How to Print a Graphic Novel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a graphic novel is no small feat; it takes vision, discipline, and hours of careful design. But when it comes time to actually print your graphic novel, the choices you make can determine whether it lands with impact or falls flat.

If you're an artist, writer, or indie publisher wondering how to print a graphic novel with professional results, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you through every step, from layout to print and promotion, with expert insight and services from Ex Why Zed, UK’s most trusted creative printers.

Steps to Print Your Graphic Novel from Draft to Book

Whether you're self-publishing a full-colour graphic novel or producing a short run for conventions, each step plays a vital role in transforming your digital artwork into a polished, professional-quality book. Follow these essential steps to ensure your final product not only looks exceptional but also reflects the time, creativity, and effort you’ve invested in every panel.

Step 1: Plan Your Graphic Novel Layout and Format

Before you begin the printing process, it’s essential to define the key specifications of your graphic novel. These early decisions will directly influence your design approach, production costs, and overall reader experience.

Here are a few layout decisions to consider at this stage:

• Determine the book size: Common formats include A5, US comic size (7x10"), or square dimensions.
• Choose the orientation: Select portrait or landscape based on how your artwork is composed.
• Estimate the total page count: This will help inform your layout, binding type, and spine width.
• Decide on full-bleed artwork: If your illustrations extend to the edge of the page, you’ll need to account for bleed and trim margins in your file setup.

Step 2: Choose the Best Paper and Binding for Your Graphic Novel

The look and feel of your book can change drastically depending on the paper you choose. For graphic novels, where visuals are key, Ex Why Zed offers several options that help your artwork shine:

• Silk: Smooth with a slight sheen, perfect for vibrant colour.
• Uncoated: Matte and natural are great for a more organic, risograph-style feel.
• Gloss: High shine, great for sharp contrasts and bold illustrations.

Binding matters too. For shorter zine-style books, saddle-stitching (staples) works well. For thicker stories, perfect binding (like a paperback novel) offers a more professional spine and finish. Hardback options are also good if you're looking to create a premium collector’s edition.

Not sure which paper to choose? Explore our guide on the best papers to print, including silk, gloss, uncoated, and recycled options.

Step 3: Design a Striking Cover for Your Graphic Novel

Your cover is your first impression. A great graphic novel cover combines eye-catching illustration with clean typography and thoughtful composition. If you’re printing a perfect-bound book, make sure you also account for the spine width when designing your wraparound cover.

Don’t overlook the impact of finishes. Matte or gloss lamination gives the book a professional feel. Spot UV adds texture and shine to specific elements like a title or logo. You can even opt for foil stamping or embossing for a standout tactile effect.

Step 4: Choose Your Printing Method: Digital or Litho?

When it comes to how to print a graphic novel, your printing method plays a key role in cost and output quality. The two most common methods are:

• Digital printing: Ideal for short runs (1–250 copies), offering fast turnaround and lower setup costs. Also ideal for creators testing campaigns or targeting niche audiences using analytics or ad user data before scaling up.
• Litho printing: Best suited for larger volumes (250+), delivering consistent high quality and more economical pricing per unit at scale.

Whether you are looking for a Litho Printing Company or a Digital Printing Company, Ex Why Zed offer both under the same roof. With industry-leading presses like HP Indigo for digital works and Heidelberg for litho runs, you're covered no matter your print run size.

Step 5: Prepare Your Artwork for High-Quality Print

Once your layout and cover are finalized, it’s time to prepare your files for production. Getting the technical setup right ensures your printed graphic novel looks just as sharp and polished as it does on screen. Here are the key elements to focus on:

• Resolution: All artwork should be set to 300 DPI (dots per inch) to maintain crisp, detailed images in print. Lower resolutions may result in blurry or pixelated visuals, especially for fine lines or text.
• Colour mode: Convert your files from RGB (screen colours) to CMYK (print colours). RGB files may appear overly saturated or inaccurate when printed, whereas CMYK ensures faithful colour reproduction using ink.
• File type: Export your final document as a PDF/X-1a for best results. This format embeds fonts, flattens transparency, and locks in colours, reducing the risk of shifting elements or missing assets during printing.
• Bleed: Extend any artwork that touches the edge of the page by 3mm beyond the trim line. This bleed area ensures that no unwanted white borders appear after the book is trimmed to size.

Step 6: Decide if You Need an ISBN

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique code used to catalog your publication title and is essential if you plan to sell your graphic novel through retail platforms like Amazon, bookshops, or libraries. Each format, whether paperback, hardcover, or digital, requires a separate number. If you're producing variant covers, those may also need their own ISBNs.

However, if you're selling directly via social media, your website, or at zine fairs, an ISBN isn’t mandatory. If you do include one, it’s typically placed on the cover spread (specifically the lower area of the back cover) or on the inside back cover, depending on your layout and distribution needs.

Step 7: Print Small Batch Runs or Test Copies First

Before committing to a full production run, it’s wise to print graphic novel in a small batch, or even a single copy, to evaluate the final product in hand. This gives you a chance to:

• Proof the final appearance and ensure full colour, alignment, and finishes are exactly as expected.
• Share copies with beta readers, reviewers, or collaborators for early feedback.
• Launch a soft release to generate interest and address any issues before wider distribution.

At Ex Why Zed, there’s no minimum order requirement, you can print just one copy if needed. This flexibility allows you to refine your project before scaling up confidently. This also helps you avoid costly reprints and ensuring your graphic novel is ready for readers from page one.

Step 8: Market Your Graphic Novel After Printing

Once your book is printed and in hand, it’s time to shift your focus to visibility. Strategic promotion is key to growing your audience and building momentum for future issues or volumes.

Here are a few proven strategies:

• Share page thumbnails, work-in-progress clips, and behind-the-scenes snapshots across platforms like Instagram or TikTok to generate excitement.
• Attend zine fairs, comic book expos, or small press markets to connect with niche audiences who value unique, creator-owned content.
• Sell through platforms like Etsy, Big Cartel, or your personal website, and consider adding variant covers or exclusive bonuses to encourage early purchases.
• Use your artwork dashboard or newsletter to share updates, estimated dates for restocks, and special promotions tied to launch milestones.

A professionally printed book with clean design, vibrant interior pages, and quality finishing can boost your credibility. It also helps attract the attention of influencers, reviewers, and indie bookstores looking for standout titles.

Why Print Your Graphic Novel with Ex Why Zed?

At Ex Why Zed, we specialize in high-quality, creator-friendly printing for graphic novels, zines, and illustrated books. Whether you're printing a single proof copy or a full commercial run, we offer exceptional flexibility with no minimum order quantities. You’ll also have access to a wide range of paper stocks and both digital and litho printing using industry-leading presses.

You’ll get access to free file checks, clear setup guides, and one-on-one support from experienced print experts who understand the unique needs of artists and self-publishers. We also offer commission-free fulfilment, warehousing, and worldwide distribution, so your story doesn’t just get printed, but gets into the hands of readers.

Get an instant quote today!

Bring Your Graphic Novel to Life With Confidence

Printing a graphic novel is where your creative vision becomes tangible. From choosing the right paper stocks to finalizing your spine design file, every element contributes to the quality of your printed book. It's also important to ensure your interior pages, outer covers, and spine artwork are included in a properly prepared single PDF file to achieve a professional final result.

Whether you’re producing a zine with low page counts or a full-length book with a detailed cover spread and high page counts, precision matters. Proper setup of file formats, dpi PDF file, bleeds, and binding edge alignment helps avoid issues like unprinted edges and supports a polished final appearance.

Before production, review your layout, check your individual files, and confirm your estimated date to ensure everything is on track. With careful preparation, your graphic novel will not only read well, but look like a professionally produced piece worthy of your audience’s bookshelf.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the best binding option for a short graphic novel?

If your number of pages is under 64, saddle stitch binding is ideal. It uses machine stitches to secure pages and is cost-effective for shorter runs. This works well for zines or titles with minimal details and fast turnarounds. Staple binding also allows the pages to be pressed flat so you don't lose any content. For longer projects, consider perfect binding or hardcover for greater durability.

2. Can I submit files from Affinity or Photoshop?

Yes, we accept files exported from Affinity Publisher and Adobe Photoshop, as long as they meet our print-ready specs. You can upload a separate PDF §file for your front cover and interior content or combine them into one single PDF file. Make sure your spine dimensions, bleeds, and resolution are accurate before submitting. If you’re unsure, check our support page for templates and file setup help.

3. How do I review my book before final print?

You’ll receive a downloadable proof to verify layout, alignment, and important content placement. This preview includes inner pages, inside covers, and a spine thumbnail to help you catch issues before production. For books with low paper weights or lots of ink coverage, we recommend checking for ink transferral or paper transparency. An online preview is also available through your artwork tab.

4. How are pricing and quotes handled?

Pricing depends on format, paperback items vs. hardcover items, inner pages, and total page count. You can get an initial quote instantly using our online tool, or request a bespoke quote if your project exceeds a specific limit or has special requirements. All costs, including estimated shipping date, are shown in your shopping cart before checkout. For complex requests, our print experts can guide you to the correct place in your setup process.

5. What should I keep in mind for reordering or updates?

You can easily reorder through your account, where any pending order details, previous spine files, and ad user data preferences are saved. Be sure to update any single pages that contain new or revised internal pages. For books with a dust jacket, verify that the design updates extend to the top of prints and flaps. We recommend confirming all specs before submission to avoid a higher cost for post-production changes.

6. What factors affect the durability of my printed graphic novel?

Several elements contribute to your book’s longevity, including the binding method, paper type, and how frequently the book will be handled. Using a strong adhesive for perfect binding ensures that pages remain intact, even with repeated use. Choosing a durable stock like uncoated paper can also reduce glare and wear over time.