Printed books will continue to play a vital role in children’s lives

Maple Press Pvt. Ltd. is an established children’s book publishing house based in Noida, India. “Founded in 2014, we are an independent, family-run company with a mission to inspire, inform, and engage the children of today and tomorrow. Our goal is to enrich children’s literature by producing high-quality yet affordable books in print, digital, and audio formats,” shares Pragya Mittal, Business Development Director, Maple Press Pvt. Ltd.

Selecting the right printer…

On asking about their primary considerations when selecting a printer, Pragya replies, “We prioritize both quality and cost, but equally important to us is finding reliable printing partners who can deliver on time given our mission of publishing affordable books.”

Talking more about printing, she adds, “We use different paper types for different book series, which is sourced through our trusted partners. Majority of our titles come in paperback format with three-pin binding and perfect bindings, but we are now slowly expanding into hardcover editions also. We offer both matte and glossy finishes to suit the styles of different books.”

“When we first launched Maple, we faced significant criticism for our choice of paper and printing quality, as it was unlike what was typically offered in the market at the time. However, over the years, we’ve built a loyal customer base that now recognizes Maple as a brand committed to delivering exceptional quality, even if our books differ from others in the market. We take pride in carefully monitoring every print run, ensuring that each book meets our stringent standards and reflects the consistent quality our customers have come to expect,” she adds.

Pricing of books…

“The majority of our books are priced below Rs. 100 (with a significant portion priced under Rs. 50), however ensuring that cost never compromises content or quality. This pricing strategy is designed to give millions of children in India access to books that would otherwise be out of reach. Our current catalog boasts over 1,500 titles, including timeless classics, illustrated storybooks based on folklore, mythology, and history, as well as contemporary adaptations. We also offer beginner writing books, picture books, coloring books, activity books, biographies, and complete book sets for pre-primary schools,” she adds.

Challenges you face in book printing…

“The Indian book printing market is primarily driven by textbook publishers, with trade books accounting for a small share of the overall printing segment. Trade books typically rely on imported paper and have shorter print runs compared to textbooks. The biggest challenge in book printing remains ensuring timely delivery and consistent quality. To meet the demand for low-cost, high-quality production, we continuously experiment with new printing technologies and vendors,” she shares.

On sustainability…

“Sustainability is a key consideration for us in selecting printing partners and materials. We prioritize using FSC-certified paper whenever possible and source from reputable brands like Norpac, Stora Enso, and BILT, which adhere to strict environmental standards. While we are exploring the use of recycled paper, its texture has yet to gain acceptance among Indian customers. As a low-cost publisher, we also need to strike a balance between sustainability and affordability, but we remain committed to making environmentally responsible choices wherever feasible,” shares Pragya.

On Print on demand…

“Maple has always embraced technology to enhance our publishing process. We’ve been integrating print-on-demand and digital printing for several years now. Many of our lower-selling titles are available through print-on-demand, allowing us to reduce idle inventory and improve our efficiency. Additionally, we use digital print runs to assess quality or offer customization based on customer needs. This approach allows us to print books that may not necessarily be bestsellers, but have the potential givingnew authors the opportunity to be published,” she shares.

“Infact, we’re excited about the potential advancements in print-on-demand technology and are hopeful that costs will decrease enough to make it a viable alternative to offset printing. Offset printing often requires high minimum order quantities, which can be a significant barrier for publishers. By reducing the need for large inventories, we could free up both human and financial resources, allowing us to focus more on creating and curating high-quality content and making it more widely accessible to readers,” adds Pragya.

On print vs. digital…

“While the world is increasingly embracing digital technologies, there is a noticeable counter-movement towards non-digital activities for children. As awareness grows, more parents are choosing books as a way to limit screen time. This shift in mindset reinforces our belief that books will remain relevant and continue to play a vital role in children’s lives in the years to come,” concludes Pragya.

“It is important to invest in good printers with like-minded working skills”

Shares Kalpana Shukla of KW Publishers, in a brief conversation with All About Book Publishing.

KW Publishers Pvt Ltd is one of the pioneers in publishing books on International Relations, Strategic Studies, Military Science, National Security, Management and Commerce. Here, Kalpana Shukla shares her views on selecting the right printer.

AABP: What are your primary considerations when selecting a printer for your books?

Kalpana: Quality, Meeting the tight schedules are of immense importance.

AABP: What factors do you prioritize in the printing process?

Kalpana: All three factors – quality, sustainability, cost – are of immense importance. However, Quality and Costs are the main factors which need to be considered.

AABP: Do you have any specific printing preferences or requirements?

Kalpana: Overall finish of the book to attract the buyer is what one considers. Therefore the specifications should be conveyed to the last detail.

AABP: How do reader expectations around print quality impact your publishing decisions?

Kalpana: Publishers should be recognised for their content, though this comes later, the first attraction is the ‘look of the book’. Therefore it is important to invest in good printers with like-minded working skills.

Choosing the right printer!

Dr Nikita Paliya, Founder and Director, IP Innovative Publication Pt Ltd/Founder Innovative Education and Scientific Research Foundation; Co-Founder, Digimedglobal; and Founder and Director Academics, Integrated Institute of Medical & Health Sciences, shares their criteria to select the right printer.

As a publisher, my primary considerations when selecting a printer for my books are:

I. Quality of Printing: Resolution and precision: Printer must be produce high-quality prints with clear text with vibrant images.

Colour accurateness and uniformity: Printer should be able to accurately reproduce colours and maintain uniformity

Ultimate Binding and finishing options: The printer should offer a range of binding and finishing options, such as perfect binding, hardcover, and dust jackets.

II. Cost and Pricing: Modest pricing: The printer should offer good pricing for the quality and quantity of books required. Cost transparency avoiding any hidden or additional cost after execution.

Discounts and promotions: The printer should offer discounts and promotions for large print runs or frequent orders.

III. Turnaround Time and Reliability: Fast work delivery: The printer should be able to deliver books within a reasonable time frame, ideally within 2-4 weeks. Reliability is an important factor they have a proven track record of delivering high-quality books on time and consistently meeting deadlines. Communication, customer service and support.

IV. Environmental Sustainability: Eco-friendly printing practices: The printer should have eco-friendly printing practices, such as using recycled paper, biodegradable inks, and energy-efficient equipment.

Sustainable materials: The printer should offer sustainable materials, such as FSC-certified paper, and recyclable or biodegradable covers. The printer should have a waste reduction and recycling program in place to minimize waste and promote sustainability.

V. Certifications and Compliance: Industry compliance: The printer should comply with industry standards and regulations, such as those related to book printing, binding, and distribution.

Copyright and intellectual property compliance: The printer should respect and comply with copyright and intellectual property laws and regulations.

VI. Print on Demand: Print on Demand has revolutionized the printing industry, offering numerous benefits to authors, publishers, and readers. With POD, books can be printed and bound one at a time, reducing waste and inventory risks.

By considering these factors, we ensure that our books are printed to the highest quality, while also being mindful of cost, turnaround time, environmental sustainability, and compliance with industry standards and regulations.