Ask Nicola Q&A: What a life-story coach knows about book print run numbers + print numbers
Hello and welcome to Forever Young Autobiographies – Ask Nicola.
As a life-story coach I get many queries about planning, creating, polishing and publishing.
And in this series my answers aim to help new creators just like you!
This edition of Ask Nicola starts with the question:
I have finished writing my autobiography but don’t know how many books to get printed? Who and what should I consider before placing a print run order?
Wow, how exciting you are getting ready to print your life story – congratulations!
Now keep reading to find out how many books I suggest …
Related article – How to get your own book printed without stressing!
Print run for early readers
Firstly I suggest getting a couple of reader copies printed in an initial print run.
These are early copies of a book sent out for a final proofread.
Certainly proofreaders can be friends or relatives.
However, I suggest only asking those with sound writing skills or hiring a professional.
And also pick ‘readers’ who will give considered and respectful feedback.
When reader copies are returned with suggestions, make desired copy or layout changes and head back to the printer!
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Print run for family and friends
Deciding how many books for a final print run depends on a number of factors.
Firstly think about your budget and ask yourself will I buy all books or ask some readers to pay?
Certainly a good compromise is to buy copies for immediate family and suggest others pay print costs for extra copies.
However, also consider giving a signed copy of your book in place of regular birthday or Christmas presents.
But of course the biggest factor to influence a print run will be friends and family.
Indeed making a list can help gauge print numbers:
- Copies for grandparents
- Parents
- Siblings
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Great-grandchildren
- Aunts and uncles
- Cousins
- Nieces and nephews
- Other family
- Godchildren
- Friends
Related article – Ask Nicola Q&A: How to finish writing a book and know when your book is finished
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Thinking of others
Finally think outside the box about who might like and appreciate a copy of your book.
Certainly brainstorm who is mentioned in a life story and consider donating copies.
For example, schools, workplaces and sporting groups.
Secondly, weigh up giving a print run copy to local, state or national libraries.
And don’t forget museums, historical societies and trust groups are usually grateful for rich first-hand accounts of the past.
Lastly, and this is not for everyone, think about selling to the public via bookstores online or offline.
Related article – Book launch: A toast to 8 book party tips to try
Final say
What a fantastic problem to have: deciding how many life stories to print!
Of course consider print run copies for proofreaders, friends and family plus the wider community.
Indeed seeing a book to print is a momentous achievement.
After sitting down to create a manuscript you can finally celebrate.
So give yourself a pat on the back and get ready to share your stories with others.
Happy writing!
Free gift!
Want to help a loved one record their life story? I show you how in the step-by-step Your Family Stories System. Get the first few sections for free. Sign up here!
Your say
Are you getting ready to print a book? Tell me about it! I always love hearing from different people. Drop me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
Get in touch
Got a question or an idea for a future article? You can let me know here!
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