Hardback Format Only
$299
Hardcover Editions: A Smarter Strategy for Serious Authors
This option is for authors who wish to publish their book exclusively in hardcover format, without offering a paperback edition.
While hardbacks provide durability and prestige, offering both paperback and hardback editions typically maximizes availability, pricing flexibility, and overall sales potential. Many readers prefer paperback pricing, while others prefer hardcover presentation.
If your publishing strategy specifically calls for a hardback-only release, you may select this option. Otherwise, we generally recommend making your book available in multiple formats to reach the widest audience.
You may also choose to publish both a paperback and a hardback edition for maximum flexibility.
Publishing in hardback adds durability, perceived value, and shelf presence. Outskirts Press offers two hardcover styles to support different presentation goals and reader expectations.
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Casebound Hardback A laminated casebound hardback features your full-color cover printed directly onto a rigid hardcover. Available in glossy or matte finish, this format offers added durability and a more premium presentation. |
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Dust-Jacket Hardback This option combines a laminated casebound hardcover with a removable, full-color wrap-around dust jacket (glossy or matte). The hardcover beneath features a textured, linen-style finish. Your book title and name are printed along the spine (space permitting). Dust jackets offer a traditional, bookstore-style presentation and added design flexibility. |
Hardback Page Count Minimums & Maximums
- All hardback books have a minimum page count of 18 pages.
- Black & white interior books have a maximum page count of 1,000 pages.
- Full-color books have a maximum page count of 840-900 pages (depending on the trim size selected).
Most authors choose to have the size of their hardback be the same size as their paperback. The option to have a different size for your hardback is also available.
Hardback Availability by Publishing Package
- ULTIMATE — Casebound and Dust-Jacket
- BASIC — Casebound
- ECONOMY — None
- FULL-COLOR — Casebound and Dust-Jacket
Hardback Recommendations:
FICTION: Fiction hardbacks are typically 6x9, 5.5x8.5, or 6.14x9.21 — rarely larger. We do not recommend a laminated casebound hardback for most fiction titles. Instead, we strongly recommend the dust-jacket hardback option, as it aligns with traditional bookstore presentation and reader expectations.
POETRY: Poetry hardbacks are most commonly 5.5x8.5 or 6x9. As with fiction, we recommend avoiding the laminated casebound option and choosing the dust-jacket hardback for a more traditional and refined presentation.
NON-FICTION: Non-fiction hardbacks are typically 6x9, 6.14x9.21, or 7x10. In some cases, larger formats such as 8x10 or 8.5x11 are appropriate depending on the content.
The choice between laminated casebound and dust-jacket hardback depends largely on your sub-genre and audience expectations.
Cookbooks, in particular, are almost always published as laminated hardbacks because they lay open more easily during use.
JUVENILE: Popular picture book sizes include: 8.5x8.5 (square), 11x8.5 (landscape), and 8.5x11 (portrait). Children’s hardbacks may be either laminated casebound or dust-jacket hardbacks. However, we typically recommend laminated casebound, as dust jackets can be easily torn or misplaced.
Most authors choose to publish both paperback and hardback editions to maximize distribution and reader accessibility.