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Self-published book
Have you written a novel, essay or short story? Don't leave it gathering dust in a drawer! Explore our solutions for self-publishing your projects quickly and easily. As well as a wide range of papers and custom formats, we also offer lamination and special finishes to add even more value to your publication.
- From just one copy
- Hardback or paperback cover
Self-Publishing Book Printing Made Simple
You've written your book — now it's time to see it in print. At Pixartprinting, we make self-publishing book printing straightforward, affordable and entirely tailored to your vision. Whether you've written a novel, a collection of short stories, a personal essay or a children's book, our platform gives you everything you need to turn your manuscript into a beautifully finished, professionally printed publication — from just one single copy.
From custom formats and premium paper stocks to hardback and paperback cover options, special finishes and lamination, every detail of your self-published book can be customised exactly as you imagine it. No minimum print runs, no compromise on quality and free delivery straight to your door.
Custom Formats for Your Self-Publishing Book Project
Every book is different, and your format should reflect that. Our self-publishing book printing service offers a wide range of standard formats as well as the freedom to enter completely custom dimensions. Available sizes include:
- A4 (21 x 29.7 cm)
- A5 (14.8 x 21 cm)
- A6 (10.5 x 14.8 cm)
- 21 x 21 cm
- 16.5 x 24 cm
- 30 x 30 cm
- Custom format — enter any dimensions you require
Both portrait and landscape orientations are available, giving you full creative control over the layout of your publication. To help you set up your artwork correctly, simply download our Template and Instructions directly from the product page.
How Many Pages Can Your Self-Published Book Have?
When calculating the total number of pages for your book, remember to include the four pages that make up the cover (front, back, inside front and inside back) as well as all interior pages. The total must always be a multiple of two, as one sheet equals two pages. For example, a book with 80 interior pages will have a total page count of 84. We recommend downloading our Template to ensure your file is set up correctly before placing your order.
Paperback or Hardback: Choose the Right Cover for Your Book
One of the most important decisions in self-publishing a book is choosing the right cover type. At Pixartprinting, we offer three options:
- Paperback — a classic, versatile choice suited to virtually any genre or publication type.
- Paperback with flaps — adds a premium feel with folded cover flaps, ideal for author biographies or extended blurbs.
- Hardback — a 2 mm thick cardboard core covered with 170 gsm paper, with a square spine reinforced with special gauze and 160 gsm Extraprint endpapers. The hardback cover is always laminated, with matt, gloss or soft-touch options available — the perfect choice for premium self-published books, gift editions and collectors' copies.
Premium Interior Papers for a Professional Self-Published Book
The paper you choose for your interior pages has a significant impact on the reading experience. Our self-publishing book printing service offers a carefully curated selection of high-quality stocks:
- Classic Demimatt — a wood-free matt coated paper that enhances photographs and produces crisp, clear text.
- Classic Gloss — a bright, silky coated paper with rich, full colours and sharp image reproduction.
- Classic Uncoated — a clean, versatile white uncoated paper, ideal for text-heavy publications and sketch drawings.
- Classic Ivory Uncoated — a warm-toned 70 gsm paper designed for prolonged reading, with high opacity and a natural surface that reduces eye strain. Perfect for fiction and black-and-white editorial.
- Extraprint — a smooth, velvety uncoated stock with excellent colour reproduction and a high white point.
- Rembrandt — a laid, stipple-textured paper that produces sharp, bright printing with an elegant, distinctive feel.
- Underwood (Woodstock Birch) — an ivory-toned, natural-feel paper with a subtle recycled aesthetic, ideal for environmentally conscious publications.
- Recycled — made from 100% recycled fibres, this eco-friendly stock adds character and sustainability to your book.
Cover Papers That Make Your Self-Publishing Book Stand Out
For paperback covers, you can choose from an equally impressive range of stocks, including Classic Demimatt, Classic Gloss, Pearl Paper, Underwood Woodstock Birch, Turner Orange Peel Texture, Ice White with uncoated linen finish, Extraprint, Recycled, Rembrandt and Two-Side Coated Card — giving you the freedom to create a cover that truly reflects the character of your work.
Special Finishes to Elevate Your Self-Published Book
Take your self-publishing book project to the next level with our range of exclusive special finishes, available on the cover:
- 3D Varnish — an extra-thick transparent varnish applied to selected areas of the cover, creating a striking embossed tactile effect.
- Gold Foil — a selective hot-stamped gold coating that adds a luxurious, eye-catching shimmer to chosen elements of your design.
- Silver Foil — the same hot-stamping process in silver, perfect for a contemporary, premium finish.
Each special finish requires careful file preparation — be sure to download our instructions sheet before setting up your artwork.
Lamination Options for a Lasting Finish
All covers can be finished with your choice of lamination to protect your book and enhance its appearance:
- Matt lamination — a subtle, non-reflective finish that gives your cover a sophisticated, understated look.
- Gloss lamination — a high-shine finish that makes colours pop and images appear vivid and sharp.
- Soft-touch lamination — a velvety, tactile coating that adds a premium feel to every copy.
Please note that hardback covers are always laminated as standard.
Print Your Self-Published Book from Just One Copy
One of the biggest advantages of printing your self-published book with Pixartprinting is that there is no minimum order quantity. Whether you need a single proof copy to review before a larger print run, a limited edition for friends and family, or a short run for an event or launch, we can accommodate orders of any size — starting from just one copy. This makes professional-quality self-publishing book printing accessible to every author, regardless of budget or ambition.
How to Order Your Self-Publishing Book Print
Ordering your self-published book from Pixartprinting is a straightforward process. Select your configuration options on the product page, then download the Template and Instructions file to set up your artwork correctly. Once your file is ready, place your order, upload your print-ready file and complete your purchase. Your finished books will be delivered directly to your home or office — free of charge, always.
Useful Tips for Self-Publishing Your Book
Not sure where to start? Our blog is packed with practical advice to help you every step of the way:
- Binding explained: choosing the best type for your publication
- How much does it cost to print a book in 2026?
- Typesetting a book: how to turn a text into a proper book
- Marketing strategies for promoting your self-published book
- How books are structured
- How to design a book cover
Explore Our Full Range of Book Printing and Binding Services
Looking for more options? Browse our complete printing and binding service or explore specific binding styles including perfect binding , stapled binding , wire-o binding and sewn binding . We also offer dedicated services for book printing , paperback book printing and hardback book printing — whatever your project, Pixartprinting has the solution.