Paperback and Hardback Formats
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Hardcover Editions: A Smarter Strategy for Serious Authors
Offering both paperback and hardback editions is the most flexible and strategic way to publish your book.
Different readers buy in different ways. A paperback edition provides accessibility and everyday affordability, while a hardback adds durability, perceived value, and premium appeal.
By publishing in both formats, you expand your reach, strengthen your credibility, and create more sales opportunities — from bookstores and libraries to events, collectors, and gift buyers.
This dual-format approach ensures your book is positioned to meet reader preferences wherever and however they choose to purchase.
Scroll down (under the size selection table) for more information on selecting the best trim size, paper color, and cover finish for your book.
Why Your Book’s Trim Size Matters
Your trim size affects more than just dimensions — it influences page count, weight, production cost, and even your book’s retail price.
It also shapes your book’s overall appearance and reader experience. Different genres follow different conventions. For example, an 8.5x11 format may work beautifully for a workbook or cookbook, but would feel oversized for most adult fiction titles.
Choosing a trim size that aligns with your genre and audience expectations helps ensure your book looks professional and feels appropriate in readers’ hands.
If you’re unsure what size is typical for your genre, visit a local bookstore or browse comparable titles online to see what formats are most commonly used.
Binding Style Options
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Perfect Bound Paperback Our standard paperback format features your full-color cover printed on durable 80# cover stock with your choice of a glossy or matte finish. Pages and cover are securely bound at the spine for a clean, professional look. |
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Casebound Hardback (Upgrade) 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 (Upgrade) 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. |
Cover Finish Options
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Glossy — A classic finish that enhances color vibrancy and shine. Matte — A smooth, soft-touch finish with a refined appearance. All paperback covers and dust jackets are printed in full color on 80# cover stock. |
Paper Color Options (Black & White Interiors)
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White 50# — Standard matte finish White 70# — Heavier matte stock (available upon request) Crème 50# (Recycled) — Matte finish; easier on the eyes for extended reading |
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Crème paper is often preferred for fiction titles because it reduces glare and reader fatigue. White paper is generally recommended for nonfiction and books with graphic elements. Note: Crème paper is not recommended for books with charts, graphs, or heavy imagery. |
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Paper for Color Interiors
White 70# — This paper stock balances color clarity and durability for full-color books.
Print Quality Options (Color Books)
- Standard — Most cost-effective; ideal for longer books or limited color use.
- Premium — Recommended for shorter books or those with heavy image use on both sides of the page.
- Ultra-Premium (Available Upon Request) — Maximum ink saturation for image-rich projects requiring exceptional depth and vibrancy.
Higher print quality increases production costs and may impact retail pricing. Consider your audience and visual needs when selecting this option.
Why Publish a Hardback?
Hardcover editions can:
- Add durability and perceived prestige
- Appeal to libraries and collectors
- Increase format availability and sales potential
- Meet genre expectations (such as cookbooks, children’s books, and select nonfiction titles)
Offering multiple formats expands your reach and strengthens your publishing strategy.
Book Size Recommendations
If you’re publishing a series, maintaining a consistent trim size across all titles is recommended.
FICTION: Common sizes: 6x9, 5.5x8.5, 6.14x9.21. Laminated casebound hardcovers are generally not recommended for most fiction titles.
POETRY: Common sizes: 5.5x8.5 or 6x9. As with fiction, laminated casebound hardcovers are typically avoided.
NON-FICTION: Common sizes: 6x9, 6.14x9.21, or 7x10. Larger formats such as 8x10 or 8.5x11 may be appropriate depending on content. Cookbooks are often published as laminated hardcovers for durability and ease of use.
JUVENILE: Popular picture book sizes include: 8.5x8.5 (square), 11x8.5 (landscape), and 8.5x11 (portrait). Children’s books may be paperback, casebound, or dust-jacket hardback. Laminated casebound is typically recommended for durability.