Independent publishing, explained clearly

Honest information for authors publishing their own books.

Self-publishing can be empowering, confusing, exciting, expensive, and occasionally full of nonsense. This site exists to help authors understand their options before making decisions.

Self Publishing Solutions Australia provides practical information for independent authors who want to learn about book printing, publishing pathways, ISBNs, editing, design, distribution, author websites, and the realities of selling books.

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What this site is for

Clear advice without the publishing smoke and mirrors.

Independent authors deserve straightforward information. Not pressure. Not inflated promises. Not confusing jargon designed to make publishing feel harder than it needs to be.

Understand your options

Learn the difference between self-publishing, assisted publishing, print-on-demand, offset printing, distribution, selling direct, and using online platforms.

Prepare your book properly

Get practical information about editing, book formatting, cover design, ISBNs, barcodes, print files, paper stocks, and production choices.

Use current resources

Where details may change, we link to current information from Australian book printing companies and publishing service providers.

Resource hubs

Start with the information you need.

These resource pages are designed to help authors understand each stage of the self-publishing process, then link to current services and tools where details may change.

Publishing Help

Learn about publishing pathways, ISBNs, book setup, distribution, direct sales, and the decisions authors need to make before publishing.

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Book Printing

Understand book sizes, paper stocks, binding options, colour printing, proof copies, print-ready files, and short-run printing.

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Author Sales

Explore selling direct, online platforms, author websites, launch planning, events, reviews, and realistic ways to reach readers.

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File Setup

Learn about print-ready PDFs, bleed, trim, margins, spine width, cover files, internal pages, and common file problems.

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Australian Printers

Compare local Australian book printing options and understand when local printing may suit an independent author better.

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Author Websites

Learn why authors need more than a platform listing, and how websites can support direct sales, reader trust, and long-term growth.

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Our approach

No hype. No magic promises. Just useful publishing information.

Publishing a book is a serious creative and financial decision. The goal of this site is to help authors ask better questions, understand the process, and choose the publishing path that suits their book, budget, and goals.

Book Binding Options & Calculators — Paperback, Hardcover, Saddle Stitch, Spiral

Choose your binding, then price it instantly. For one-off orders see print on demand, or compare quantities on our short-run guide.

Paperback book printing — perfect bound example

Paperback Book Printing (Perfect Bound)

Trade-quality softcover. Up to ~700 pages on 80 gsm.

Learn more Calculator
Hardcover book printing — case binding options

Hardcover Book Printing (Case Bound)

Durable case-bound. Up to ~700 pages on 80 gsm.

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Saddle-stitched booklet printing — staples visible on spine

Saddle-Stitched Booklet Printing

Booklets and programs. Up to ~48 internal pages.

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Spiral and wire bound book printing — lay-flat workbooks

Spiral / Wire / Comb Book Printing

Lay-flat manuals and workbooks. ~10–300 pages.

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Popular book projects

Quick links to our most-requested specs and guides.

Children’s book printing Heavy stocks & durable covers Memoir book printing B/W or colour interiors Family history books Premium keepsake options A5 book printing Popular trim size Short-run book printing 50–500 copies Print on demand Order copies as needed Paperback book printing Perfect bound Hardcover book printing Case bound

How it works

How the book printing process works
Quote → Files → Proof → Print

Simple, fast, and expert help at every step.

  1. Get an instant quote

    Choose binding, size, stock and quantity.

  2. Prepare your files

    Use our size guides and calculators for a perfect fit.

    Book sizes Spine calculator
  3. Proof & go to print

    We email a proof. Approve online. Fast AU-wide delivery.

Book file prep tools (sizes, spines, margins)

Book sizesTrim sizes & bleeds Spine width (Perfect)Paperbacks — quick calc Spine width (Hardcover)Case-bound — quick calc Book marginsInner/outer margins Saddle calcMultiples of 4 pages Wire / coil calcQuick capacity guide Author resourcesExport presets, checklists & FAQs

FAQs

What is the max page count on 80 gsm paper?

Paperback (perfect) and hardcover: typically up to 700 pages. Saddle stitched: up to 48 internal pages. Wire, coil or comb: about 10 to 300 pages depending on coil size.

See binding limits

Is there a minimum order?

No minimum order. We specialise in short runs with AU wide delivery.

Request a quote

How long does it take?

Typical flow: quote, file check, digital proof, print, dispatch. Timelines depend on specification and quantity.

What files do you accept?

Print ready PDF (fonts embedded, CMYK, 300 dpi images) with bleed and safe margins.

What sizes and margins should I use?

Use common sizes (A5, 6x9 in). Allow larger inner margins on thicker books to avoid gutter loss.

How do I calculate spine width?

Rule of thumb: spine_mm = (page_count / 2) x paper_caliper_mm.

Do you print children books, A5 or family history books?

Yes. Paperbacks, casebound keepsakes, and workbooks are all supported.

What is the cheapest way to print a book?

Minimise colour pages, choose common stocks (80–100 gsm text, 250–300 gsm cover), pick popular sizes (A5 / 6x9), and print at price breaks.

Pricing examples

Open the calculator for each common spec and tweak quantity, stocks, or colour pages to match your project.

A5 Paperback — 200pp, B/W

Perfect bound • 80–100 gsm text • 250–300 gsm cover (matte/gloss) • CMYK cover, mono text

Great for novels & memoirs. Adjust quantity for best price breaks.

Open calculator Spec details

6×9 Hardcover — 160pp, Colour

Case bound • 128–150 gsm text • case wrap or jacket • full-colour throughout

Premium non-fiction, photo-heavy content, gift editions.

Open calculator Spec details

A4 Saddle-stitched — 24pp, Colour

Stapled booklet • 130–170 gsm text • 250 gsm cover • full-colour

Programs, brochures, zines. Remember: pages in multiples of 4.

Open calculator Spec details

A4 Wire / Coil — 120pp, B/W

Lay-flat binding • 100–170 gsm text • optional acetate/board covers • mono text

Workbooks, manuals, cookbooks; add tabs or laminated covers if needed.

Open calculator Spec details

A5 Children’s Book — 40pp, Colour

Perfect/wire options • 128–150 gsm text • sturdy cover • full-colour

Durable stocks recommended for younger readers.

Open calculator Spec details

A5 Family History — 300pp, B/W

Perfect or case • mono text with optional colour sections

Add colour photo sections to keep costs balanced.

Open calculator Spec details

Australia-wide delivery

We ship everywhere in Australia with reliable carriers and careful packaging. You’ll receive tracking on dispatch and help with timelines when you request a quote.

  • Packing: shrink-wrapped bundles, corner protection, sturdy cartons; pallets for large runs.
  • Speed: standard and express options depending on spec and destination.
  • Tracking: emailed on dispatch; delivery windows confirmed at proof approval.
  • Split deliveries: ship copies to multiple addresses if required.
Get an instant quote See short-run guide

Book Printing Company Service Areas