How do you make sure a dissertation, anniversary book or debut novel doesn’t get stuck in a Word document, but ends up as a real book? For Boekenmakers.nl, this is everyday practice. The company guides writers and organizations step by step, from manuscript to cover and distribution. And for production it relies entirely on Printforce. “We promise our customers that their book will look like you take it straight from the store,” says co-founder Ben Riezouw. “We can only deliver on that because Printforce stands behind us. Their print-on-demand production gives us the assurance that every book is the same quality, whether we make ten or a thousand.”
From father-in-law to crisis years
That Ben is in the book business today was by no means obvious. His background was in economics and sales. Through his father-in-law, who had a printing business, he entered the world of printing. But that happened during the toughest time in the industry: print runs were declining, digital printing was on the rise, and many traditional printers saw their future as bleak. “But that’s exactly where I saw opportunities,” says Ben. “Digital printing and small print runs – that was the future.”
He started with advice on promotion and risk spreading, until the question came, “Why don’t you come work here? “What started as thinking along grew into a career.
When his relationship ended and he left the family business, Ben decided to go his own way. “I was faced with a choice: do I continue on the old path, or do I start something for myself? Together with two companions, I decided to take the adventure. Our idea was simple: make books accessible to everyone, without hassle.”
From thesis to anniversary book
In the beginning, Boekenmakers.nl focused mainly on PhD students who wanted to publish their thesis. But soon the customer base grew. Companies knocked on the door for anniversary books, writers for their debut novel or biography… Today Boekenmakers.nl is a partner for countless types of publications.
Ben: “That’s what I like best, that variety. Every project is different, but the quality should always be the same.”
The common thread: personal guidance, transparency and attention to detail. “No matter if it’s ten copies or a thousand, the promise remains: every book must look as if you could buy it in the store.”
The quiet strength of Printforce
To fulfill that promise, a strong production chain is indispensable, Ben knows. So partnering with Printforce was a no-brainer.
“Printforce is a top partner for us,” says Ben. “They provide not only the quality we need, but also the flexibility to always respond to our customers’ needs. Thanks to them, we were able to grow from an idea to a company that now realizes hundreds of books a year.”
Whereas Boekenmakers.nl focuses on guidance and creation, Printforce guarantees execution. “Customers feel guided with us,” says Ben. “They don’t have to figure out everything themselves. And they know: what we promise, we deliver. We owe that trust in large part to Printforce.”
