How to print a family cookbook
For a few copies, print-on-demand is usually the cheapest route: you pay per copy with no minimum run, and page count, binding and color matter most to the price. If you are starting from handwritten cards, Stirloom in ChatGPT also does the typing and layout and prints a color hardcover on demand through Lulu, 1 to 10 copies per order, with the exact price shown before you pay.
Step by step
- Finish the file. Printers need a print-ready PDF at the trim size, with margins for the binding and a separate cover file. Stirloom makes both for you.
- Choose the binding. Coil or comb binding lies flat on the counter and costs least. Hardcover lasts longest and makes the better gift.
- Choose color or black and white. Color costs more, but photos of handwritten cards lose a lot in black and white.
- Watch the page count. Cost rises with pages. Putting each card photo beside its recipe adds pages, so check how long the book is before you order.
- Compare the total with shipping. Compare quotes for the number of copies you need, shipping included.
- Check before printing every copy. Order one proof, or page through a full preview, before you print copies for everyone.
Printing options, compared
| Copy shop (for example FedEx Office or Staples) | Online book printers (for example Lulu) | Photo-book sites (for example Shutterfly) | Stirloom in ChatGPT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What you bring | Finished pages or a file | A print-ready PDF and a cover file | Photos and text you lay out in their editor | Photos of the recipe cards |
| Bindings | Coil, comb and others; varies by store | Coil, paperback, hardcover and more | Photo-book bindings | 8.5 × 11 in hardcover only |
| Minimum order | One copy | One copy | One copy | One copy, up to 10 per order |
| Typing and layout | Yours | Yours | Yours, with templates | Done for you; you check it |
Stirloom books are printed by Lulu.
When something else fits better
If you already have a finished file, an online book printer or a copy shop will usually cost less, and a coil binding that lies flat is only available there. Stirloom is worth it when the work is in the handwritten cards.
Use Stirloom in ChatGPT
In ChatGPT, open Plugins, search for Stirloom and add it, or mention Stirloom in a chat and approve it when asked. Then ask, for example:
- “Show me what a Stirloom recipe book looks like.”
- “Where is my cookbook? Has it shipped?”
Available in ChatGPT soon How Stirloom works in ChatGPT
Questions
What size and binding is the book?
An 8.5 × 11 inch hardcover with a matte cover in linen, sage or tomato, printed in color on coated paper that wipes clean in the kitchen.
What does the price depend on?
The book’s length (up to 96, 176 or 256 pages), the country and the number of copies. ChatGPT shows the exact price as you add recipes, and the home page lists every price.
How many copies can I order?
Up to 10 copies per order, all to the same address. Place another order for another address.
Can I send it straight to someone as a gift?
Yes. The packing slip shows no prices.
Where do you ship?
To the United States and Canada.
Is there a coil-bound option?
Not yet. Every book is a hardcover.