Book Size/Format

You will be deciding in what format will your book be sold. Consider these format decisions:

Hardcover or soft cover?

Most books now come out in soft cover, but hardcover is still the right choice for some circumstances. Hardcover books are still considered “gift” books, so if yours would likely be given as a gift, then hardcover is a good choice. Hardcover is generally more expensive and involved in creating a book jacket for the finished product.

Trim size?

Some typical trim, or outside cover, sizes include (in inches): 5 ½ x 8 ½, 6 x 9, 7 x 10, 8 ½ x 11, and others

You could make your book any size you want, but sticking with what is standard in the industry will cut expenses.

Cover: full color or not?

Most book covers now are printed in full color, but you can save money by printing in one color plus black.

Interior: black and white or some color?

Most soft cover trade books are printed with a black and white interior, but gift books often are printed in color. Color on every page adds significantly to the cost of a book.

Paper: weight and type?

Standard trade book paper is 50- or 60-pound stock paper. For a gift book, a standard weight might be 70- or 80-pound. There is also a choice between matte and gloss paper at these higher weights for the book.

Tanyab 08:19, 5 December 2008 (UTC) | www.publishing-store.com