The book printing industry has undergone significant changes over the past few years. With the emergence of digital publishing platforms, it has become easier for authors to get their books published. However, even with the rise of digital publishing, traditional book printing remains a popular choice for many authors and publishers.

If you are looking to print a book, one important consideration is the margins. Margins are the space between the text and the edge of the page, and they play a crucial role in the readability and aesthetics of your book. One type of margin that is commonly used is the mirror margin.

Mirror margins are when the inner margin of a page is larger than the outer margin. This is done to accommodate the binding of the book, which causes the inner margin to appear smaller than the outer margin when the book is open. Setting up mirror margins in Word is a straightforward process.

First, open your document in Word and go to the "Layout" tab. Click on "Margins" and then select "Custom Margins" at the bottom of the drop-down menu. In the "Page Setup" dialog box that appears, go to the "Margins" tab.

Under "Multiple pages," select "Mirror margins" from the drop-down menu. This will automatically set your left margin to be larger than your right margin. You can adjust the size of your margins by changing the values in the "Inside" and "Outside" fields.

Once you have set your margins, be sure to preview your document to ensure that everything looks correct. You can do this by clicking on "File" and then selecting "Print Preview" from the drop-down menu.

Mirror margins are an important consideration when printing a book. Setting them up in Word is a simple process that can help ensure your book looks professional and is easy to read. With the right margins, your book will be a pleasure to read and a joy to hold.

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.

Hardcover book printing — case binding options

Hardcover Book Printing (Case Bound)

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

Saddle-stitched booklet printing — staples visible on spine

Saddle-Stitched Booklet Printing

Booklets and programs. Up to ~48 internal pages.

Spiral and wire bound book printing — lay-flat workbooks

Spiral / Wire / Comb Book Printing

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

Popular book projects

Quick links to our most-requested specs and guides.

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.

  3. Proof & go to print

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

Book file prep tools (sizes, spines, margins)

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.

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.

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.

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.

A5 Children’s Book — 40pp, Colour

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

Durable stocks recommended for younger readers.

A5 Family History — 300pp, B/W

Perfect or case • mono text with optional colour sections

Add colour photo sections to keep costs balanced.

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.

Book Printing Company Service Areas