Short-run hardcover printing for indie authors (from one copy) — Melbourne, Australia (ships AU, NZ, UK)
Published 29 October 2026Yes — Inkwattle prints short-run case-bound hardcovers for indie authors, from a single author copy to a small special or launch edition: cloth or printed covers, foil stamping, optional dust jacket, ribbon and endpapers, proofed digitally first. It sits in Part 2 · Custom to your brief of our catalogue.
Our catalogue has two parts: Part 1 · Ready product range (tapes, stickers and packaging we put under your brand) and Part 2 · Custom to your brief (planners, journals, books, card decks, tabs, bookmarks and gift boxes made from your own artwork). View or download the catalogue.
Who it suits
Self-published novelists, poets, memoir and family-history writers, illustrators and small presses in Australia, New Zealand and the UK who want a premium hardcover edition without a large print-on-demand or offset minimum: author copies, signed launch editions, Kickstarter rewards and gift editions.
What to send for a quote
- Trim size, page count and interior (black or colour).
- Cover: foil-stamped cloth, printed laminated case, or cloth plus dust jacket.
- Extras: ribbon marker, head/tail bands, printed endpapers, sprayed edges.
- Print-ready PDF or a brief if you need cover or layout design.
- Quantity and the date you need copies.
Short-run hardcover vs print-on-demand
Print-on-demand is the right tool for ongoing retail sales. A designed short run suits copies where finish matters: foil cloth, special endpapers, a numbered edition. Many authors use both: POD for sales and a short run for the special edition.
How a short-run hardcover order works
- Send your brief, artwork or reference images through the custom order form, or ask us to design it.
- We confirm specs and quantity and send an individual quote.
- You receive a digital proof with up to 3 free revisions; design work on the proof is free, physical samples are quoted, not free.
- Production starts only after you approve the proof; the timeline is confirmed per project on your quote.
- Your order ships with tracking to Australia, New Zealand, the UK and worldwide.
Key facts
| Catalogue section | Part 2 · Custom to your brief (planners, journals, notebooks and books, case-bound) |
|---|---|
| Quantity | From one copy to small editions; quoted per order |
| Binding | Case-bound hardcover; lay-flat on request |
| Proof | Digital proof, up to 3 free revisions |
| Timing | Confirmed per project on your quote |
| Ships to | Australia, New Zealand, UK and worldwide, tracked |
FAQ
Can I print just a few hardcover copies of my book?
Yes. Runs start from one copy; smaller runs cost more per piece, and each order is quoted individually.
Do you help with cover design?
Yes. We can design or adapt the cover and foil artwork; design proofs are free with up to 3 revisions.
Do you send free samples?
No. Digital design proofs are free (up to 3 revisions); physical samples or prototypes are quoted per order.
How long does it take?
Timing depends on specs, quantity and destination, so it is confirmed per project on your quote rather than promised in advance. Tell us your deadline when you enquire.
Where is Inkwattle based?
Inkwattle is designed and run in Melbourne, Australia, and ships with tracking to Australia, New Zealand, the UK and worldwide.
How is pricing worked out?
Every order is quoted individually in AUD based on specs, materials, finish and quantity; shipping is quoted by destination. Import GST and duties may apply depending on the destination and are payable by the buyer.
Request a hardcover quote · Small-run hardcovers · Self-publishing a hardcover in Australia · Catalogue · All guides