1. EachPod

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

Author
Alexa Bigwarfe
Published
Wed 26 Feb 2025
Episode Link
https://podcasts.castplus.fm/e/pnlxljln-the-inside-scoop-on-offset-printing-board-books-with-mcrl-ep-154

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

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