Anything can happen! From artwork to a book stocked in Waterstones
We really enjoy seeing where a customer’s project eventually ends up. When Jenni Neil came to us with her book project, we worked on the artwork and then printed and produced the finished books for her. At the time, it was simply another interesting project for us to get stuck into. To then see her book go on to be stocked in Waterstones was fantastic and something we were particularly pleased to have played a part in. It’s a good example of what we do at Dynamic Print. We can help with the artwork, advise on the paper and specification, print the job and add the finishing touches to produce the finished piece. And sometimes you just don’t know where a printed project is going to end up!
Printing books, brochures and booklets
Whether you’re producing a book, a company brochure or a smaller booklet, there are quite a few things to think about before it goes to print. What size should it be? Which paper will work best? How many pages will there be? How should it be bound? Would a special cover or finishing make it look better? These are all things we’re happy to discuss. We’ve been working with paper and print for more than 30 years, so we’ve learnt a fair bit along the way. Paper isn’t just about choosing a colour or a thickness. Different stocks behave differently when they’re printed, folded, bound, foiled or embossed. Getting the specification right at the beginning can save a lot of headaches later.
Getting the artwork right
If you’ve already had your book, brochure or booklet designed, we can check the artwork and make sure the files are suitable for print. If you need help with the artwork itself, that’s something we can help with too. There are lots of little things that can cause problems when a job reaches production – bleed, image resolution, page size, fonts, colour and the way pages are supplied, to name just a few. It’s much easier to sort these things out before the printing starts!
Choosing the right paper
Paper is something we know particularly well. We’ve worked with a huge variety of paper stocks over the years, from everyday uncoated and coated papers through to textured, recycled and more unusual specialist papers. The right paper depends on what you’re producing. A photography book may need something completely different from a company brochure. A luxury booklet might benefit from a heavier cover, while an environmentally focused publication could use one of the many recycled or sustainable papers available. We can help you choose a paper that works for both the look you want and the way the finished product needs to perform.
Paperback or hardback?
If you’re producing a book, you’ll also need to decide whether you want a paperback or hardback cover.
Paperback
Paperbacks are generally:
- More economical to produce
- Lighter and easier to handle
- Easier and cheaper to distribute
- Flexible and practical
- Easy to recycle with other paper products
The downside is that they can show signs of wear and tear more easily than a hardback.
Hardback
Hardback books offer:
- A more substantial, premium feel
- Greater durability
- A longer-lasting finish
- An excellent option for keepsake or special-edition books
The trade-off is cost and weight. Hardbacks are more expensive to produce and can also cost more to distribute. And, of course, if you are someone who falls asleep reading in bed, a hardback landing on your nose is probably going to hurt a little more! There isn’t one answer that works for every book. It depends on how the book will be used, who it is for and what you want the finished product to achieve.
Which binding is right for your book or booklet?
The number of pages and the type of publication will help determine the most suitable binding method. Saddle stitching is a popular option for shorter brochures and booklets. The pages are folded and secured through the centre, making it a relatively simple and cost-effective choice. PUR binding is often suitable for publications with more pages. It provides a strong, professional finish and is commonly used for books, catalogues and higher-page-count brochures. If you’re not sure which binding method is right for your project, it’s worth talking to us before you finalise your specification.
Adding something special
Sometimes a simple printed cover is exactly what you need. Other times, a little finishing can make all the difference. At Dynamic Print, we’re particularly experienced in hot foil printing, embossing, blind debossing and die cutting, alongside other print finishing techniques. A foil title on a book cover, an embossed logo on a brochure or a specially die-cut cover can give your printed piece a completely different feel. We also have a collection of traditional Masselley presses, giving us the ability to carry out specialist finishing and printing techniques that aren’t available from every commercial printer. And because we love paper, we have access to some fantastic specialist and sustainable stocks too. If you’re looking for something a little different, it’s always worth asking us what’s available.
Why use Dynamic Print?
We don’t believe that every printed project needs every possible finishing technique. Sometimes the best solution is actually the simplest one. Our job is to understand what you’re trying to achieve and then help you choose the paper, printing method, binding and finishing that make sense for your project and your budget.
Our experience includes:
- Book printing
- Brochure printing
- Booklet printing
- Artwork and print-ready file preparation
- Paperback and hardback books
- Saddle stitching
- PUR binding
- Hot foil printing
- Embossing and blind debossing
- Die cutting
- Specialist and sustainable papers
- Premium printed covers
We work with businesses, designers, authors and organisations in Norwich, Norfolk and across the UK.
Have a book, brochure or booklet project in mind?
Whether you already have your artwork ready or you’re still working out how you’d like your finished project to look, give us a call. We can talk through the options with you, from artwork and paper through to printing, binding and finishing, and help you avoid some of the common pitfalls. And who knows where your project might end up? Jenni’s book ended up in Waterstones. Anything can happen!
Call Dynamic Print on 01603 400040 to talk to us about your next book, booklet or brochure project.
