If you’re a first-time author—or even an experienced one—requesting a book printing quote can feel surprisingly confusing.
You may think you’re asking a simple question:
“How much does it cost to print my book?”
But in reality, an unclear request often leads to unclear pricing, unexpected changes, and unnecessary frustration on both sides.
In this article, we’ll explain why most book printing quotes go wrong, and more importantly, how to request a clear, professional, and accurate quote from the very beginning—saving you time, money, and misunderstandings down the line.
Why “Just Asking for a Price” Rarely Works
We receive inquiries like this every week:
I want to print a children’s book. It’s about 60–90 pages, full color, good quality paper. How much does it cost per book?
This is a perfectly reasonable question—but it’s also incomplete.
In book printing, small differences in specifications can change the cost dramatically. Two books with the same page count can have prices that differ by two or even three times, depending on the details.
A quick quote based on limited information may look attractive, but it’s rarely the final cost.
A cheap quote based on incomplete information is often the most expensive one in the end.
A Common Example of an Incomplete Inquiry
Here’s a simplified version of a typical first inquiry:
- Children’s book
- 60–90 pages
- Bright colors
- Good quality paper
- Spiral binding
What’s missing?
Quite a lot, actually.
Without these details, any quote is essentially an educated guess—and guesses are not a solid foundation for production.
The Key Information Every Printing Quote Needs
To receive a clear, accurate, and usable quote, here’s what a professional printer needs to know.
A Complete Book Printing Quote Checklist
- Book size (trim size)
Examples: A4, A5, 8.5 × 11 inches, or a custom size - Total number of pages
Including cover, if applicable - Quantity per title
This is one of the biggest cost factors, especially for on-demand printing - Binding type
Spiral, perfect binding, hardcover, saddle stitch, etc. - Cover specifications
a) Paper type or weight
b) Lamination (matte, gloss, or none) - Inner paper preference
If unsure, a professional printer should recommend suitable options - Color or black & white printing
Full color throughout, or mixed? - Delivery address and shipping method
For example: DDP shipping (delivered to your address with duties and taxes included) - Target timeline
When do you realistically need the books?
If you’re not sure about some of these items, that’s completely normal—your printer should guide you, not guess.
What a Professional Printer Should Do
A responsible printer should not rush to give you a number just to win the inquiry.
Instead, they should:
- Ask the right follow-up questions
- Clarify unclear specifications
- Recommend suitable paper and binding options
- Explain how different choices affect cost and durability
This approach protects both sides:
- You get a quote that actually matches your final book
- The printer avoids last-minute changes and mismatched expectations
Why This Process Actually Saves You Money
Some authors worry that asking more questions means higher costs. In reality, the opposite is true.
A clear quote upfront helps you:
- Avoid repeated quote revisions
- Prevent sample books that don’t match final production
- Reduce unexpected shipping or logistics costs
- Make informed decisions about materials and quantities
Clarity at the beginning is the easiest way to control your budget.
Final Thoughts for First-Time Authors
If you’re new to book printing, you don’t need to know everything.
You just need to ask the right questions — and work with a printer who is willing to walk you through the process professionally and transparently.
At Call2Print, we believe that a clear request leads to a clear quote, and a clear quote leads to a smoother, more successful print project.
If you’re planning your first print run and aren’t sure where to start, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to guide you.