There is something different about holding a finished book. The weight of it in your hands. The way the cover feels when you open it for the first time. If you have written something, whether it is a children’s story, a family memoir, a poetry collection or a full-length novel, chances are you want to see it printed properly, not just sitting as a file on your computer.
That is what we do at Purple Giraffe Press. We have spent years printing books for authors and small publishers right across Australia, and we know that every manuscript deserves to come out looking the way you pictured it. We handle the printing side of things so you do not have to work out file formats, paper types, or binding methods on your own.
We usually reply within one business day.
- what it is
We keep the process simple and honest. You send us your files, we talk through the options with you in plain language, and we print your book the way you imagined it, not the way that is easiest for us.
Whether this is your first book or your tenth, we are happy to walk you through what each option actually means before you spend a cent.
- what we do
We print books in a few different formats, and each one suits a different kind of project. Here is a straightforward look at what we can do for you.
This option is the most common choice for novels, short story collections and many children’s picture books. It is lighter to hold, cheaper to produce, and easier to send out for reviews or sell at markets, school fairs, and local events. We use good quality paper stock so pages do not feel thin or let text show through from the other side.
If you want your book to have more presence on a shelf, a hardback book is worth thinking about. A hard-cover book feels more permanent and a little more special, which is why many authors choose this option for gift copies, keepsake editions, or family history projects meant to be kept for years.
This binding method refers to the way pages are sewn or glued firmly into a solid cover, rather than just stapled or spiral-bound. This gives a hard-back book real strength, so it holds up well to repeated reading, which matters a lot for children’s books that get pulled off the shelf again and again.
Not every project needs a full print run of hundreds of copies. Sometimes all you need is a booklet hardcover option for a small collection, a school project, or a short run for family and friends. We are happy to help with smaller print jobs too, so you are never stuck ordering far more books than you actually need just to make a print run worthwhile.
Getting the book cover hardcover finish right, or choosing a simple matte look instead, is often what makes a reader pick your book up in the first place. We can work with a cover design you already have, or help guide you toward finishing options like matte, gloss, or textured coatings that suit your genre, your budget, and the feel you are going for.
- who we help
We work with a wide range of people, and they all have one thing in common. They want their book done properly, without unnecessary stress.
If you are still working out what you need from books for printing, that is completely fine. We can talk you through your options in plain language, with no confusing jargon.
- what to look for
Not every printer works the same way, and it pays to know what to look for before you hand over your manuscript.
- why it matters
It is easy to assume printing is just the last small step, but quite a lot can go wrong if it is rushed or handled without much care.
We pay close attention to these details because your book is not just another item moving through a machine. It is something you have put real time and effort into, and there is a genuine sense of achievement in finally seeing your books in print, ready to hold and share.
Choosing the right trim size is the very first print decision you will make. It shapes illustration layout, production cost, shelf presence, and reader experience.
Industry standard for picture books on Amazon and in bookshops worldwide.
Gives illustrators more canvas space, for a more premium, gift-book feel.
The wide format lends itself to sweeping landscapes and action sequences.
Each page is a thick laminated board, roughly 3 to 5 mm thick. Completely chew-proof.
The most common board book size seen in supermarkets and toy stores.
The standard trade paperback format, familiar from school library shelves.
US Letter size gives children the most space for colouring and activities.
All sizes above are available through both print-on-demand and offset printing at Purple Giraffe Press. We will recommend the best size for your story and illustration style during your project consultation.
Paper stock has a bigger impact on your book's perceived quality than most authors realise. It affects colour vibrancy, durability, weight, and cost.
Pros
Watch-outs
Pros
Watch-outs
Pros
Watch-outs
Pros
Watch-outs
Pros
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Watch-outs
The cover is the first thing a child and parent touch. Your binding choice signals quality, durability, and price before the book is even opened.
💰 Higher cost, premium retail position
💰 Lower cost, broader accessibility
💰 Higher cost, high minimum quantities
💰 Mid-range cost
Understanding how your book is physically produced helps you make smarter decisions about cost, quality, and distribution.
Advantages
Limitations
🎯 Best for: First-time authors, low-volume titles, Amazon self-publishing
Advantages
Limitations
🎯 Best for: Authors launching with bookshop distribution, school sales, bulk orders
Advantages
Limitations
🎯 Best for: Pre-launch reviewer copies, event stock, school visits, gift editions
Premium finishing turns a good book into a remarkable one. These touches make books gift-worthy, award-worthy, and shelf-standout worthy.
At a glance, the most common specifications for each children's book format.
| Book type | Trim size | Paper | Cover | Pages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board Book | 6 × 6 in / 7 × 7 in | 280-400 gsm board | Casebound boards | 12-24 |
| Picture Book | 8.5 × 8.5 in | 80 gsm gloss/matte | Hardcover (standard) | 24-40 |
| Premium Picture Book | 10 × 10 in | 100 gsm silk | Hardcover + foil | 24-48 |
| Early Reader | 6 × 9 in | 60 gsm uncoated | Softcover | 48-100 |
| Chapter Book | 6 × 9 in | 60 gsm uncoated | Softcover | 100-200 |
| Activity / Colouring | 8.5 × 11 in | 80 gsm uncoated | Softcover / Spiral | 32-100 |
Every Purple Giraffe Press project includes a dedicated print consultation. We will recommend the perfect size, paper, cover, and method for your story and budget.
- our catalog
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Children Book - how it works
Getting your book printed with us follows a clear, honest path from start to finish.
You send through your finished manuscript file, along with any cover artwork you already have. If you are not sure your file is ready for print, we will let you know exactly what needs adjusting before we go any further.
We look at your page count, your chosen format, and how many copies you need, then send you a clear quote. There are no vague figures and no hidden extras added later on.
Our team sets your book up correctly for printing, checking margins, bleed, colour accuracy, and image quality carefully along the way, so nothing is left to guesswork.
We send you a proof copy to check before your full order goes to print. This is your chance to catch anything that needs changing while it still costs nothing to fix.
Once you approve the proof, we run your full print job and get your finished books packed up and ready to send to you.
Preparing books for print can feel like a big task if you are doing it for the first time, but breaking it down into these steps makes the whole thing much easier to manage.
- the payoff
- why choose us
A few simple things set our printing apart.
The Purple Giraffe Press TeamAustralian Children’s Publisher As a publishing house, we know what makes a manuscript genuinely ready for print, not just how to run a press.
You get a proper quote before any work begins, so there are no unpleasant surprises further down the track.
You are working with a local team that understands local expectations around turnaround times and everyday communication.
Your book is not just another job number on a list to us. It is something you have put real effort into, and we treat it that way.
We explain your options in plain language and answer your questions directly, without brushing you off or overcomplicating things.
- author love
- pricing
The cost of printing a book depends on a handful of factors, including page count, format choice, paper stock, cover finish, and how many copies you actually need. A short paperback run will naturally cost less than a full colour hardbound print job with a larger page count and a bigger print run.
We do not believe in throwing out prices without knowing the details of your project first. Send us your manuscript details and your printing preferences, and we will put together a proper, honest quote so you know exactly what you are paying for before a single page goes to print.
- explore more
We sharpen your pacing and clarity while keeping your unique voice at the centre of the story
Learn more about EditingWe create front, back, and spine layouts that grab a reader’s attention. Unlike many publishing companies for children’s books, we show you enuinely different options rather than just colour swaps
Learn more about Book Cover DesignHonest, affordable promotion that gets your children’s book seen and loved on Amazon, Kindle, and beyond
Learn more about Book PromotionWe take care of the logistics, ISBNs, and platform registrations so you don’t have to learn the technicalities from scratch
Learn more about Book Publishing ManagementWe match you with an artist who understands your characters and work through sketches together before any final painting begins
Learn more about Custom IllustrationsWe build clean, functional sites that help readers and event organisers find you easily
Learn more about Author Websites- get in touch
Share your idea or manuscript and we will come back within one business day with a friendly, no-pressure plan and a free estimate.
We usually reply within one business day.
- your book in print
You have already done the hard part by writing your book. Now let us help you get it printed properly. Send your manuscript through to Purple Giraffe Press, and we will walk you through your printing options, format by format, so your finished book turns out exactly how you pictured it while you were writing it.
- before you print
Honest answers to the questions authors ask most before going to print. If yours is not here, a quick consultation will cover it.
Book a Free Consultation →We generally work with print-ready PDF files. If your manuscript is currently in another format, let us know, and we can guide you through what needs to change.
Yes. We can help with smaller print runs, which suit family projects, school booklets, or authors who want to test the market before committing to a larger print order.
Yes, we print picture books regularly and can advise on paper and colour options that suit image-heavy pages and repeated handling.
Hardback uses a stiff, durable cover, while paperback uses a lighter, flexible cover. Hardback usually costs more to produce but tends to last longer and feels more special for gift copies or keepsake editions.
Yes. We always send a proof copy for you to check before we run your full order, so you get the chance to catch any issues first.
We can work with a cover you already have, or offer honest guidance on finishing options like matte or gloss if you are not sure what will suit your book.
Turnaround depends on your format, your print run size, and our current workload at the time. We will give you a clear timeframe as part of your quote, so you know what to expect.
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Questions about publishing your book? We’re happy to help, right here.