Why Self Published Book Printing Choices Are Often Misjudged
Self published book printing has become more popular over the last few years, especially as more writers choose to take control of their own projects. Whether it's a short memoir, a novel, or an educational resource, printing a book yourself can be exciting but also surprisingly complicated. Many first-timers dive in quickly, only to find that their final product does not look or feel the way they pictured.
What often goes wrong is not the writing itself but the layout, print choices, and formatting decisions made along the way. The details of print production can be easy to overlook until it is too late. If these elements are not handled properly, the final book can end up with sloppy margins, poor image quality, or cover issues that take away from the reading experience. That is why planning early and thinking about your options matters before hitting “print.”
Misunderstanding Print Layout Requirements
Layout choices play a big role in how a book looks and reads once it is printed. One of the most common issues we see is how screen layouts do not translate properly to physical print. What looks centered on a screen often ends up off-balance once trimming, folding, and binding happen. This is especially true for covers; if the spine width is not measured correctly, titles and graphics can end up slipping off-center.
Another trouble spot is missing bleed and margin settings. Without proper bleed, edge-to-edge designs can get trimmed off. If the margins are too narrow, the text may hug the binding fold, making it hard to read.
Some other things to watch out for include:
• Using the same layout for hardback and paperback without adjusting for binding space
• Placing page numbers or headers too close to the edge
• Not accounting for page creep in thicker books
Planning the print layout is about more than just fitting everything on the page. It is about leaving room for the paper to move during binding and trimming, and still having things land where they should.
Choosing Materials Without Considering the Book’s Purpose
When it comes to putting a book together, people often think about aesthetics first, what looks good on the shelf. But the paper weight, cover finish, and even ink color should match the tone and content of what is inside.
For example:
• A glossy laminated cover might look out of place on a quiet poetry book
• Thicker paper can add weight, which is not ideal for books meant to be carried around
• Lighter stock might not hold up well for books meant for heavy use, like manuals or instruction booklets
We often see choices made without much thought to feel or function. A strong cover finish may look sharp, but if it reflects too much light, it could fight with the book’s message. Likewise, very smooth or shiny paper may not work well with high text content where eye fatigue becomes a factor.
Think about how the reader will handle the book. Will they put it into a bag? Leave it on a coffee table? Use it daily? Matching materials to use cases goes far in shaping the overall impression.
At Spine Book Printing, our self published book options include A5, A4, and novel sizes in both hardback and paperback formats. Choose between black and white or colour print, 100gsm uncoated or 150gsm silk paper, and pick from gloss or matt covers.
Skipping Proof Copies and Final Edits
One step that often gets skipped is ordering a proof copy. It is tempting to save time and send a book straight to print after spending weeks or months on design. But skipping the proof process can lead to surprises that are expensive and frustrating to fix later.
Errors that may not show up on screen can appear clearly in print. These include:
• Text running into the inner fold
• Colors appearing darker or muddier than expected
• Missed typos that stand out once printed
Spending a little time reviewing a printed copy can save reprints, delays, and design backtracking. Reading on paper changes how we see layout and structure. Small misalignments or odd gaps in spacing are easier to catch in print than on a monitor.
Underestimating Final Presentation and Binding Choices
The way a book is put together goes beyond just holding the pages. Binding choices affect how people interact with a book, how it opens, how sturdy it feels, and whether it fits the style of the content.
We have seen many projects where the content was better suited to a format other than the one chosen. For example:
• A hardback may lend weight and seriousness to a project, but it might be too bulky for something meant to be portable
• An A5 design works well for short reads or handouts, but could limit space for image-heavy layouts
• A4 allows more breathing room for visuals, but may feel oversized in certain contexts
Binding is not just about selecting hardback or paperback. It shapes how your pages flow, how your content rests, and how your book sits in someone’s hands. A tight spine will eat into margins if the layout was not adjusted for it. This is something best sorted before print files are finished.
Knowing When to Get Help
There is a good amount of pride in putting something together on your own, especially a book. But production requires a different skill set than writing. Layout, spacing, measurements, and file formatting all come with their own challenges, ones that are easy to miss if it is your first time.
Many DIY print projects end up delayed because of last-minute corrections and unfixed mistakes. Files get sent back. Covers do not sit right against the spine. Pages look unaligned. These headaches are avoidable if someone with experience reviews the files before print and makes sure the setup matches your format.
Here are a few details we often flag when reviewing files:
• Incorrect spine width that throws off front and back cover alignment
• Overlooked trim lines that cut into image borders
• Paragraphs pushed too close to the edge without margins to allow space for binding
It is not about doing everything yourself. It is about knowing when a trained eye can save you time and give you a smoother print experience.
Getting Your Book Right from the Start
Most of the missteps we see in self published book printing come from trying to rush the process or not knowing what to expect. The temptation to send things off too quickly or rely on digital previews is strong, but in print, small miscalculations become very obvious.
Taking the time to think through each step, from file setup to format and cover finish, cuts down on surprises down the line. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but slowing down to match the choices to the project’s purpose leads to something you will be proud to share. The finishing touches matter, and planning early means they land where they should.
Planning your first print run can feel overwhelming, but getting it right from the beginning saves time and frustration. At Spine Book Printing, we guide you through paper choices, print setup, and layout details so your finished product looks professional and is easy to read. Whether you are preparing a novel, a short collection, or educational material, our team's expertise will help you avoid unnecessary reprints or late-stage changes. Start your self published book printing project with confidence by sending us your files or questions and let us help you bring your book to life.
