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.