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Self Published Book Printing

Skip publishing houses, retain full creative control, save money and receive your professionally printed book in just a few days. Softback and Hardback. Art Books. Children's Stories. Impressive Coffee Table Volumes.
We Are Here to Help.
Enjoy this page first, then

Judge a Book by Its Cover ...and What's Inside

Why Choose Ex Why Zed? Here are 6 enticing reasons:

• Refreshingly friendly, patient and intelligent Ex Why Zed team.
• Your work will be thoroughly checked by experts before we go to print.
• All Papers are FSC Certified.
• Maximum quality HP Indigo Digital and Heidelberg Litho Printing
• FREE delivery anywhere in the UK. We ship worldwide daily too.
• 490+ superb reviews on Trustpilot.

Our process is easy: Send us a PDF and we'll do the rest! 🚀

Empower your publishing journey!
Why Self-Publishing with Ex Why Zed Outshines Traditional Publishing

Enjoy our insightful article where we take a good look at:

  • Creative Freedom: Retain full control over your content, design, and distribution.
  • Higher Profit Margins: Keep 100% OF YOUR PROFITS after printing costs.
  • Rapid Time to Market: Receive your book in as little as 5 days.
  • Personalised Support: Exceptional customer service with one-on-one guidance.
  • Cost-Effective Solutions: Benefit from transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
  • Flexible Printing Options: Choose from a diverse range of book formats—children's books, photography books, zines, hardbacks, and more.
  • Ownership and Rights: Maintain full ownership of your work. No restrictive contracts.

Our blog post delves deeper into each of these benefits, providing a comprehensive comparison between traditional publishing and self-publishing with Ex Why Zed.

Self-Published Book Winning Choices
For a Photo Book
£3.10 per copy for 100
A handheld vehicle for your latest photo. These could retail at £10+ set
• A5 Books
• 4pp Cover onto 300gsm Silk
• Matt Lamination
• 36pp Text onto 130gsm Silk
• Perfect Bound
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For a Children's Book
£210 for 50 copies
A glorious square format for your story. 36 pages to inspire parents and young readers.
• 210x210mm Books
• 4pp Cover onto 300gsm Silk
• Gloss Lamination
• 32pp Text onto 130gsm Silk
• Perfect Bound
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For a Hard Back Art Book
500 books, £8.80 each
An impressive coffee table publication. Easily sell to your fans for over £30 each.
• A4 Books
• Printed Cover
• Printed End Papers
• 100pp Text onto 115gsm Uncoated
• Case Bound
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BOOK PRINTING JOURNEY

Our Goal: Bringing Your Creative Vision to Life

Explore the gallery below to see a diverse selection of recent books we're proud to have printed. Each project reflects the unique vision of its author, brought to fruition through our collaborative process.

At Ex Why Zed, we make self published book printing accessible and straightforward for authors of all backgrounds and experience levels. If you are a novice, then you have come to the right place. Our friendly, expert account managers are on hand to offer advice, move the project forward and crucially check your artwork when it arrives to ensure the files are print ready before they go anywhere near our presses.

Our Pinterest boards offer a wealth of design inspiration, while our Portfolio highlights some of our favourite and most distinctive self-published books. It is packed with over 500 case studies now!  And yes, these are really projects we have printed, not the CGI nonsense you find on all the other sites.

Take a look, get inspired, and then choose a specification that suits your project perfectly.

PRINT OPTIONS

Tailored Options to Fit Your Needs

The possibilities are almost endless when it comes to size, finishing, and paper choices. We offer expert knowledge and advice before your job goes to press, competitive quotes to stretch your budget, and a high-quality standard of printing delivered throughout the UK and worldwide.

Cost-Saving Tips:

  • Pick Our Standard Paper Choices: Opting for our uncoated, silk, or gloss finishes can help keep costs down. These finishes are available in various weights, from 115gsm (ideal for text pages) up to 300 and even 350gsm (perfect for card covers).This is a quick 10 minute video giving a visual insight into the three choices.
  • Consider Size, Page Count, and Quantity: These factors significantly influence the overall cost. A larger book with more pages or a higher print quantity will naturally be more expensive. Streamlining your content or adjusting the size can help reduce costs without compromising quality.
SELF-PUBLISHED BOOK FUNDING

Crowdfunding your project

Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, indiegogo and Crowdfunder have become popular avenues for authors to finance their self-publishing projects. Many of our clients have successfully used these platforms to raise funds, build an audience, and increase awareness of their books. Art books, in particular, tend to perform well on Kickstarter. By offering incentives to backers, you can secure the necessary funds to cover printing costs and potentially produce more copies than initially planned.

Additionally, consider exploring financial assistance from organisations like The Arts Council, which regularly supports creative projects. We've compiled a helpful blog post with tips and strategies for successful crowdfunding.

File Set-Up Made Easy

Setting up your files can be a tad overwhelming, we get it. That's why we've condensed all the help and info you need into one comprehensive guide on Preparing Artwork for Perfect Bound Book Printing. Whether you're an InDesign pro or a Word wizard, this guide's got you covered. Enjoy the 5 minute read and you if you ever feel lost, our team's just an email or call away.

Remember, all we need to print your book is a PDF file.

Not sure where to start or which software to use? Here is our guide to the Best Design Software. If you would prefer someone else to design your book or set-up your artwork, then we have curated a list of some professional design solutions, or find an experienced designer on fiverr or peopleperhour.

Get your print quote
THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING

Discover a selection of recent books we've expertly crafted in collaboration with their authors.

Education Children's Books
100,000 Copies Printed and Counting....

Duffy's Lucky Escape from Wild Tribe Heroes

"Duffy's Lucky Escape" is a beautifully illustrated children's book that narrates the true story of Duffy, a sea turtle who mistakenly ingests ocean waste and survives the ordeal. Authored by Ellie and Ian, the book has garnered national attention, receiving endorsements from Sir David Attenborough and Prince Charles (now King Charless III). Its compelling narrative has played a significant role in raising awareness about oceanic plastic pollution.

The authors aim to place a copy of "Duffy's Lucky Escape" in the hands of every child in the country, having already distributed 100,000 copies. This widespread reach has inspired many readers to advocate for environmental action within their communities. The book's impact is evident in the growing movement to address plastic waste, highlighted by initiatives such as a £60 million fund announced by the government to combat this issue.

Why Choose Ex Why Zed for Your Book Printing
When you partner with Ex Why Zed, you benefit from our dedication to quality, service, and your success.
Exceptional Customer Service
We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding customer service. Our team is genuinely interested in your project, offering personalised support whether you're printing a single proof copy or a large run for nationwide distribution. We're here to guide you through every step of the process.
Free, No-Obligation Quotes
We believe in transparency and no-pressure interactions. You'll receive a detailed quote as part of the best email you'll receive all day! It will be tailored to your project's specifications and packed full of information. If we find your project particularly exciting, you might receive a friendly follow-up to see if we can assist further.
Super Helpful Setup Guides
To ensure your files are print-ready, we've developed detailed illustrated and video guides. These resources are designed to make the file preparation process straightforward, even if you're new to publishing. Should you have any questions, our team is readily available via phone or email.
Free Paper Samples
Choosing the right paper is crucial to the look and feel of your book. While our paper choices page offers detailed descriptions, nothing compares to experiencing the finishes first hand. Request a free sample pack, and we'll send it out promptly for you to explore.
Flexible Order Quantities
At Ex Why Zed, you can print any quantity from 1 upwards—the exact number you need. If you'd like 71 books, we'll print 71 books! If your publication is in its infancy, a large print run might be out of reach for the first edition. Our digital presses offer the perfect solution with low unit prices, allowing you to test the market first.
UK & Worldwide delivery
We offer free delivery within the UK. Yes, FREE! For international orders, we'll provide competitive shipping rates based on the most cost-effective courier services available on the day of dispatch.
An Impressive Array of Bespoke Options
To make your book truly unique, we offer a range of premium finishing options, including foiling, embossing, debossing, spot varnishing, die-cutting, fold-out pages, and specialty papers. These enhancements can add a distinctive touch to your publication, setting it apart in the marketplace. Please note that these options may increase the overall cost.
Experience the Joy of Holding Your Book
There's an indescribable satisfaction in unboxing your printed books and holding them in your hands. It's a tangible reward for your hard work and creativity—a moment we love helping our clients achieve.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Our helpful section of FAQs to guide in the final stages of your print journey

Our comprehensive FAQs address common inquiries to assist you in the final stages of your publishing journey. We've gathered a wealth of information to support you, but if you need further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out.

View all our FAQ's
Why should I print my book with Ex Why Zed?

Books are more than just pages; they're experiences. You can write them, collect them, cherish them, discuss them, or share them with friends. They can sit proudly on your bedside table, waiting to transport you to another world.

We believe in empowering you to make all the decisions about your book. There are no illogical restrictions on quantity or size—it’s your creation, your choice! You've spent countless hours perfecting your work; the last thing you need is a printer telling you, "Nope can't do that. We'll print it at A4 on glossy paper that doesn't suit your content."

Thankfully, we're not that printer. At Ex Why Zed, we embrace a forward-thinking approach to print. We'll strive to find a solution for even the most bespoke requests. This isn't our first rodeo - we've tackled plenty of challenging projects in the past!

How much does it cost to self-publish a book?

Our bottom line is getting your book into print, so we offer very competitive rates that enable you to sell at a price your readers are willing to pay.

So, how much will it cost?
Printing involves numerous variables, making it impossible to price every option online. Use our intuitive Project Builder or email us with your specifications, considering the following factors, and we'll get a quote back to you as soon as possible:

  • Book size
  • Number of pages
  • Cover paper choice
  • Inside page paper choice
  • Full colour or black & white printing
  • Quantity you wish to print

It take 2 minutes maximum to fill out the form...1 minute if you choose the Rockstar route.

How long does the printing take?

Generally, we aim to deliver your finished books within 4–5 working days after receiving your print-ready artwork. For larger orders or complex projects, such as those requiring litho printing, please allow 8–10 working days. If you have a specific deadline, we recommend discussing it with us to ensure timely delivery.

Our Long Run Hardback Book team get super busy n October to December so if you are printing over 700 copies of a hardcover book in the latter part of the year, book it in nice and early because turnaround times can slip to 4-8 weeks.

What paper and size options are available?

We offer a wide range of paper types and weights, from standard uncoated papers to premium stocks. Sizes can be standard 'A' sizes or custom dimensions to suit your project's needs. Our team can advise on the best options based on your content and design.

Do you print hardback and softback books?

Yes, we provide both hardback and paperback printing services. Our hardback books feature professional binding and durable covers. View our hardback video guide for inspiration and ideas on how to create a stunning hardback book.

Have a look at our hardback video guide for ideas on what can be achieved.

For over 32 pages, we can bind a softback book with perfect binding.

For smaller page numbers, we can staple bind a booklet for you.

Can I incorporate special finishes like foiling or embossing?

Certainly! Special finishes such as foiling, embossing, debossing, and spot varnishing can add a luxurious touch to your book. These options are excellent for making your cover stand out and can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.

Each process tends to add £280 to the overall cost. That is a flat fee for 1-500 copies.

Is it possible to perfect bind less than 32 pages?

Perfect binding requires a minimum thickness to ensure durability and proper adhesion. For books with fewer than 32 pages, we recommend saddle stitching (staple binding) as an alternative. This method is ideal for thinner publications and offers a professional finish.

What are the maximum sizes you can print?

Our maximum printing sizes are:

  • Portrait Orientation: For perfect bound or hardback: up to 297mm high x 210mm wide (A4). 420x297mm for staple binding (A3).
  • Square Format: Up to 297mm x 297mm.
  • Landscape Orientation: Up to 210mm high x 297mm wide

Our smallest printing sizes are:

  • Portrait Orientation: 148mm high x 105mm wide (A6).
  • Square Format: 148mm x 148mm.
  • Landscape Orientation: From to 148mm high x 210mm wide (A5 landscape).

If you have specific size requirements, please discuss them with our team. We can print all custom sizes up to the dimensions shown above

Can you explain wire stitching and perfect binding?
  • Wire Stitching (Saddle Stitching): This method involves folding sheets in half and stapling them along the fold, creating a booklet. It's suitable for publications with a lower page count and is cost-effective.
  • Perfect Binding: Ideal for thicker books, perfect binding uses adhesive to bind the pages and cover together at the spine, providing a sleek, square-edged finish. This method is commonly used for paperback books.

Our setup guides offer detailed instructions on preparing your files for each binding method.

What are the benefits of cover lamination?

Cover lamination enhances the durability and appearance of your book:

  • Matt Lamination: Offers a smooth, non-reflective finish that adds a touch of elegance.
  • Gloss Lamination: Provides a shiny, reflective surface that makes colours pop, ideal for vibrant images.
  • Soft-Touch Lamination: Gives a velvety feel to the cover, creating a luxurious tactile experience. Please note that it may show fingerprints more easily.
Do you supply ISBN numbers?

We don't but you can go direct to https://www.nielsenisbnstore.com/ who are the UK distributor.  They have a very simple system for buying the ISBN and generating a barcode which you then add to your back cover artwork.

Why do you refer to inside pages as 'text' pages? Can they include images?

Absolutely! The term 'text pages' refers to the internal pages of your book, which can include text, images, illustrations, photographs, or any combination thereof. We support full-colour and black ink printing to accommodate all types of content.

How do you define a page for quoting purposes?

For quoting purposes, we consider one page as one side of content. Therefore, a sheet of paper has two pages—a front and a back. If you request a quote for 40 inside pages, that means 40 pages of content in your artwork file/PDF and in the book, which equates to 20 sheets printed on both sides.

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