Self Publish a Book: Crafting Your Vision with Ex Why Zed

Embarking on the journey to self publish a book is both thrilling and daunting. It's a venture filled with creative possibilities and important decisions that can shape the success of your publication. At Ex Why Zed, we understand the myriad of choices and challenges that await you. From selecting the right paper stock and binding style to designing an eye-catching cover that captures your book's essence, every detail matters in bringing your vision to life. We believe that your book printing should not only meet but exceed your expectations, reflecting the passion and effort you've invested in your work.

To help you make informed print choices when you decide to self publish a book, we've analysed and dissected a series of recent book printing projects. These case studies highlight the diverse range of publications we've had the privilege to bring to fruition, each with its unique goals, challenges, and triumphs. By sharing these experiences, we aim to provide valuable insights into the self published book printing process, showcase the innovative solutions we've implemented, and inspire you with possibilities for your own project.

Stories That Help by Chris Nickolay

Innovative solutions and a user-centric approach defined our collaboration with Chris Nickolay on his uplifting collection, Stories That Help. Chris envisioned a book that was both comforting and engaging, resonating with readers seeking solace and courage.

• Bold Visuals: The cover features playful, hand-drawn illustrations with smiling fingertips, creating an immediate sense of community and support.
• Sustainable Choices: Printed on FSC-certified uncoated stock, the tactile feel of the paper adds a natural touch, aligning with environmentally conscious values.
• Engaging Experience: The interior boasts a clean layout with generous margins, enhancing readability and allowing the heartfelt stories to shine.

Our strategic thinking ensured that every design element—from the timeless aesthetic of the typography to the seamless integration of illustrations—worked harmoniously. Chris's journey to self publish a book was transformed into a rewarding experience, culminating in a product that truly helps and inspires.

Make Extra by Kitty Coles

When Kitty Coles approached us to print her culinary masterpiece, Make Extra, we embraced the opportunity to deliver cutting-edge design and innovative solutions.

• Vibrant Colour Palette: Bold and dynamic colours were used to capture the essence of her recipes, creating a visually stimulating experience.
• Perfect Binding: A winning styling choice that provided durability and allowed the cookbook to lay flat—essential for any kitchen companion.
• Bold Typography: Large, expressive fonts added personality and made key information easily accessible.

Our client-centric focus ensured that Kitty's unique vision was realised. By combining bold visuals with strategic thinking, we crafted a cookbook that not only delights the senses but also stands out in the realm of self-published books.

Women & Freud: Patients, Pioneers, and Artists

The Freud Museum's catalogue, Women & Freud, required a blend of academic rigor and artistic elegance. Our collaboration was marked by innovative solutions and attention to detail.

• Debossed Cover: A timeless aesthetic that added depth and sophistication, reflecting the nuanced content within.
• Mixed Paper Stocks: Utilising both uncoated and silk FSC-certified papers, we achieved a balance between textual clarity and vibrant image reproduction.
• Sustainable Practices: Emphasising our commitment to sustainability, we used environmentally friendly materials without compromising on quality.

By employing a storytelling approach, we helped the Freud Museum to self publish a book that serves as a lasting tribute to the exhibition, enhancing its impact on audiences and reinforcing the museum's esteemed reputation.

PVC Sunset by Kieran Gabriel

Artist Kieran Gabriel sought to create a premium art book with bold visuals and seamless integration of his work. PVC Sunset is a testament to our ability to deliver on ambitious projects.

• Case-Bound Excellence: The premium case-bound format provided durability and a luxurious feel, essential for an art book of this calibre.
• Silk Stock Pages: High-quality 170gsm silk paper was chosen to make the vibrant illustrations jump off the page.
• Minimalist Design: A user-centric approach ensured that the artwork remained the focal point, with clean layouts and minimal distractions.

Our collaboration with Kieran exemplifies our dedication to helping artists self publish books that are both visually stunning and physically enduring. The result is a piece that not only showcases his talent but also elevates the standard of art book printing.

No Hands 3 by Ryu Voelkel

Embarking on the journey to self publish a book often involves capturing a unique vision with precision and care. Photographer Ryu Voelkel did just that with No Hands 3, a powerful visual narrative that delves into the raw emotion and artistry of football through stark, high-contrast black-and-white imagery.

• Premium Production Quality: Utilising innovative solutions, we crafted a hardback book with anti-scratch lamination and foiling on the cover, delivering a timeless aesthetic that mirrors the intensity of Ryu's photography.
• Immersive Visuals: Printed on 170gsm gloss paper, each photograph is rendered with exceptional clarity, allowing the images to jump off the page and fully immerse the reader in the moment.
• Minimalist Design: Adopting a user-centric approach, we maintained clean layouts with minimal text, ensuring that the powerful imagery takes centre stage and provides an engaging experience.

Our strategic thinking addressed the challenges of reproducing high-contrast black-and-white photos without unwanted colour casts. Through meticulous attention to detail and close collaboration, we achieved a final product that not only met but exceeded Ryu's expectations.

Client-Centric Focus: Ryu's journey to self publish a book was supported at every stage. We provided expert guidance on image adjustments and printing techniques, ensuring that the emotional impact of his photography was preserved and enhanced in print.

Peak Magazine: Issue 4

With Peak Magazine: Issue 4, we embraced an opportunity to merge innovative solutions with sustainable practices, crafting a publication that pushes the boundaries of traditional magazine printing. This project allowed us to showcase how bold design choices can create an engaging experience that resonates with modern readers.

• Oversized A3 Format: The decision to print in an A3 size provided a bold visual platform, enhancing the immersive quality of the magazine's adventurous and urban storytelling. This winning styling choice allowed for detailed appreciation of the stunning photography and design elements.
• Nested Layout: Departing from conventional binding, we implemented a nested, folded design. This cutting-edge approach offered readers a tactile and fluid interaction with the content, perfectly aligning with the magazine's avant-garde ethos.
• Vibrant Colour Printing: Utilising our expertise in seamless integration of colours, we achieved vivid contrasts that breathe life into every page. The strategic use of vibrant hues amplifies the magazine's storytelling, creating an engaging experience for readers.
• Sustainable Materials: Committed to sustainability, we used FSC-certified paper stocks. This not only reduced the environmental impact but also added a timeless aesthetic to the publication, aligning with modern ethical values.

By combining strategic thinking with bold visuals and sustainable practices, we helped Peak Magazine deliver an issue that stands out in both design and substance. This collaboration exemplifies how stepping beyond traditional formats can result in a publication that is both visually stunning and environmentally conscious.

Hurricane Brain by Louise Hale

At Ex Why Zed, we are passionate about helping authors tackle profound themes with sensitivity and care. Hurricane Brain by Louise Hale is a poignant illustrated children's book that addresses the delicate subject of loss and bereavement, offering guidance for both children and adults navigating difficult times.

• Thoughtful Design Choices: Understanding the emotional depth of the content, we chose a perfect bound format with uncoated 115gsm paper. This timeless aesthetic provides a natural, tactile feel that complements the heartfelt illustrations by Anna Gorenmyka.
• Engaging Visuals: Utilising full-colour printing on uncoated stock enhanced the soft, emotive artwork, creating an immersive experience that resonates with readers of all ages.
• Client-Centric Focus: Louise's journey to self publish a book came with unique challenges, especially in conveying complex emotions to a young audience. Our team provided innovative solutions and expert guidance on material choices, ensuring the final product was both impactful and accessible.
• Sustainable Practices: Committed to sustainability, we used environmentally friendly materials without compromising on quality, aligning with modern values and the book's compassionate message.

Our collaboration with Louise exemplifies our dedication to projects that make a meaningful difference. By combining strategic thinking with compassionate design, we helped bring Hurricane Brain to life—a resource that supports healing and understanding during challenging times.

Learning to See by Mike Chudley

In Learning to See by photographer Mike Chudley invites readers to observe the world through his lens, capturing candid moments of everyday life with striking clarity. This street photography book exemplifies how thoughtful design and premium materials can elevate a project when you choose to self publish a book.

• Premium Case-Bound Format: We utilised a case-bound hardback cover wrapped in Winter & Co Wicotex Brillianta fabric, providing a timeless aesthetic that exudes sophistication and durability.
• Elegant Foiling Details: The cover features both silver and gloss black foiling for the title, a bold visual choice that reflects the reflective nature of photography and adds a tactile dimension to the book.
• High-Quality Paper Selection: Printed on 170gsm silk paper, each photograph is rendered with exceptional clarity and vibrancy. This winning styling choice ensures that the intricate details of Mike's street photography are showcased to their fullest potential.
• Minimalist Design Approach: Adopting a user-centric approach, the layout emphasises full-bleed images with generous white space, allowing the photography to take centre stage without distractions. This seamless integration of design elements enhances the reader's immersive experience.

We provided expert guidance on material selection and printing techniques, ensuring that the final product not only met but exceeded his vision. By focusing on subtle yet impactful design choices, we helped Mike to self publish a book that stands out in the realm of photography publications.

My Vulva And I by Lydia Reeves

My Vulva And I by Lydia Reeves is a profound exploration of body diversity and self-love, encapsulated in a beautifully crafted art book. When Lydia chose to self publish a book that celebrates individuality and empowers readers, she entrusted us to bring her vision to life with the utmost care and precision.

• Premium Case-Bound Format: The book features a 260x210mm case-bound cover wrapped in Wicotex Brillianta fabric, providing a luxurious and durable finish. The cover is adorned with gold foiling, adding an elegant touch that reflects the book's significance.
• High-Quality Interior Pages: With 296 pages printed on 170gsm silk paper, the book showcases stunning photographs of 200 artistic casts. This winning styling choice ensures that each image is presented with exceptional clarity and vibrancy.
• Thoughtful Design Elements: The inclusion of 2x 4pp endpapers printed on 170gsm uncoated paper adds to the timeless aesthetic of the book. This blend of materials creates a tactile experience that engages readers from the moment they open the cover.
• Seamless Integration of Stories and Art: Employing a user-centric approach, we worked closely with Lydia to seamlessly integrate personal narratives alongside the artwork. This engaging experience invites readers to connect deeply with the content.

By focusing on high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship, we helped Lydia to self publish a book that is not only visually stunning but also meaningful and impactful.

Rose Loses Her Nose by Jane Tarrant

Rose Loses Her Nose is a delightful children's book that seamlessly blends entertainment with education, exemplifying how to self publish a book that makes a meaningful impact. Author Jane Tarrant, an industry-leading educator on healthy breathing habits, crafted this story to instill positive practices in young readers.

• Engaging Storytelling: The narrative follows Rose on a whimsical journey, capturing children's imaginations while subtly promoting healthy living. This user-centric approach ensures the story is both fun and informative.
• Vibrant Illustrations: Illustrated by Carolina Banza, the book features bold visuals with a warm and inviting colour palette. The artwork provides a winning styling choice that complements the educational content, making it accessible and engaging for young readers.
• Thoughtful Design Elements: We utilised a perfect bound format with a 254x203mm size, ideal for children's hands. The cover, printed on 300gsm uncoated paper with matt lamination, offers durability and a tactile experience that children love.
• High-Quality Interior Pages: The 36 pages are printed on 130gsm silk paper, ensuring that the illustrations are vibrant and the text is crisp. This seamless integration of high-quality materials enhances the overall reading experience.

We provided expert guidance on paper choices and printing techniques, ensuring that the book not only met but exceeded her expectations. By focusing on both form and function, we helped Jane to self publish a book that stands out in the realm of educational children's literature.

The Skate Art of Yaia by Julio Cesar Battistelli

The Skate Art of Yaia is a vibrant celebration of skateboard culture, encapsulating the dynamic and edgy spirit of the art form. When artist Julio Cesar Battistelli decided to self publish a book showcasing his compelling journey through skateboard art, he sought a partner who could bring his vision to life with precision and flair. At Ex Why Zed, we embraced the opportunity to collaborate with Julio, delivering a publication that is as immersive and striking as his artwork.

• Premium Hardback Edition: We crafted a case-bound hardback book, wrapped over a sturdy greyboard case. The matt laminated cover provides a tactile sensation that mirrors the textured surfaces of urban landscapes integral to skateboarding culture.
• Gloss Spot UV Varnish: Employing cutting-edge design techniques, we added a gloss Spot UV varnish to the artist's emblem on the cover. This bold visual choice creates a subtle yet impactful contrast against the matt finish, drawing attention and inviting readers to explore further.
• Vibrant Interior Pages: The book's content is printed on high-quality silk paper, ensuring that the evolution of Yaia's artwork—from hyper-detailed black and white sketches to explosive bursts of colour—is presented with exceptional clarity and vibrancy.
• Thoughtful Design Elements: With meticulous attention to typographic usage and page layout, we seamlessly integrated neat page numbers and chapter titles, enhancing the reader's journey through the artist's creative progression.

Client-Centric Focus: Julio's journey to self publish a book was supported at every stage. From addressing technical queries to accommodating budget considerations, our team demonstrated flexibility and commitment without compromising on quality.

Street Tools by James Parsons

Street Tools by James Parsons is a captivating exploration of urban life through the lens of street photography. When James set out to self publish a book that encapsulates the raw essence of everyday moments, he turned to Ex Why Zed to bring his vision to fruition with precision and artistry.

• Premium Landscape Format: The book features a 160x240mm landscape orientation, allowing ample space for images to breathe and providing an immersive experience for the reader. The case-bound hardback enhances durability and adds a timeless aesthetic to the publication.
• High-Quality Materials: Utilising 170gsm silk FSC-certified paper for the cover and 150gsm uncoated paper for the interior pages, we ensured that each photograph is presented with clarity and depth. This choice of materials reflects our commitment to sustainability without compromising on quality.
• Thoughtful Design Elements: The inclusion of unprinted endpapers on 170gsm uncoated FSC-certified paper adds a subtle touch of elegance. Our strategic thinking in page layout and typography allows the visual narrative to flow seamlessly, enhancing the engaging experience for readers.
• Bold Visuals and Clarity: We employed full-color printing throughout, capturing the vivid contrasts and dynamic scenes typical of street photography. The matt laminated cover provides a sleek finish that complements the bold visuals within.

Client-Centric Focus: Understanding the importance of timing and quality, we worked closely with James to meet tight deadlines without compromising on excellence. His satisfaction with the final product is a testament to our dedication to helping photographers self publish books that truly resonate.

The Little Book of Camden Passage by Gary Williams

The Little Book of Camden Passage is a captivating visual journey through one of London's most iconic streets. When photographer Gary Williams sought to self publish a book that encapsulates the vibrant life and charm of Camden Passage, he partnered with Ex Why Zed to bring his vision to reality with meticulous attention to detail.

• Premium Hardback Format: The book features a 200x140mm case-bound cover, wrapped in high-quality Winter & Company cloth. The use of greyboard casing adds durability and a timeless aesthetic that complements the rich content within.
• Elegant Foil Blocking: The cover is adorned with yellow foil blocking against a striking red cloth background—a bold visual choice that captures the eye and reflects the lively atmosphere of Camden Passage.
• High-Quality Interior Pages: Printed on 130gsm silk paper, the 98 inside pages showcase Gary's photography with exceptional clarity and vibrancy. This winning styling choice ensures that each image is presented in the best possible light.
• Thoughtful Design Elements: We included 2x 4pp endpapers printed on 170gsm uncoated paper, adding a subtle touch of elegance to the book's opening and closing. Our strategic thinking in page layout and typography enhances the reader's journey through Camden Passage.
• Sustainable Practices: Committed to sustainability, we utilised FSC-certified materials throughout the production process, aligning with modern values without compromising on quality.

Client-Centric Focus: By combining cutting-edge design with personalised service, we helped Gary to self publish a book that not only captures the essence of Camden Passage but also stands out as a beautifully crafted piece of art.

Why Choose Ex Why Zed for Self Publishing Your Book

At Ex Why Zed, we are dedicated to transforming your creative vision into a tangible reality that resonates with readers. Here's why we're the ideal partner for your self-publishing journey:

• Expert Guidance: Our team offers personalised advice on every aspect of the publishing process, bringing strategic thinking to ensure your book stands out.
• Premium Quality: We use the finest materials and state-of-the-art printing techniques to deliver a product that meets the highest standards of excellence.
• Innovative Solutions: From special finishes like foil blocking and embossing to custom sizes and bindings, we provide cutting-edge design options that elevate your book.
• Sustainable Practices: Reflecting our commitment to sustainability, we prioritise environmentally friendly materials, aligning with modern values.
• Client-Centric Focus: Your goals are our priority. We work closely with you throughout the process, embracing your vision and providing support at every step.

Embark on Your Self Publishing Journey Today

Your story deserves to be told with the quality and care that reflects its significance. Contact us at Ex Why Zed to discuss how we can help you self publish a book that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Self Publishing a Book

What services does Ex Why Zed offer for self-publishing authors?
Ex Why Zed provides expert guidance on every aspect of the publishing process, including cover design, material selection, and printing techniques. We offer options like foil blocking, embossing, and custom sizes to differentiate your book.

How does Ex Why Zed ensure the quality of self-published books?
We use premium materials and state-of-the-art printing techniques to deliver high-quality products. Our friendly, expert team of account managers offer personalised advice to make sure your book meets the highest standards of excellence.

Can Ex Why Zed accommodate sustainable printing practices?
Yes, we prioritise sustainability by using environmentally friendly materials, including FSC-certified papers, without compromising on quality.

What types of binding options are available for my book?
We offer various binding options, including case-bound, perfect bound, stapled and nested formats, depending on the style and purpose of your book.

How does Ex Why Zed handle unique design requests?
We provide creative solutions tailored to your unique vision. Our team works closely with you to integrate features like debossed covers, Spot UV varnish, and mixed paper stocks to enhance the visual appeal of your book.

Can Ex Why Zed help with children’s book printing?
Absolutely! We specialise in thoughtful design choices and vibrant printing to create engaging children’s books that are both durable and visually appealing.

What is the typical process for collaborating with Ex Why Zed?
We begin by understanding your vision and goals. From there, we provide guidance on materials, design elements, and printing techniques, working closely with you at every step to ensure a successful outcome.

How does Ex Why Zed support authors throughout the self-publishing journey?
Our client-centric focus means we are committed to supporting you at every stage, from initial consultation to final printing. We provide expert guidance and personalised attention to bring your creative vision to life.

What makes Ex Why Zed different from other self-publishing printers?
Our emphasis on premium quality, creative solutions, sustainability, and a client-centric approach sets us apart. We offer a wide range of advanced design options to ensure your book stands out in the market.

How do I get started with Ex Why Zed to self publish my book?
Simply contact us to discuss your project. We will guide you through the options and provide personalised support to help you bring your book to life.