Book Printers
The question we are asked most often about book printing is “Who is the best POD printer?” POD or Print on Demand is a very misunderstood term. Dozens of companies refer to themselves as POD printers, but there are only two true POD options. Read our white paper on Print on Demand to learn more.
A bigger misconception is that you must use a POD printer if you are self-publishing your book. While it is often a good choice, there are many times that it is impractical or impossible to use POD for your book. We explore those reasons more in our POD White Paper, but some of the reasons include trim sizes, quality of printing, specialty bindings, and cost. When POD is not the best option, you will probably be considering the printers listed below.
Not every printer can print a book. It requires specialized equipment to properly print and bind a book. We only include true book printers in our evaluations and they must offer binding services as well as printing.
The book printers covered on this page are all U.S. printers. We will cover off-shore printers in a separate review, since their primary expertise is long-run color work which has a much different customer base than traditional book printers.
The book printers listed here are presented in alphabetical order for your convenience. If there is a printer that you don’t see listed and have questions about, please ask us to review them.
Print on Demand
What is POD, who does it best, and when is it a bad choice?
Book Printer Leave a Comment on Thomson-Shore
Thomson-Shore
Thomson-Shore is a well established book printer and offers a broad range of printing and publishing services. In recent years its reputation for high quality has suffered, although its premium prices remain.
Book Printer, Print On Demand Leave a Comment on CreateSpace
CreateSpace
CreateSpace is an adequate POD printer, but you need to be aware of the limitations in their printing capabilities.
Book Printer, Top 5 Book Printer Leave a Comment on Color House Graphics
Color House Graphics
Not just a color printer. Top quality printing and binding on all types of books. Good assistance for the novice printer, including distribution services.
Book Printer Leave a Comment on Gorham Printing
Gorham Printing
Gorham is a digital, short run book printer. Their pricing is higher than traditional book printers and offer limited services, so there are better options.
Book Printer, Top 5 Book Printer Leave a Comment on McNaughton & Gunn
McNaughton & Gunn
M&G is a solid book printer, with a good reputation for both quality and customer service. They work well with publishers of all sizes.
Book Printer, Top 5 Book Printer Leave a Comment on Sheridan Books
Sheridan Books
Sheridan offers exceptional customer service and quality printing and binding for both the novice and the well established publisher.
Book Printer Leave a Comment on Walsworth
Walsworth
High quality, long run book printer serving established publishers.
Book Printer Leave a Comment on King Printing Co.
King Printing Co.
A lesser known book printer based in the Boston area, King’s forte is quality ink jet printing on a variety of traditional book papers with quality book binding options.
Book Printer, Top 5 Book Printer Leave a Comment on Bang Printing
Bang Printing
Bang Printing offers full service book printing in short to medium runs lengths. It is one of the few book printers with a West Coast location.
Book Printer Leave a Comment on Edwards Brothers Malloy
Edwards Brothers Malloy
Edwards Brothers Malloy ceased operations in June 2018.
Book Printer, Print On Demand Leave a Comment on IngramSpark
IngramSpark
IngramSpark is the interface for small publishers to access Lightning Source, which is a good, but limited POD printer.
Book Printer Leave a Comment on Cushing-Malloy
Cushing-Malloy
Top short run printer for hard and soft cover books. Excellent customer service.
Book Printer, Print On Demand Leave a Comment on Lightning Source
Lightning Source
Lightning Source is a good POD printer, but you should only use them for that purpose.
Top 5 Book Printers
See our pick of the top 5 book printers for independent publishers and self-publishing authors.
Top 5 Printers