With overnight couriers, such as FedEx and UPS, distance is no barrier. Beginning a Dialogue Begin to get a feel for printers by checking out their Internet sites. Some printers provide very helpful sites that offer valuable education for the novice publisher, while others focus on the technical details of submitting a trouble-free job to them. Next, call their marketing departments and ask for samples of their work and of the paper stock they typically carry in-house. You will be rewarded with fascinating packets of information that are a joy to behold.
Some printers specialize in certain types of books only.
For example, Royal Books produces only 6 x 9 trade paperbacks and can achieve fast turnaround because they re not constantly adjusting their presses. Narrow your list down to three to five printers and mail or fax your book spec to them. Then sit back and wait for their bids. You will be surprised at the cost differences. I would go for the lowest of the middle group, assuming I m happy with the printer s schedule and reputation.