03.12.2024

Thinking of self-publishing your book? From autobiographies to photographic memoirs, the trend towards book printing on-demand is reshaping how authors and publishers approach the creation and distribution of books. With a vibrant literary culture and advanced printing technologies, Canadian writers and publishers have first-class access to an ecosystem that empowers self-publishing like never before. This guide delves into the essentials of on-demand book printing in Canada, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to navigate this new approach to publishing. We’ll get into: What is On-Demand Book Printing?Why Authors Choose to Self PublishThe Benefits of On-Demand PrintingHow to Approach Book Printing in Canada Key Considerations for Choosing a Canadian Book Printing Company You’ll learn the basics of this evolving industry, and key steps you can take to print your very own book on demand. Let’s get into it! What is On-Demand Book Printing? On-demand book printing is a printing process that empowers you to print books in specific quantities as needed, ranging from a single copy to a few hundred thanks to the nimble technology behind digital printing. This model is a departure from traditional bulk printing, offering a flexible and cost-effective solution for authors and publishers. Why Authors Choose to Self-Publish A primary motivator for self-publishing may be a desire for creative control over your book's content, design, and marketing. Self-publishing allows authors to retain full rights to their work, making decisions about the cover art, format, pricing, and distribution channels—all according to their vision and goals. Self-publishing can also lead to higher royalty rates compared to traditional publishing routes, offering authors a potentially better return on investment. Access to self-publishing platforms has lowered the barrier to entry, empowering authors to reach their audience directly without the need for approval from a publisher. For example, many authors now leverage their online audiences to market their books and sell them directly through their own website, using a print-on-demand method to order only as demand requires. This direct access empowers authors to share their unique voices and stories, catering to niche markets or specialized topics that might not attract mainstream readers. It’s the artists and small businesses that love to storytell—like photographers, business advisors, life coaches, poets, and more—that are greatly benefiting from this new approach to publishing. The Benefits of On-Demand Printing Book printing on-demand has many benefits when compared to traditional methods. Let’s take a look at a few. 1) Lower Costs Traditional printing methods often require large initial print runs, leading to high upfront costs and the need for storage space. On-demand printing eliminates these concerns by allowing authors and publishers to print books only as orders come in, dramatically reducing storage needs and minimizing the financial risk. This is particularly handy for independent authors and small publishers who may have limited budgets. 2) Eco-Friendly Option By producing books only when there is demand, you can cut down on the overproduction of unsold copies, meaning less paper consumption and waste. This sustainable approach aligns with growing consumer and industry interest in environmentally friendly solutions. 3) Flexibility to Update Content Because on-demand printing produces books in short runs, authors have the luxury of updating the content of their books between each run with ease. This is particularly handy if your book requires frequent updates to remain relevant, or if that first pass at editing didn’t quite make the cut. It also opens up opportunities for authors to customize books for specific audiences or to test different versions of their work. If these benefits sound worth the investment, read on for insights on how you can get started with book printing in Canada. How to Approach Book Printing in Canada Congratulations! You’ve decided to print your book. While there’s no one way to tackle the production of your piece, here are some general steps to follow before you can hit ‘print’. 1) Research Printers — When you’re looking for a company to print your book, search for printers that specifically offer on-demand printing services and who specialize in book printing in particular. See the section below for some key factors to take into consideration when choosing a service provider. 2) Prepare Your Manuscript — If you’re self-publishing, you’ll need to ensure your manuscript is entirely edited, formatted, designed, and ready for printing. It’s important to remember that your printer will not edit your manuscript for you, so however you deliver it to them is how it will turn out in production. Some printers will have an in-house creative services team that can help you with format and design. 3) Choose Your Book's Specifications — Decide on your book's size, the paper type, and binding. This includes decisions like whether your book will be hardcover or paperback and what style and aesthetic you want it to have. This is where budgets can drastically vary, so it’s good to come prepared with an understanding of your price range. 4) Request Quotes — Contact several providers to compare quotes. Prices can vary based on the book's specifications and the quantity ordered. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for when it comes to book printing, and sometimes investing a bit more to guarantee a quality product can save you headaches down the road. 5) Consider Distribution — Some on-demand printers offer distribution services, including direct shipping to customers and listings on major retail sites. If you choose to ship your product yourself, you may want to select a printer that’s within Canada to avoid hefty cross-border shipping fees. Get a free book printing quote online > Key Considerations for Choosing a Canadian Book Printing Company Here’s what we suggest you look for when selecting a Canadian book printing company. 1) Quality The quality of your book reflects on you as an author or publisher, so prioritizing printers that use high-quality materials is important. Look for companies that are transparent and request samples of their work to get a tangible sense of the final product's quality. 2) Turnaround Time While the appeal of on-demand printing includes not having to stockpile books, it's important to remember that on-demand means production times can vary. Ask about expected turnaround times to make sure they align with your publishing timeline, especially if you have specific launch dates in mind or are coordinating marketing efforts. 3) Customer Service If you're navigating the process for the first time, you’ll want a print partner that’s on your side! A responsive and helpful printing company can offer guidance, address your concerns, and provide updates throughout the printing process. Look for companies with positive reviews to get a sense of their reliability. 4) Creative Services Many book printing companies offer design assistance, which can be invaluable for creating a professional-looking book cover and interior layout. Opting for a printer that provides these services can save you time and effort, making the journey from manuscript to final piece feel like a breeze. Begin Your Book Printing Journey By leveraging the flexibility, cost-efficiency, and eco-friendly aspects of on-demand book printing, you can navigate the publishing landscape more effectively and bring your literary creations to eager readers with ease. Curious what it takes to launch your creation?

02.13.2024

Advancing Sustainability in the Print Industry by Reforesting the Planet In an effort to further its commitment to environmental sustainability, WCD, a Canadian leader in on-demand print and information solutions, has proudly announced a partnership with PrintReleaf. This collaboration marks a significant step towards a greener future for the print industry, empowering WCD's customers to actively participate in replenishing forests globally and close to home. Through this partnership, WCD can now offer customers a unique opportunity to offset their paper footprint. PrintReleaf's advanced technology measures the paper consumption of each print job run through WCD and translates this data into an equivalent number of trees. These trees are then planted in reforestation sites chosen by the customer, making every print job a step towards environmental restoration. PrintReleaf stands out as the world's first platform to seamlessly convert paper footprints into actual trees. This innovative approach not only contributes to reforestation efforts but also aligns with WCD's mission to embrace eco-friendly practices across its operations. "At WCD, we believe that sustainable business practices are key to a brighter future," says Karen Brookman, President and CEO at WCD. "Our partnership with PrintReleaf represents a significant stride towards advancing environmental responsibility in our industry. This initiative will not only reduce our ecological footprint as an organization, but will empower our customers to join us in making a tangible difference for our planet." PrintReleaf’s technology not only tracks paper consumption, but also ensures the success of each planted tree, with full third-party audits by SGS International. While reforestation efforts span the globe, the company is currently working with planting partners as close as Cariboo, British Columbia to revitalize the land that was impacted by the devastating 2017 wildfires. "We are pleased to provide environmental offsets to WCD and their customers, which will be integral to their sustainability strategy," says Jordan Darragh, PrintReleaf Founder and CEO. WCD’s commitment to sustainable solutions highlights our shared values and goal of working toward a more sustainable business landscape and planet. This partnership creates exciting opportunities as we expand our network of PrintReleaf users within and beyond the Dscoop community and together work towards new environmental offsetting goals.” Together, WCD and PrintReleaf aim to empower Canadian businesses to meet their printing needs while also reducing their environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable planet. WCD invites customers to join them on this exciting journey and learn more by clicking here. About PrintReleaf PrintReleaf offers a unique solution for companies to offset their paper and packaging consumption, contributing to reforestation and carbon offsetting. Their technology ensures a measurable and impactful contribution to global forest restoration. Visit www.printreleaf.com to learn more.

01.30.2024

Ahhh, Valentine's Day—a tradition rooted in ancient history that has since evolved into a global celebration of love and affection. How endearing! For centuries, people have celebrated Valentine’s Day in honour of Saint Valentine, who symbolised love and devotion. Today, it’s a special time to show the people we cherish just how much we care. However, choosing the right gift – one that feels meaningful and heartfelt – can be a tricky endeavour. In an era of commercialised giving, there’s no better way to win your sweetheart over than creating a personalised gift made uniquely for them. Here’s why. Why Personalised Gifts Are Perfect For Valentine’s Day They're incredibly thoughtful — Personalised gifts require more thought and effort than off-the-shelf options. They show you've taken the time to think about what makes your relationship special.Unique and one-of-a-kind — Unlike store-bought gifts, personalised items are entirely unique. They’re tailored to your loved one's taste and personality, ensuring they’ll covet your gift for a lifetime.They carry emotional value — A personalised gift carries innate emotional value that just can’t be achieved through store-bought goods. It’s more than a gift—it's a memory and a piece of your shared story. Valentine's Day Personalised Gift Guide Whether you’re buying a Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other or want to show a friend how much you care, these gifting options are sure to elicit heartwarming smiles, all around. 1) Confetti photo frames Nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like a photo of a magical memory. Celebrate those moments with a sprinkle of fun using Curavate's confetti photo frames. With options including heart-filled confetti (perfect for the occasion) to rose gold glitter and a snowy setting, these creations have a unique snow-globe effect that will wow your loved ones.