gloss Cover and 100# Gloss Text, Full Color (4/4), printed and delivered to your doorstep in 4-11 business days with our Wait & Save Printing Time option for only $164.84 ($1.65 each) or 1000 copies for only $497.98 ($0.50 each) plus shipping and handling at PrintingCenterUSA.com. Get an instant price on our cost calculator.
• These are examples of our everyday competitive prices.
*Prices are subject to change/shipping NOT included.
Learn More| Size/Qty | 50 | 100 | 1000 | 5000 | 10000 | 20000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5 x 11 | $3.35 each $167.32 total | $2.14 each $214.33 total | $0.91 each $906.26 total | $0.53 each $2,639.71 total | $0.46 each $4,581.91 total | $0.41 each $8,234.06 total |
| 5.5 x 8.5 | $2.68 each $134.00 total | $1.65 each $164.84 total | $0.50 each $497.98 total | $0.27 each $1,339.84 total | $0.24 each $2,397.10 total | $0.23 each $4,524.87 total |
| 6 x 9 | $2.91 each $145.62 total | $1.79 each $178.72 total | $0.66 each $657.65 total | $0.36 each $1,796.40 total | $0.30 each $3,010.99 total | $0.27 each $5,412.26 total |
How to Print a Booklet in 7 Easy & Affordable Steps
- Gather all of the content and images for your children’s book printing project.
- Place and format your content and images into an Adobe Suite Program (InDesign or Illustrator) OR: Use our free online photo book design tool and free downloadable templates to create your children’s book.
- Enter your Binding, Size, Quantity, # of Pages, Ink, Paper, In-Hand Delivery Date and get an Instant Quote.
- Upload your print-ready PDF or proceed to checkout through the online designer.
- We will then run your files through our 43-point checklist and send you a PDF proof for you to approve or reject.
- When approved, we will schedule and print your children’s books.
- Your children’s books will be delivered to your doorstep as promised for you to enjoy and distribute.
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Fast, Easy, & Affordable
Get started now! Upload your design files created in an Adobe Suite program, such as InDesign, Illustrator or Photoshop
Need Design Help?
We offer a free online photo book design tool for your saddle stitched and perfect bound books, as well as a photo calendar design tool with different options. Other resources include multiple free templates, grids and layout guidelines to help you get started.
Our Cheap Brochure Printing is Rated #1
At PrintingCenterUSA, we’re not afraid to use the words, cheap brochures, when our nationwide customer base gives us 5 stars on TRUSTPILOT and an A+ Rating on Better Business Bureau and a satisfaction guarantee.
You’ll Love Our Inexpensive Custom Calendar Printing
Every wall calendar is printed on premium quality coated paper with vibrant photos at a fraction of the cost of traditional local and online printing services.