Writing a book is only one part of publishing. Formatting and packaging your manuscript into a physical book is a critical part of the publishing process. But a book is very different than a Word document; you can’t simply throw all the text into Microsoft Word and hit print. From trim sizes to binding options, there’s a lot to decide, and it all affects how your book is laid out, how it occupies space on the shelf, and how it feels in a reader’s hands.
This guide offers an introduction to choosing trim size and binding, and what those choices mean for your finished book.
Quick Checklist for Custom Book Specs
Before you choose the specs for your book, establish where you will sell your book, what formats you wish to see, and what you want your book to accomplish. Understanding your goals can help narrow your options.
- Identify your intended formats and distribution channels. Not every printer or distribution platform offers every trim size, binding style, or format.
- Decide whether you plan to publish a paperback, hardcover, or both. A paperback may suit a cost-conscious, portable book, while a hardcover can offer a more substantial presentation. Some books benefit from offering both formats.
- Set a target budget per printed copy. Your production choices affect the per-copy cost of your book. Establishing a target cost before selecting specifications can help you avoid creating a book that is expensive to produce relative to its intended retail price.
- Understand the sizes and formats common for your genre. Sizing standards vary by genre and audience. A child’s picture book will naturally be wider and taller than an adult paperback, but even a nonfiction book is often larger than a standard novel.
It’s also helpful to think about how readers will interact with your book. A novel that will be read cover to cover and set back on the shelf has different physical requirements than a cookbook, a photography book, or a workbook readers will return to repeatedly.
Book Trim Sizes and Book Sizes
A book’s trim size is the final height and width of its pages after the printed sheets have been folded, bound, and trimmed. In other words, it is the finished size of a printed book.
There is no single standard book size for every project. Common trade paperback sizes include:
- 5” x 8”
- 5.25” x 8”
- 5.5” x 8.5”
- 6” x 9”
Standard hardcover sizes for a fiction book include:
- 5.5” x 8.5”
- 6” x 9”
Nonfiction hardcover books are often a little larger, approximately 7” x 10”, while educational books and textbooks often come in around 8.5” x 11”.
Children’s picture books commonly include sizes such as:
- 8.5″ x 8.5″
- 8″ x 10″
- 8.5″ x 11″
While your book can be printed in any size, some choices may affect your distribution options. If you plan to use print-on-demand services or a particular retailer, be sure to check their current specifications before choosing the size of your book. Not every platform allows for every print size, and you may want to choose a size available on all of your intended platforms.
A large trim size generally refers to books larger than common trade formats, although the exact definition can vary by printer and genre. In some cases, it includes any book wider than 6” and taller than 9”. However, for some genres, such as nonfiction and children’s literature, this may be on the smaller end of typical trim sizes.
Beyond printing considerations, standard-sized books may also be more likely to get space on a retailer’s shelves, since they fit established shelving and reader expectations.
How Trim Size Affects Page Count
Trim size has a direct effect on the number of pages your finished book will have. Smaller pages hold less text, which generally increases the total page count. A larger trim size provides more space per page, which can reduce the overall page count.
For example, a manuscript formatted at 5” x 8” will generally require more pages than the same manuscript printed at 6” x 9”, assuming the same type size, font, margins, and other formatting choices apply.
Page count can impact the cost to produce each book as well as the width of the spine. Long books printed in small size may be uncomfortably thick for a reader to hold, while a shorter book printed with a large trim size may feel insubstantial. That makes balance key to finding the right trim size and page count.
No matter what size you decide on, you’ll want to finalize your trim size before formatting your manuscript. Changing the trim size after the interior has been designed can interrupt the flow of text, change the page count, move images and other elements, and ultimately require a complete reformat or review.
Large Trim Sizes and Cost Implications
While large trim sizes make sense for many books, choosing a larger trim size can impact production costs. Larger books may cost more per copy to produce, though they can sometimes command a higher retail price.
For text-based books, increasing the trim size will usually decrease the total page count, as each page allows more space for text. For image-based books with a predetermined number of pages, changing the trim size may not change the total number.
The following table illustrates how trim size and page count can affect estimated per-unit printing costs, using figures from IngramSpark’s Print and Ship calculator:
| Trim Size | Text-Based Book (Variable Pages) | Image-Based Book (Set Pages) |
|---|---|---|
| 5” x 8” | $4.98 (250 Pages) | $4.98 (250 Pages) |
| 6” x 9” | $4.07 (188 Pages) | $4.98 (250 Pages) |
| 7” x 10” | $4.36 (140 Pages) | $6.69 (250 Pages) |
Because the total page count of the text-based book varies, the per-book printing price actually goes down for larger sizes. This is commonly the trade-off between trim size and page count, although it is not always guaranteed. For a book with a set page count, the largest trim size significantly increases the per-unit cost.
However, that higher price may be worth it for a book where presentation and visual space matter. Art books, photography books, cookbooks, illustrated nonfiction, and other image-heavy projects benefit from a larger format, even when it costs more to produce.
Consider how the finished dimensions will affect the reader’s experience, retail price, shipping, and distribution options. Page count and price per book are only the starting point.
Paper Stock and Image Printing
Paper is another physical specification that strongly affects a finished book’s appearance and feel. Printers may offer different paper stocks, weights, colors, and finishes depending on the book format and printing process.
Uncoated paper is commonly used for text-heavy books. It provides a traditional reading experience and is generally comfortable to read.
Coated paper has a smoother surface. It can reproduce photographs and other detailed images effectively. It is also slightly more resistant to handling and incidental moisture, making it a good choice for cookbooks and reference books. However, coated paper availability may vary by printing process and book format.
Paper weight and opacity also matter. Heavier stock can give a book a more substantial feel, while lighter stock can help keep the book thinner and easier to handle. Lighter pages are common with novels and other books well served by portability. Heavier weights do well for reference books or visual books that are often displayed in one place.
Opacity matters most when selecting paper for books with substantial amounts of text or imagery. More opaque paper reduces the likelihood that those words and images show through from the opposite side of the page.
Request samples whenever possible, looking at both the paper stock and a finished example using your desired paper. This is especially important for photography and other image-heavy books, where the paper and printing techniques can impact the quality of your photographs.
Image Printing for Photo-Heavy Books
If your book features a number of images, choose your paper and printing processes with them in mind. Photographs generally benefit from full-color printing and paper stock that reproduces detail, contrast, and color accurately.
Luster or semi-gloss paper is a popular choice for photography books. Also prepare your images at the resolution your printer recommends. 300 PPI is a common target for photographs and other raster images, but always follow your specific printer’s file requirements.
You should also request a physical proof, allowing you to examine some or all of your printed pages before finalizing your book. A digital image can look substantially different when printed on paper, making it essential to see a representation of the final book in person.
Binding Style and Binding Styles Explained
A book’s binding is how its pages are assembled into the finished book. The appropriate binding method depends on the book’s format, page count, intended use, and production budget.
Perfect binding is a common paperback binding method in which individual pages are gathered together and attached directly to the cover with a flexible adhesive. It produces a clean, smooth spine and is the industry standard for novels, memoirs, and other paperback books as well as many magazines, catalogs, and manuals. The minimum page count for perfect-bound books is often around 24 pages, though requirements may vary by printer.
Smyth sewn binding stitches sections of pages together before assembling the book. This traditional book construction method often offers better durability and flexibility than adhesive-only methods. It can also allow a book to open more comfortably. Sewn binding is often recommended for books that will be used frequently or for long periods.
The binding method you choose can impact the width of your book’s spine. Spine width also depends on factors such as page count and paper thickness. Calculate the final spine measurement using the printer’s specifications, not trim size alone.
When choosing your binding style, consider how the reader will use your book. A perfect-bound paperback may be perfect for a novel intended for casual reading, while a durable sewn binding may be better for a reference book, journal, or other text that will be handled often.
Custom Book Binding Options
Additional binding and cover options, such as a dust jacket or custom end sheets, can transform a hardcover book’s appearance.
A dust jacket adds a separate printed cover around the hard cover. It not only protects the bound book, but also adds additional space for the book’s title, author information, description, and artwork.
End sheets are the sheets of paper that connect the book’s interior pages to its cover. End sheets can be available in different paper weights and colors, allowing authors one more design choice that complements the book’s overall presentation.
It’s important to note that not all printers offer the same customization options. Print-on-demand options, for example, may be limited. If you want a particular end sheet color, paper weight, dust jacket, or other feature, confirm that it is available for your selected binding and distribution method before you design your book around it.
Custom Book Cover Finishes and Cover Finish Choices
Your book’s cover is the first thing most readers encounter, so its finish can noticeably affect the book’s appearance and feel.
Gloss film lamination creates a smooth, shiny surface that can make colors and images appear bright and saturated. It can also help to protect the book’s cover and contents from moisture and repeated handling.
Matte finish has a less reflective surface, producing a softer, more understated appearance. Matte covers can be easier to view under bright lighting because they produce less glare.
Soft-touch finish adds a smooth, velvety feel to a book’s cover. It can create a distinctive experience for the reader, though availability and cost vary by printer.
When choosing your cover finish, consider your book’s genre, artwork, intended audience, and budget, as well as the available options from your printer. Request samples whenever possible so that you can evaluate the actual finished effect rather than solely relying on a digital proof.
Preparing Files for Printing: Book Trim Size and Formats
Once you’ve decided on your book’s physical specifications, you can prepare your interior and cover files for production. Requirements vary by printer, so always consult your chosen printer’s requirements before you start.
Start by setting the document’s page size to the final trim size of the book. Do not simply format your manuscript on standard letter-size pages and expect your printer to resize it automatically.
If artwork or other elements extend to the edge of the finished page, you’ll need to add bleed according to your printer’s specifications. Bleed creates extra image or background area beyond the trim line so small shifts during cutting don’t leave unwanted white edges.
Always finalize your interior before starting on your cover, as your final page count and paper selection will impact your spine width and cover size. Use your printer’s specifications to calculate the final cover size, including the back cover, spine, and front cover.
Before exporting your final PDF, make sure fonts are embedded and that all images meet the printer’s required resolution and color specifications. Some printing workflows require or recommend CMYK color for images, while others handle color conversion as part of the production process. Follow the specific requirements of the printer or platform you are using rather than applying a universal color setting.
Choosing Specs for Nonfiction
Nonfiction includes many types of books, so the ideal physical specifications depend on the content and use.
Narrative nonfiction, such as memoirs, biographies, essays, and other primarily text-based books, often works well in compact, traditional book sizes like those for novels. A smaller format can create a comfortable reading experience while keeping the book relatively portable.
Illustrative nonfiction may benefit from a larger trim size. Books containing artwork, photographs, diagrams, charts, maps, or other visual material need enough page space for those elements to be visually effective and, in many cases, legible.
For books that combine elements of narrative and illustrative nonfiction, you’ll want to consider the relationship between the two. A larger page may allow more room for an important image, but it will also change how the text sits on the page.
The best nonfiction specifications balance presenting the content well with supporting how readers are expected to use the book.
Testing, Proofing, and Quality Checks
When possible, always order a physical proof copy of a book before approving a final print run. A physical book can look and feel very different from an image on a screen, so evaluate the actual book rather than relying on a digital PDF proof.
Once you have your book in hand, thoroughly examine it to make sure that it meets your expectations and quality standards:
- Check the interior. Read and review multiple interior pages. Look for issues with the margins, page breaks, image quality, color reproduction, text alignment, and any elements that appear too close to the trim edge.
- Examine the binding. Make sure that the pages are securely attached, that the cover and spine are aligned correctly, and that the book opens as expected for its binding style.
- Inspect the cover. Consider the cover finish and lamination. Look for scratches, bubbles, uneven application, unexpected glare, or other production issues.
A proof is more than a box to check before you send your book to print. It’s an opportunity to ensure your book’s quality, catching and correcting problems before they reach your readers.
Final Checklist Before Upload
Before submitting your files for printing or distribution, take the time to review your specifications one more time.
Below is a final checklist before uploading your files:
- Confirm that the book trim size matches the requirements of your chosen printer or distribution platform.
- Verify that your selected binding style is available and compatible with your intended format.
- Finalize your paper choices, including weight, color, and any relevant opacity or finish considerations.
- Finalize your cover finish decision, such as gloss, matte, or soft-touch lamination.
- Confirm the final page count and use it to verify the spine width.
- Check that the interior and cover files include the required bleed and margins.
- Confirm that fonts are embedded and images meet the printer’s resolution and color requirements.
- Order and review a physical proof copy before approving a larger print run.
- Estimate the final printing cost per copy and make sure it works with your planned retail price and margins.
Choosing the physical specifications of your book early makes the rest of the production process much easier. When you select trim size, paper, binding, and cover treatments with the book’s content and intended use in mind, the final product is more likely to look intentional, feel appropriate in the reader’s hands, and fit the realities of your publishing budget.
