How Many Books Should I Print?
The right number of books depends on who they are for, how you plan to distribute them and your budget. You might need one special copy, a small batch for family and friends, or 50–500 copies for a book launch, school, training course or business.
The Book Printing Company welcomes single books, smaller batches and short runs. Use this guide to work out a practical starting quantity, compare prices and plan for reprints as demand grows.
Should I print 50, 100, 250 or 500 books?
These quantities are useful comparison points, not fixed packages or minimum orders. Start with your expected readers and confirmed requirements.
| Quantity | When it may suit your project |
|---|---|
| 1 copy | A personal keepsake, gift or finished copy to check before a larger order. |
| 2–49 copies | Family stories, private collections, a small group or a limited first batch. |
| 50 copies | A modest launch, a workshop, a community project or a first release with a defined audience. |
| 100 copies | Pre-orders and launch stock, a training intake, or a club or school publication. |
| 250 copies | Several courses or events, a fundraising cookbook, or an author with an established readership. |
| 500 copies | A larger school community, business distribution, or a title with confirmed orders and a clear sales plan. |
Work out how many copies you actually need
Make a simple list before requesting your quote:
- Confirmed copies: paid pre-orders, enrolled students, staff, members or other recipients who need a book.
- Additional stock: a realistic allowance for direct sales, launches, markets or upcoming courses.
- Copies to give away or keep: gifts, review copies, contributors and your own records.
- A small reserve: extra copies for late orders or additional recipients.
Planning example: 60 confirmed orders, 25 copies for possible launch sales, 10 gift or review copies and 5 spare copies add up to 100 books. This is an illustration, not a sales forecast. Avoid counting the same reader in both your pre-orders and your launch estimate.
For schools and businesses, start with the number of recipients and upcoming intakes. If a workbook will be updated soon, plan the quantity around how long that edition will remain useful.
Compare the total price and the printing cost per book
A larger quantity can reduce the printing cost per copy, but the total amount you pay may be higher. Compare quotes for 50, 100, 250 and 500 copies while keeping the book size, page count, paper, colour requirements and binding the same.
Check the complete order cost, including GST and delivery, and allow for a printed checking copy if you want one. Choose the quantity that fits both your expected demand and the money you have available.
If you are selling your books, a lower printing price per copy does not guarantee a better financial result. Unsold stock still uses your budget and storage space. Equally, confirmed orders or a larger known audience may make a 250- or 500-copy run a sensible choice.
Check a printed copy before ordering your full run
You can purchase a single finished book to review the text, images, paper, cover and binding together before placing a larger order. Check it carefully and finalise any changes before ordering the remaining copies.
We also offer softcover unbound proofs and hardcover unbound proofs. These are loose printed sheets for checking; they do not show the finished binding. Allow time for printing, delivery, checking and any corrections.
Plan your storage, delivery and reprints
Choose a clean, dry place to store your books, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Think about how you will transport copies to events or send them to readers.
Keep your final print-ready PDFs and a record of the specifications you ordered. Monitor your remaining stock and organise reprints before it runs out. If you have a launch, course or school deadline, contact us before ordering so production and delivery arrangements can be confirmed.
Get a quote for your chosen quantity
Select your book type, enter your specifications and delivery postcode, then compare the quantities that suit your project:
- Budget paperback printing quote
- Premium softcover and PUR binding quote
- Hardcover book printing quote
- Saddle-stitched booklet quote
- Wire, coil and comb binding quote
For more about the available formats, see our short-run book printing guide for 50–500 copies. Whether you need one book, a small batch or a larger short run, we can help you choose specifications that suit your project.
See our book printing cost comparison for 50, 100, 250 and 500 copies, with an A5 paperback example showing prices including GST. Delivery is additional.
