Business Details
44 Years
experience
Trusted Book Printing & Distribution Services in Minneapolis
We founded Bookmobile in 1982 as a design and typesetting firm dedicated to book publishers, later expanding into print services in 1996 and distribution in 2004. With over 40 years of industry experience, we offer short-run book printing, digital printing, and distribution services, emphasizing craftsmanship, quality, and client-focused solutions. Our team specializes in producing high-quality art books, academic publications, and trade titles, incorporating advanced technology while maintaining traditional bookbinding values.We serve over 1,100 clients, including university presses, independent publishers, museums, and artists, ensuring stringent quality control across 60 production criteria. Our commitment to innovation includes introducing features like spot varnish, digital cover foiling, and custom slipcases, while maintaining a 24-hour response time for client inquiries. We operate from a 210 Edge Place facility in Minneapolis, offering nationwide services with a focus on flexibility, affordability, and reliability.
Services
Digital Book Printing
Art Book Printing
Dropshipping Services
eBook Conversion
Hardcover Binding
Book Design
Distribution Services
Custom Trim Sizes
Color Insert Printing
Spiral Binding
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We produce books meeting over 60 quality criteria during production.
- Our team has 42 years of book printing and distribution expertise.
- We offer customizable trim sizes up to 12 x 12 inches.
- Our PUR binding ensures superior durability for coated paper books.
- We respond to client inquiries within 24 hours with detailed quotes.
What people say
Superior quality
Outstanding service
Reasonable cost
Timely turnarounds
Artistic care
Services
Digital Book Printing
Our digital book printing service combines advanced technology with meticulous quality control. We specialize in short-run production from 25 to 6,000 copies, offering CMYK color printing and 45lb to 100lb paper stock options. Our 60+ quality criteria ensure every book meets exacting standards for alignment, color accuracy, and binding durability.
Art Book Printing
We create premium art books with specialized features like French flaps, color inserts, and foil stamping. Our Minneapolis facility handles complex projects requiring translucent vellum inserts, embossing, and custom end sheets. Clients receive proofs from actual production stock for accurate color matching.
Distribution Services
Our Itasca Books division provides nationwide print distribution to bookstores, libraries, and retailers. We offer automatic print replenishment, dropshipping for online orders, and Amazon integration. This service helps publishers maintain cash flow with smaller print runs while reaching wide markets.
Hardcover Binding
Our hardcover binding uses PUR adhesive for superior durability with coated papers. Standard features include 4-color case wraps, foil stamping, and square spines. We produce library-quality bindings in standard sizes from 5.5x8.5 to 8.5x11 inches with custom options available.
eBook Conversion
We convert print books to digital formats compatible with Amazon, Apple, and Barnes & Noble. Our process includes formatting optimization, DRM protection, and delivery validation. The service includes distribution coordination to major eBook retailers with quality checks on all conversion elements.
People
Don Leeper
CEO
Don Leeper founded Bookmobile in 1982 and served as CEO until 2024. He transitioned to Chairman of the Board while maintaining industry leadership. With over 40 years in book production, he received the Pat Bell Award in 2015 for contributions to independent publishing.
Jake Soderberg
Managing Director
Jake Soderberg became Managing Director in 2024, overseeing day-to-day operations at Bookmobile's Minneapolis facility. With extensive experience in print management, he leads production teams responsible for maintaining the company's 60+ quality control criteria during book manufacturing.
Questions
What book formats can you print?
We print paperback and hardcover books with trim sizes from 3x4 to 12x12 inches. Options include French flaps, color inserts, and spiral binding. Page counts range from 16 to 1,430 pages depending on paper stock.
Do you handle international distribution?
While we primarily serve US clients, our distribution network reaches global markets through eBook resellers and print partners. Amazon integration facilitates international sales for publisher clients.
What quality control measures do you use?
Our production process checks books against 60 quality criteria including alignment, color accuracy, binding durability, and trim precision. Two team members verify each production step with client approval for critical changes.
Can you match specific color requirements?
Yes, we offer pre-proof color adjustments using actual production stock. Our Xerox and Konica Minolta printers automatically calibrate for consistent color throughout print runs.
What is your minimum order quantity?
Our standard minimum print run is 25 copies. Special circumstances allow runs up to 6,000 books. We also offer sample printing for color and format verification before full production.
