In the printing industry, "short-run" refers to producing small quantities of printed materials.

Unlike traditional printing, which often requires large minimum orders to be cost-effective, short-run printing allows for producing as few as one single copy up to several hundred or a thousand copies.

This approach is perfect if you need limited editions, personalised printing, or have lower volume requirements.

The flexibility of short-run printing makes it an ideal choice for authors, small businesses, and organisations that require high-quality printing but do not need large quantities, thereby reducing waste and costs.

Short-run digital printing utilises digital printers to produce small quantities of printed materials without the need for traditional printing plates.

Our digital printing uses PDF files and the latest Canon and Ricoh printers.

The process is highly efficient and enables us to have quick turnaround times. We can usually have printed books delivered within 5 days.

Digital printing is the preferred method for short-runs due to several compelling reasons:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Digital printing eliminates the need for printing plates and other setup costs associated with traditional offset printing, making it more cost-effective for small quantities.
2. Flexibility: It allows for easy updates and changes to digital files, making it ideal for customised printing and projects requiring frequent revisions.
3. Speed: Digital printing offers rapid turnaround times. Since there's no need for extensive setup, we commence printing as soon as the order is submitted.
4. Quality: We use the latest digital printers from Canon and Ricoh, producing high-quality printing with excellent resolution, vibrant colours, and sharp details comparable to traditional printing methods.

We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver high-quality printed books with remarkable efficiency in the UK. Typically, the turnaround time for paperback books is within five working days.

This swift production timeline is made possible through several key factors that define our approach to digital printing:

1. Ease of Setup: Unlike traditional printing methods that require extensive preparation and setup, our digital printing process is streamlined and straightforward. The digital nature of our setup means we can move quickly from receiving your files to starting the print job, significantly reducing the lead time.

2. Efficient Process: From the moment your order is placed, every step is optimised to ensure quick processing. Our team is skilled in managing your books, ensuring they are printed, bound, and ready for dispatch without unnecessary delays.

3. Advanced Technology: We leverage the latest digital printing technology to expedite production times. Our equipment is state-of-the-art and capable of producing high-quality prints quickly.

   Our Universe sewing machine stands out for short-run thread-sewn books. This advanced technology allows us to offer durable, beautiful, thread-sewn books that meet the highest quality standards, even for single copies.

Unit costs vary greatly depending on the book's specifications, but for example, an A5 book with 100 mono pages and 200 copies will be £2.17 per copy.

You can use our book printing calculator to get an instant price for your book.

Yes, we offer custom book sizes to suit the unique needs of our customers. You can choose any size for your book up to a maximum dimension of 320x320mm.

This flexibility allows for a high degree of customisation, enabling you to design your book exactly how you envision it, whether it's a pocket-sized edition for easy transport or a large, visually impactful volume for showcasing high-quality photography or artwork.