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Graphic Novel Printing
Your imagination is the only limit with our world-class graphic novel printing services. At QinPrinting, we bring graphic novels to life with cutting-edge technology, expert craftsmanship, and personalized care, making us a trusted choice for independent creators worldwide.
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Common Graphic Novel Sizes
Several binding styles are suitable for activity books and which you choose will depend on your needs. These are the most popular options:
Saddle Stitch Binding: Also called “stapled binding,” this affordable method uses two staples along the central fold of the book, securing pages together for a clean, simple finish.
Perfect Binding: Pages are glued into a thicker cover with a strong EVA adhesive. This method provides a smooth, professional look, especially suited for thicker activity books.
Wire-O Binding: A double wire coil is threaded through punched holes along the book’s edge, allowing pages to lay flat—ideal for activity books that need durability and easy flipping.
Spiral Binding: A plastic coil twists through drilled holes down the book’s side. Spiral binding is flexible, durable, and allows pages to rotate fully, perfect for activity books with frequent use.
We can print any size graphic novel you like, although unusual custom prints will cost a little more and take a little longer to turn around than standard sizes because of the extra pre-press and setup work involved. The most common sizes for graphic novels range from as small as 5.5″ x 8.5″—the same as a pocket paperback—up to a large format 7.3″ x 11″ known as “tabloid” size. From a commercial point of view, it’s often in your interest to follow a well-known format. Why? Well, it’s effective and inexpensive, meets customer expectations, and cuts down on set-up time, leading to a faster turnaround.
But there’s no other reason you shouldn’t experiment with custom sizes. Innovation can delight and surprise and may make your book stand out from the crowd at a convention or on the shelves and your local indie book store. You could make a tiny 3.5″ x 3.5″ micro-book or go for a whopping 11″ x 17″ monster edition. Switch things up with a landscape rather than portrait orientation. It’s all possible. The only limits are your imagination and how you guess the public will respond.
Graphic Novel Paper Options
The paper you choose to print your graphic novel affects how it looks, how hard wearing it is, and the printing and shipping costs. Many commercially produced graphic novels use lighter, uncoated paper stock for black-and-white interiors and thicker coated paper for color interiors. These standards are fine for most graphic novels.
At QinPrinting we recommend 105 gsm / 70 lb, 128 gsm / 86 lb, 157 gsm / 106 lb coated paper or 80 gsm / 54 lb, 100 gsm / 68 lb uncoated paper for graphic novel interiors as they give a lovely crisp, vibrant finish to the artwork and make the text easy to read. It will also stop the artwork “bleeding through” to the other side of the page. Choosing book interior paper depends on the book size and book thickness, too. As a general rule, we recommend thinner paper for the interior. Thinner paper can be opened flat easily which is best for a small size book. If the interior paper is too thick, smaller books can be harder to open.
If the book is 8.5″ x 11″ or larger, we recommend thicker paper for the interior. For example, 128 gsm / 86 lb, 157 gsm / 106 lb coated paper, or 100 gsm / 68 lb uncoated paper. If the book has 32 pages or less and you want to use perfect binding, we recommend 200 gsm / 135 lb coated paper to reach the required spine width.
You can download a book cover template to check the book spine thickness according to different paper types and page amounts here.
Paper for the cover of your graphic novel depends on your choice of bindings. Typically, we make graphic novel covers of heavier, gloss art paper. Sewn perfect bound or sewn hardcovers are the best options for graphic novels as they look very professional, protect your book better, and you can open and lay the pages flat, which makes reading easier. You’ll need to choose two kinds of paper for your graphic novel: one for the interior pages and one for the cover.
Paper Choices for Graphic Novels
Paperback Cover Paper
- 200 gsm / 74 lb gloss cover paper
- 250 gsm / 92 lb gloss cover paper
- 300 gsm / 111 lb gloss cover paper
- 350 gsm / 129 lb gloss cover paper
- 200 gsm / 74 lb matte cover paper
- 250 gsm / 92 lb matte cover paper
- 300 gsm / 111 lb matte cover paper
Hardcover Paper
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper wrapped on 2 mm grey board
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper wrapped on 2.5 mm grey board
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper wrapped on 3 mm grey board
- Other paper wrapped on grey board
Interior Paper
- 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
Bindings for Graphic Novels
Graphic novel fans often read the books several times and keep them in jealously guarded collections. So, they must both look good, be easy to read, and endure repeated handling. We recommend “sewn perfect bound” and “sewn hardcover” as our preferred binding styles for graphic novels. Your choice depends on your budget, the style and length of your book, and several other factors. But these two binding options both achieve optimal results. You can open both bindings flat with no damage to the spine, too, which makes them ideal for reading and re-reading.
This is the most popular binding style for graphic novels. We collate and print the interior pages in sets called signatures, which are then sewn together and fixed into a wrap-around cover made of heavier art paper or lightweight card stock. This option gives you a truly beautiful book for a minimal outlay.
In this binding, we organize the interior pages into signatures which are then printed, cut, and sewn, and glued into a hard casing covered by a printed sheet which forms the cover. This binding is the most resilient and professional-looking, especially if you add special treatments such as embossed titles, debossed titles, soft touch lamination, and metallic foil stamping; or a custom-made printed dust jacket, a slipcase, marker ribbons, and sewn decorative headbands for a special “collector’s edition or, as a Kickstarter stretch goal, say.
Whichever binding style you choose, we like to make it easy for you to design your graphic novel. So, you can use one of our ready-made design templates if you wish. And ask us for paper and treatment samples. We’ll drop them to you in the mail. The samples are free, so you need only pay the mailing charges.
Graphic Novels Crowdfunding
Unlike several other printing companies, we genuinely care about all our clients and appreciate the intensive creative work that makes a graphic novel from the first inkling of inspiration to the final printed product. We genuinely want you to succeed. So, if you’re running a crowdfunding campaign, say on Kickstarter, talk to us first.
We’ll be happy to help you with graphic novel interior and cover design templates, free artwork checking, and special discounts on a range of optimal printing solutions.
Why Choose QinPrinting for Your Graphic Novels?
QinPrinting delivers exceptional quality, customization, and expert support to help you produce the perfect graphic novel with ease and affordability.
Superior Print Quality
Crisp, vibrant colors and high-definition images to showcase your artwork at its best.
Custom Binding Options
Choose from a range of binding styles, including hardcover and softcover, to suit your graphic novel’s design.
Professional Support
Our team offers free file checks and expert guidance to ensure your graphic novel is print-ready.
Affordable Pricing
Competitive pricing with no compromise on quality, making it easier to bring your graphic novel to life
QinPrinting Rated Excellent for Graphic Novel Printing
From start to finish, Jane was incredibly informative and helpful.
Also great communication.
My books arrived, and are beautiful!
Jane was prompt and had GREAT attention to detail were exceptional. Most of my emails were answered within 24 hours, and Jane went above and beyond by sending pictures, samples, and clear explanations to help me understand all the technical aspects of book printing. She even reviewed my proofs thoroughly and pointed out a few important adjustments I needed to make to my PDF files.
Shipping was faster than expected, and when I compared the final copies from Qin Printing with those from IngramSpark, Qin’s quality was far superior. The materials looked more polished; paper is higher quality, and the print was crisper. Each book was carefully wrapped.
I ended up saving 75% of my printing budget, and communicating in English was no issue at all. It felt like Jane cared about the project as much as I did. I can’t recommend her and Qin Printing enough. Thank you so much for helping bring my book to life!
FAQs
How much does it cost to print a graphic novel?
| 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
| 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
What is the MOQ for graphic novels printing?
The minimum order quantity is 100 copies.
What paper types and finishes are available for graphic novels?
For graphic novels printing, we offer several paper types and finishes to ensure the best quality for your artwork:
- Coated Paper: Gloss or matte finish coated paper is commonly used for graphic novels. Gloss paper enhances vibrant colors, while matte provides a more subdued, textured feel.
- Uncoated Paper: This option provides a more natural, rustic look, often chosen for indie or vintage-style graphic novels.
We offer a range of finishes including gloss, matte, and cloth covers. You can also opt for foil stamping, embossing, gilded edge or debossing for added flair.
You can choose the finishes in our instant quote calculator.
What is the standard production time for graphic novels?
- For hardcover graphic novels, the typical production time is around 3 weeks.
- For paperback books, it usually takes about 5 to 10 days.
Shipping times vary based on your location and shipping method.
Are there eco-friendly printing options available?
Yes, we use FSC-certified paper for our graphic novels if requested, ensuring that the paper comes from responsibly managed forests. We also use soy-based inks, which are safer for the environment and healthier for kids.
How can I prepare my graphic novels' files for printing?
To ensure the best print quality for your graphic novels, please submit your files in the following format:
- High-resolution PDF (300dpi) for sharp, clear images.
- 3mm bleed on all sides of the design to prevent cutting errors.
- Embedded fonts to avoid text issues.
If you need assistance with file preparation, feel free to contact us!
Do you provide a document checking services?
Yes, we offer a free manual document-checking service to ensure your files are print-ready. Our team will review the document layout, bleed, resolution, and other technical details, allowing you to correct any issues before production begins.
Do you offer paper and printing proofs?
Yes, we provide both digital and physical proofs. Digital proofs help you review the layout on screen, while physical proofs allow you to check the material, color, and finish before mass printing. Visit our Proof Support Page or contact our team for help.
Let's Talk!
If you’re an indie author or a small press wanting to print a graphic novel — and only the finest product and unbeatable customer service will do — we should talk. Get in touch today to chat through your needs or to ask for a no-obligation quote. We can’t wait to help you make your next graphic novel the best!
