Let’s Talk About Pretty Books: Behind the Scenes of Creating Stunning Editions
As an author, there’s something magical about holding a beautifully crafted book in your hands. Gorgeous covers, sprayed edges, foiled details, ribbons—it all adds to the joy of reading and turns a book into a treasure. I’ve been dreaming of creating these pretty books for the Grand Mesa Men series, but let me tell you, the journey to make them a reality is no easy feat—especially as an indie author based in the US.
The Challenges of Printing Pretty Books in the US
Printing beautiful editions as an indie author in the US has proven to be more difficult than I ever imagined. While I’ve found plenty of inspiration from authors like JF Penn—who uses Book Vault in the UK—the logistics and costs of working with a UK-based printer add layers of complexity. Book Vault produces absolutely stunning books, but finding similar options in the US has been a real challenge.
Here in the States, many printers that offer special features like sprayed edges, foiling, and ribbons often come with incredibly high costs per book. For example, I found an artist on Etsy who creates gorgeous sprayed edges, but at $25 per book, the expense quickly adds up. It makes sense, of course—you’re paying for that craftsmanship and beauty—but as an indie author, you have to plan and budget carefully for these extra touches.
Who I’m Working With and What I’m Researching
I’ve been researching US-based printers and reaching out to places like BookBaby and Thomson Shore to explore my options. My first three books were printed with IngramSpark as standard paperbacks, which made the process much simpler. But for the Grand Mesa Men series, I want to go all out. These books deserve to be stunning, and I want readers to feel like they’re holding something truly special.
So far, I’ve learned that crafting these books requires a lot of patience, research, and decision-making. Everything from hardback covers to foiled details, from ribbon bookmarks to those drool-worthy sprayed edges, needs to be factored in. It’s worth every effort, but it’s a process that demands careful planning and a solid budget.
Calling All Indie Authors: Share Your Secrets!
One thing I’ve noticed in this journey is how hard it can be to find information about pretty book printing from other indie authors. I know there are indies out there creating breathtaking books—I see them on TikTok all the time—but finding out how they do it feels like solving a mystery!
If you’re an indie author and have recommendations for US-based printers that offer all the bells and whistles, I’d love to hear from you. When I find a solution—or when I hold my first special edition in my hands—I promise to scream the details from the rooftops!
Why Pretty Books Are Worth It
At the end of the day, creating stunning editions is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about celebrating the story within and giving readers something they’ll cherish. As an indie author, I’m excited to keep learning, experimenting, and sharing what I discover along the way.
For now, I’ll keep researching, budgeting, and working with talented artists to bring my vision to life. I can’t wait for the day I can unveil the special editions of the Grand Mesa Men series and see them in your hands!
If you want to stay updated on this process and be the first to know when these pretty books are available, sign up for my newsletter at shalanabattles.com. 💖
What are some of the prettiest books you’ve ever seen? I’d love to know what features stand out to you most!
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