What is a Print Run?
A print run is a word that refers to book publishing, but can also refer to publishing newspapers, magazines and other publications. Generally, the term print run stands for the period of time required for a publisher to print a certain publication, such as a book or magazine. A print run is usually summarized by the number of copies printed of a particular book. For example, if a publisher prints 1,000 books of the same title, the print run is 1,000. Many times a print run is also called a press run.
This term is primarily used in the book publishing business, especially when the first copy of a book is printed. A first copy of a book is almost always worth more money than second or third runs. Book publishers understand this concept, and they attempt to make the most money from the first print run as possible. After the first print run is complete, the publisher sells the books. If the demand is high enough, the publisher might run a second print run and possibly even more print runs after that. If there is not enough demand for a book, there generally is never a second print run for that book.
During a print run, some books do not meet the quality standards to count as a perfect, sellable book. When this happens, these books are set aside and do not normally have sleeves. They may even have ripped pages, or other markings to show that they are damaged books. They are never sold as first quality books.
Print runs are also used with magazines; however in most cases, there are only one print run for each magazine. Each magazine publisher estimates the demand for the magazine and prints accordingly. Businesses may also use print runs for brochures or publications they would like to distribute. To learn more about print runs, check out what Wikipedia has to say about printing.