In a print job distribution method, a distribution is determined that assigns distribution portions of a plurality of print jobs to selected print shops. The determining of the distribution includes: (i) estimating a per job turnaround time metric for each print job respective to those print shops capable of performing the print job; (ii) estimating a per shop turnaround time metric for each print shop based on the per job turnaround time metrics estimated for that print shop and distribution portions assigned to that print shop; and (iii) optimizing respective to the distribution a load-balancing metric that is functionally dependent upon the per-shop turnaround time metrics of the print shops.