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How much does it cost to digitize a book?

Written by Anna on . Posted in Blog.

If you're a book lover or a researcher, you may have found yourself in the position of needing to digitize a book. Digitizing a book can be a great way to preserve its contents, make it accessible to a wider audience, and create a digital archive that can be easily searched and shared. But how much does it cost to digitize a book? In this article, we'll explore some of the factors that can affect the cost of digitizing a book and provide some estimates based on industry standards.

Bound vs. Unbound Scanning Book

There are two main types of book scans: bound and unbound. Bound scans involve using a special V-shaped book scanner that can capture high-quality images of the pages without damaging the spine or pages. Unbound scans, on the other hand, involve taking the book apart and scanning each page individually. Bound scans are generally preferred, as they preserve the integrity of the book and can be completed more quickly.

Factors Affecting Scanning Book Costs

The cost of digitizing a book can vary based on several factors, including the size of the book, the quality of the paper and illustrations, and the type of scan required. Generally, the larger the book, the more it will cost to digitize. Large-format books or oversized volumes may require specialized equipment or more time to scan, which can increase the cost. The condition of the book is also a factor, as books that are fragile or in poor condition may require extra care during the scanning process.

Another factor that can affect the cost of digitizing a book is the presence of illustrations or other types of media. Books with lots of illustrations or photographs may require extra time to scan. Additionally, books with color illustrations or images may require specialized equipment to capture the color accurately, which can increase the cost of the scan.

Finally, the cost of digitizing a book can be influenced by the level of OCR (optical character recognition) required. OCR is the process of converting scanned text into digital text that can be searched and edited. If you require a high level of OCR accuracy, this can increase the cost of the scan, as it will require additional time and expertise to ensure that the text is accurately captured.

Estimated Book Scanning Cost

So, how much does it cost to digitize a book? Based on industry standards, a bound book scan can cost anywhere from $0.5 to $1.5 per page, while an unbound book scan can cost $0.1 to $0.5 per page. These estimates are based on standard-sized books with minimal illustrations and no special OCR requirements. For books with larger sizes, more illustrations, or higher OCR requirements, the cost can be significantly higher.

Book Formatting, Design Services, and EPUB Layouts

In today's fast-paced digital world, having your book digitized is just the first step towards reaching a wider audience. At ScanHouse, we understand the importance of preserving the content and enhancing its accessibility and marketability. This is why we offer specialized services in creating EPUB layouts for your digitized books, ensuring they are compatible across various devices and platforms.

The EPUB format, known for its flexibility and compatibility, is the gold standard for e-books. It allows your readers to enjoy your work on their preferred devices, be it smartphones, tablets, or e-readers, without compromising on the reading experience. Our team of experts meticulously designs the layout of your book in the EPUB format, paying close attention to the intricacies of typography, imagery, and overall readability. This attention to detail ensures that your book not only looks good but also provides a seamless reading experience, regardless of the device used.

Why Choose ScanHouse America for a scanning book?

At ScanHouse America, we offer professional book scanning services in Seattle that can help you preserve your books and create a digital archive that can be easily searched and shared. Our pricing is based on the factors listed above, and we offer a range of options to meet your specific needs and budget. Whether you're looking to digitize a single book or create a large digital library, we can help. 

Reach out to us to learn more about our document scanning and digitization services.