Book Printing

Choosing the right size for your book is essential as it influences the cost, aesthetics, and reader experience. Common book sizes vary depending on the type of content:

• Novels and Fiction: Standard sizes like 5.5" x 8.5" (Digest) or 6" x 9" (US Trade) are popular as they are easy to handle and cost-effective for printing.
• Children’s Books: Larger formats such as 8" x 10" or even 10" x 10" are common, providing ample space for colorful illustrations and larger text which is easier for children to read.
• Photo Books or Art Books: These often use sizes like 8.5" x 11" to accommodate detailed visuals and layouts that require more space.

When deciding on the size, consider how it will affect the printing costs and the portability of the book. Standard industry sizes might reduce costs due to less waste during the printing process. Consulting with your printing team can provide insights tailored to your specific needs and help you make the best choice.

Short-run book printing is a fantastic option if you're looking to print in small quantities. This approach is particularly beneficial for self-publishers or those working on specialized projects who may not need many copies initially.

Advantages include:

• Cost-Effectiveness: You can print as few as one book at a time, which helps manage budgets better without the need for large upfront investments.
• Flexibility: Digital printing technology allows you to adjust the print run based on demand, reducing the risk of excess inventory.
• Quality: Modern digital printing offers high-quality outputs that are comparable to traditional offset printing.

Most printers do not require large minimum orders, making it easier to print anywhere from one book to a few hundred efficiently and economically.

Because bound books cannot lay flat without breaking, a portion of each inside page will lose visibility into the spine. This inside gutter can take between ¼" and ⅜" of each page. Be mindful of this while designing and add an extra ½" cushion to the binding-side margins of each page of your perfect-bound book.

Crossovers are images that span two adjacent pages. They are not recommended inside a perfect-bound book due to gutters.

A unique feature of books is the ability to design the spine if it is more significant than 1/8th inch. You can keep it a solid color, add text, or have one continuous image covering the front cover across the back cover. Determining your spine width depends on the number of pages and the paper stock you have selected.

The Importance of Paper Selection in Book Printing

The paper you select can dramatically affect how your book looks and feels. Here are some considerations:

• Weight: Thicker papers (higher weight) are typically used for photo books or high-quality art books to support richer, more vibrant images. Novels and general reading materials often use lighter papers to keep the book easy to handle.
• Finish: Matte finishes are preferred for reading materials as they reduce glare and are easier on the eyes, while glossy finishes are chosen for photo books to enhance the sharpness and colors of images.
• Opacity: Higher opacity prevents text or images from being seen through the page, improving readability and overall quality.

For instance, an 80# matte finish is ideal for novels due to its moderate weight and non-reflective surface, whereas a 100# glossy paper might be best for photo books where image clarity is crucial.

You will receive your book after proof approval in 3 to 4 business days. You can request rush production and shipping to receive your book earlier.