The Inside Scoop on Offset Printing & Board Books with MCRL {ep. 154}

Alexa's Publishing Chat

In this episode, you will learn all about offset printing and MCRL!
Topics covered includeL
Offset Printing vs. Print-on-Demand (POD)

• What is offset printing, and how does it differ from POD?
• Pros and cons of each method depending on your book’s goals.
• Why offset printing is a better choice for high-quality, bulk book production.

Why Bulk Printing Saves Money

• How per-unit costs decrease as your print quantity increases.
• The financial drawbacks of POD for full-color books (especially children's books).
• Why printing 500+ copies can significantly boost your profit margin.

Exciting News for Kid Lit Authors: Board Books Are Now Available!

• MCRL now prints board books—a highly requested service.
• The advantages of board books for young readers.
• How MCRL’s new board book website & online calculator make getting a quote easier.

Customization Options for Board Books

• Tactile pages (e.g., textured materials to mimic different surfaces).
• Pop-ups and peek-a-boo tabs for interactive engagement.
• Sound buttons and other multimedia features.
• Finger puppets and mirrors to make books more engaging.
• Custom packaging options, including kits with flashcards, puzzles, and more.

Avoiding Common Printing Pitfalls

• Why formatting is crucial for getting a high-quality printed book.
• The importance of hiring a professional book formatter—even if you have an illustrator.
• How to access MCRL’s free artwork and formatting guides to get your files print-ready.
• The most common file submission mistakes and how to avoid them.

Shipping & Fulfillment Tips

• Shipping & Fulfillment Tips
  • Why storing hundreds (or thousands) of books at home might not be the best idea.
  • Logistech Solutions, is a fulfillment and storage provider in North Carolina that many authors use and MCRL recommends
  • How Logistech Solutions integrates directly with your e-commerce store (e.g., Shopify) for seamless order fulfillment.
  • The benefits of temperature-controlled storage and having a professional pick/pack/ship team.

Pricing & Hidden Costs: How to Compare Quotes Like a Pro

• Not all printing quotes are created equal—how to spot hidden fees.
• Why some low-cost quotes may not include essential services like shipping, duties, and tariffs.
• The importance of checking whether shipping includes delivery to your doorstep or just to the nearest port (a HUGE cost factor).
• What to look for in a fully inclusive quote to avoid surprise costs later.

The Importance of Bound Proofs

• What a bound proof is and why it’s non-negotiable for any bulk printing project.
• The differences between a digitally printed proof and the final soy-ink offset print run.
• What to check for in a bound proof before approving a full production run.
• How skipping this step can result in expensive mistakes or unexpected design issues.

Where to Get $100 Off Your First Order

• Exclusive discount for Women in Publishing Summit listeners:
  • Save $100 on your first order when you print with MCRL.
  • Offer available at womeninpublishingsummit.com/MCRL.
    
• How to use MCRL’s board book calculator at boardbookprinting.com.