Book Printing in China
Custom Card Decks
Custom Holographic Cards
Free Wall Calendar Template
Free Desk Calendar Template
Folding Cartons
Rigid Boxes
Corrugated Boxes
Custom Board Game
Custom Card Game
Kickstarter Print Solutions
Graphic Novel Printing
Custom graphic novel printing for self-published authors, comic creators, illustrators, and indie publishers. We print perfect-bound paperback and hardcover graphic novels at the 6.625 × 10.25 inch US standard or any custom size, on gloss or matte art paper, with offset quality at every quantity. We print everything from a first numbered edition to commercial runs of 500, 1,000 copies or more, where the per-copy cost is lowest.
Get Your Instant Graphic Novel Quote
What We Print
Self-Published and Indie Graphic Novels
First editions and indie titles for self-publishing authors and small studios. Perfect-bound paperback or hardcover, from 100 copies, so a debut run stays affordable while 500 or 1,000 copies bring the per-copy cost right down.
Series, Box Sets and Continuing Volumes
Matching volumes, ongoing series, and boxed sets printed to a consistent spec from book to book. Hardcover with dust jacket or slipcase is popular for collector and Kickstarter editions.
Illustrated Memoirs and Long-Form Comics
Long-form illustrated narratives and graphic memoirs where paper feel and color matter. GMG-proofed color keeps your hard proof and the final offset run closely matched, in paperback or hardcover.
Standard Graphic Novel Sizes
The 6.625 × 10.25 inch US standard is the most common. Custom sizes are available on request.
| Size | Format | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 6.625 × 10.25 in | US comic standard | Most graphic novels |
| 6 × 9 in | Trade | Text-heavy, memoir |
| 7 × 10 in | Larger trade | Detailed art |
| A5 (5.8 × 8.3 in) | Compact | Indie, digest |
Graphic Novel Paper Options
Paper selection affects visual presentation, durability, and cost. We recommend selecting different stocks for interior pages and covers, depending on the artwork, layout, and desired finish.
- Gloss Art Paper: Bright finish that enhances color depth—great for illustration-heavy books.
- Matte Art Paper: Subtle sheen with excellent print quality and comfortable reading.
| GSM / LB | Gloss Art Paper Thickness | Matte Art Paper Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 80 gsm / 54 lb Text | 0.065 mm | 0.072 mm |
| 105 gsm / 71 lb Text | 0.086 mm | 0.090 mm |
| 128 gsm / 86 lb Text | 0.105 mm | 0.110 mm |
| 157 gsm / 106 lb Text | 0.136 mm | 0.140 mm |
| 200 gsm / 135 lb Text | 0.178 mm | 0.200 mm |
| 250 gsm / 92 lb Cover | 0.225 mm | 0.250 mm |
| 300 gsm / 111 lb Cover | 0.270 mm | 0.285 mm |
| 350 gsm / 129 lb Cover | 0.410 mm | - |
- Uncoated Paper: Best for coloring, writing, and interactive formats; prevents bleed-through.
| GSM / lb | Uncoated Paper Thickness |
|---|---|
| 80 gsm / 54 lb Text | 0.097 mm |
| 100 gsm / 68 lb Text | 0.118 mm |
| 120 gsm / 81 lb Text | 0.140 mm |
| 140 gsm / 95 lb Text | 0.160 mm |
| 160 gsm / 108 lb Text | 0.183 mm |
| 180 gsm / 122 lb Text | 0.200 mm |
Graphic Novel Binding Styles
Graphic novels need to be both attractive and built to last. We typically recommend sewn perfect binding or sewn hardcover formats for their longevity and refined look. Both options allow the book to open flat without straining the spine.
A popular and cost-effective option, perfect for fiction, comics, catalogs, and more. It features a clean, flat spine and is ideal for books with 32–800 pages.
For a more substantial finish, this method involves sewing interior signatures and mounting them into a rigid case covered in a printed wrap. It also pairs well with enhancements like foil stamping, soft-touch lamination, custom dust jackets, or slipcases.
Finish Options
At QinPrinting, we offer a full range of finishing options to make your graphic novel book stand out and look truly professional. These include:
Shiny and reflective, perfect for vibrant graphics and photos.
Glossy highlights on specific areas for a striking contrast.
Smooth and non-reflective for a simple yet professional design.
Similar to matte lamination, but the resulting surface has a delightful, almost velvet feel.
A glossy finish applied to specific areas for a bold and distinct look.
Metallic or pigmented foil for a shiny, eye-catching effect. Available in gold, silver, rose gold, and more.
Raised designs for added texture and elegance.
A recessed design that creates a tactile impression on the cover, adding texture and sophistication.
Thin metallic foil—usually gold, silver, or bronze—is applied to the trimmed edges of your book's pages.
Custom patterns and images are sprayed on the edges for a truly unique appearance.
Print your design on a special paper that reflects light in a rainbow-like pattern.
Wrap your book in a durable synthetic leather material.
Cover your book with woven linen or cotton fabric.
Uses a custom-made metal die to cut paper into specific shapes.
A row of small holes that makes it easy to tear off part of the paper.
A built-in tape that allows the paper to be opened easily and cleanly by pulling along the strip.
Short-Run Graphic Novel Printing — From 100 Copies
Short-run graphic novel printing from 100 copies, with true offset quality at every quantity — not print-on-demand. A run of 100 suits a debut or a Kickstarter pledge tier, but for a typical 6.625 × 10.25 inch graphic novel the per-copy price at 500 copies can be roughly a third of the 100-copy price, with 1,000 copies lower still. That is where most of our author, publisher, and crowdfunding clients print. We are happy to quote 100, 500, and 1,000 side by side so you can compare.
Why Work with QinPrinting?
We understand the creative demands and technical challenges of custom graphic novel printing. Here’s what we provide:
Founded by a printing veteran with 35+ years of experience.
Structural price advantage — typically 30%+ vs local printers.
Cover finishing, binding, and boxing handled on one production schedule.
Excellent 4.9/5 on Trustpilot.
FAQs
What is a graphic novel?
A graphic novel is a long-form narrative that combines sequential art with text to tell a complete story, usually bound as a paperback or hardcover. Genres range from fantasy and science fiction to memoir and historical nonfiction. We print graphic novels of all these kinds at the 6.625 × 10.25 inch US standard or any custom size, in full color, black-and-white, or a mix of both.
What are the common graphic novel sizes?
Graphic novels come in a range of sizes, like 5.5″ x 8.5″ (digest), 6.625″ × 10.25″ (US comic size), 5″ × 7.5″ (manga size), or 8.5″ × 11″(European album size)—are familiar to readers, cost-efficient, and faster to produce.
For creators seeking a unique format, custom sizes offer an eye-catching alternative. You might try a square micro-edition at 3.5″ x 3.5″ or go bold with a large-format 11″ x 17″ book. Landscape orientation is also an option. If your layout works, we can print it.
How much does it cost to print a graphic novel?
Pricing depends on quantity, page count, trim size, materials, and binding. Standard formats and larger orders help lower the per-unit price.
| Quantity | 100pcs | 500pcs | 1000pcs | 2000pcs | 5000pcs | 10000pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64pp + 4pp | $5.21 unit $521 total | $1.45 unit $724 total | $0.90 unit $904 total | $0.67 unit $1,340 total | $0.55 unit $2,745 total | $0.51 unit $5,110 total |
| 80pp + 4pp | $6.20 unit $620 total | $1.73 unit $863 total | $1.09 unit $1,090 total | $0.81 unit $1,618 total | $0.66 unit $3,307 total | $0.62 unit $6,170 total |
| 96pp + 4pp | $7.19 unit $719 total | $2.01 unit $1,004 total | $1.28 unit $1,277 total | $0.95 unit $1,897 total | $0.78 unit $3,896 total | $0.73 unit $7,257 total |
- Cover: 250 gsm / 92 lb coated art cover paper with matte lamination outside
- Interior: 105 gsm / 71 lb coated art text paper, full color printing
- Please note that all prices are EXW (Ex Works) our facility and do not include shipping costs.
| Quantity | 100pcs | 500pcs | 1000pcs | 2000pcs | 5000pcs | 10000pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64pp | $9.29 unit $929 total | $2.51 unit $1,255 total | $1.82 unit $1,819 total | $1.54 unit $3,079 total | $1.32 unit $6,621 total | $1.26 unit $12,634 total |
| 80pp | $10.60 unit $1,060 total | $2.86 unit $1,429 total | $2.04 unit $2,039 total | $1.70 unit $3,392 total | $1.44 unit $7,175 total | $1.37 unit $13,706 total |
| 96pp | $11.90 unit $1,190 total | $3.22 unit $1,608 total | $2.26 unit $2,259 total | $1.85 unit $3,704 total | $1.55 unit $7,729 total | $1.48 unit $14,752 total |
- Cover: 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper with matte lamination wrapped on 2.5 mm thickness greybeard
- Interior: 128 gsm / 86 lb coated text paper, full color printing
- Please note that all prices are EXW (Ex Works) our facility and do not include shipping costs.
What is the MOQ for graphic novels printing?
Our minimum order is 100 copies, so a debut or limited edition is always possible. That said, offset printing is far more cost-effective at higher volumes, and 500 or 1,000 copies bring the per-copy price down sharply. See the price chart above to compare quantities for your spec.
What page count works best for a graphic novel?
Most graphic novels run 80 to 200 pages, and we print from 24 pages upward. For perfect binding the page count affects spine width and how the signatures fold, so we will review your total and advise on the best setup before printing. Higher page counts may suit hardcover for durability.
Can you print full-color and black-and-white pages in the same book?
Yes. Many graphic novels mix full-color sections with black-and-white interiors, and we can print both within a single volume. We will recommend the right paper for each, for example coated art paper for color art and offset paper for black-and-white pages, so the whole book reads consistently.
What are the common graphic novel paper?
Paper selection affects visual presentation, durability, and cost. We recommend selecting different stocks for interior pages and covers, depending on the artwork, layout, and desired finish.
Interior Paper Options
- 105 gsm / 71 lb coated text paper
- 128 gsm / 86 lb coated text paper
- 157 gsm / 106 lb coated text paper
- 200 gsm / 135 lb coated text paper
- 80 gsm / 54 lb uncoated text paper
- 100 gsm / 68 lb uncoated text paper
- 120 gsm / 81 lb uncoated text paper
Coated papers offer excellent color reproduction and clarity, especially for full-color interiors. Uncoated papers provide a natural texture suited to black-and-white art or stylized designs. For smaller formats, a lighter stock helps the book stay open; for books with fewer than 32 pages, a heavier interior paper may be necessary to achieve an adequate spine width.
Cover Paper Options
- 200 gsm / 74 lb gloss or matte cover paper
- 250 gsm / 92 lb gloss or matte cover paper
- 300 gsm / 111 lb gloss or matte cover paper
- 350 gsm / 129 lb gloss or matte cover paper
Hardcover Options
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated paper wrapped on 2 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm grey board
- Custom options available on request
If you’re unsure what works best, you can download our spine calculator template or request samples (you only cover shipping).
Can I add a dust jacket or specialty finishes?
Yes. You can add extras like dust jackets, foil, embossing, or slipcases to create collector-worthy editions.
How long does it take to print a graphic novel?
The total timeline from file approval to delivery is typically 5 to 9 weeks. Production takes 1 to 2 weeks for paperback and around 3 weeks for hardcover. Sea freight to the US takes 4 to 6 weeks, or 8 to 15 days by air.
What format should my files be in?
Please submit your files as high-resolution PDFs (300 dpi), in CMYK color mode, with a 3 mm bleed and all fonts embedded. Our team is happy to assist if you need any help.
Can you check my files before printing?
Yes. We provide a free manual review to confirm that your files are print-ready.
Can I see a proof before the full run?
Yes. After our team checks your files, we send a free digital PDF proof to confirm the layout. If you would like to check physical samples, we offer a hard proof for color (matching final mass production to around 95%) and a dummy for paper and binding. Physical samples are subject to a sample fee, which we confirm with your quote.
Can you print a series or box set to a consistent spec?
Yes. For an ongoing series or a boxed set we keep trim size, paper, binding, and color consistent from volume to volume, so matching books sit together on the shelf. Hardcover with a dust jacket or a custom slipcase is popular for collector and Kickstarter editions.
Do you offer international shipping?
Yes. We ship worldwide by sea and air. Sea shipments to the US can ship DDP, so duties are handled for you; shipping to Canada, the UK, Europe, and Australia does not include local GST or VAT
What Our Clients Say
Real feedback from businesses who trust QinPrinting
Let's Talk
Have a graphic novel ready for print? Whether you’re a graphic novel publisher, indie creator, or launching your next crowdfunding campaign, we offer skilled support and tailored solutions for every step of the process. Contact us today for a no-pressure consultation and detailed quote.
