There’s something special about unwrapping a book made just for you. Whether it’s a story you’ve written for your child, a keepsake for the grandparents, or a creative project you’re finally ready to share, a book can turn a thoughtful idea into a gift worth keeping.
If you’re creating a book with BookBildr this holiday season, a little planning will help give it time to reach its destination. Here’s what to know before placing your print order.
Every book is printed especially for you
Your book doesn’t come from a warehouse shelf. Each copy is custom printed after you order, so the journey to your doorstep has two parts:
- Print production: the time needed to produce your book.
- Shipping: the time your chosen carrier needs to deliver it after printing is complete.
When planning a holiday gift, make sure you allow time for both steps. A shipping estimate alone doesn’t tell you how long your order will take from start to finish.
Allow extra time for holiday printing
Our print partner, Lulu, normally estimates 3–5 business days for print production. During particularly busy holiday periods, production may take 7–10 business days.
That’s before shipping begins, so it’s best to build some extra room into your plans. Remember, business days are different from calendar days—weekends and holidays can make the wait longer than you might expect.
Treat delivery dates as estimates
The holiday season is busy for delivery carriers, too. Higher package volumes, winter weather, and carrier capacity can all affect how quickly your book arrives.
Once your order has been handed to the carrier, its journey depends on that carrier’s network and delivery schedule. Estimated delivery windows are helpful for planning, but they aren’t guaranteed arrival dates.
If your book is intended for a particular celebration, ordering early gives you more breathing room.
Shipping deadlines are only part of the picture
Many carriers publish holiday shipping deadlines. These can be useful, but there’s an important detail to keep in mind: carrier deadlines cover shipping, not the time needed to print your book.
A carrier’s “last day to ship” is therefore not the same as your last day to order through BookBildr. Your book needs to be printed and ready to leave before that shipping deadline.
Check your carrier’s latest guidance for the destination and shipping service you plan to use, and allow additional time for production.
Start your holiday story early
The best way to prepare is to give yourself time for every stage—from finishing your story to checking the final pages and placing your order.
Before you order:
- Proofread your text and review your illustrations and layout.
- Double-check the delivery address.
- Allow for holiday production times as well as shipping.
- Add a little extra time for unexpected delays.
A book you create is a gift with something of you on every page. Start early, enjoy making it, and give your story time to find its way into someone’s hands.