{"id":3793,"date":"2026-08-21T09:19:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-21T15:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/blog\/?p=3793"},"modified":"2026-08-17T16:52:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T22:52:01","slug":"paperback-book-printing-get-started","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/blog\/paperback-book-printing-get-started\/","title":{"rendered":"Paperback Book Printing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Looking to self-publish your paperback book? We are going to cover everything you need to start your publishing journey as a self-published author. Binding types are one of the most searched topics in publishing and it is also one of the most important decisions you\u2019ll make in print. Here is what a paperback book is, types of paper, sizes, and hardcover vs. paperback at <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/\">PrintingCenterUSA<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is a Paperback Book?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A paperback book is also a softcover book which is a bound set of pages at the spine with glue and paper rather than hardcover board. The cover is printed, trimmed, and glued to the book block using an adhesive binding process called perfect binding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Paperback books are the most popular book format in the world and are what most people imagine when they picture a book in their head. They are less expensive to buy and produce. They are easier to carry around with you which makes them the most common self-publishing option. Softcover and paperback books are the same. Start your softcover\/paperback book <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/printing\/paperback-book-printing\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/printing\/paperback-book-printing\">today<\/a><\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dhrupal.mo.cloudinary.net\/images\/html_pages\/img\/gallary_perfect_bound_book-4.webp\" alt=\"produt-img\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Paperback vs. Hardcover<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The difference between paperback and hardcover comes down to the cover material, cost, weight, and intended use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Paperback books have cardstock covers and are lighter. They are more affordable and portable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hardcover books have a thick cardboard like cover bound to the pages. Hardcovers are more expensive but they also last longer, are stronger, and are prestigious. For most people paperback is the best choice for publishing due to cost and production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PrintingCenterUSA offers both paperback and hardcover printing. Paperback is available in a wide range of sizes with multiple paper and finish options. Hardcover printing is available in portrait, landscape, and square orientations in sizes including 5.5 x 8.5, 6 x 9, and 8.5 x 11 with page counts from 30 to 400 pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Paperback Book Sizes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The right size for your paperback depends on your genre, content type, and how you want the book to look and feel in a reader&#8217;s hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the standard paperback book sizes available at PrintingCenterUSA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Portrait (bind on long edge): 4.25 x 11, 5.5 x 8.5, 6 x 9, 8.5 x 11, A4 (8.27 x 11.69), A5 (5.83 x 8.27), A6 (4.13 x 8.83)<br>Landscape (bind on short edge): 8.5 x 5.5, 9 x 6, 11 x 8.5<br>Square: 6 x 6, 8 x 8, 12 x 12<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most popular size at PrintingCenterUSA is 8.5 x 11 inches. For novels and trade books, 5.5 x 8.5 and 6 x 9 are the industry-standard sizes. For textbooks, manuals, and workbooks, 8.5 x 11 gives the most space for content and images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Standard paperback sizes by genre and use:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Novels and fiction: 5.5 x 8.5 or 6 x 9 inches<br>Nonfiction and trade books: 6 x 9 or 8.5 x 11 inches<br>Textbooks and academic titles: 8.5 x 11 inches<br>Manuals and workbooks: 8.5 x 11 inches<br>Photo books and art books: 8.5 x 11 or 11 x 8.5 landscape<br>Children&#8217;s books: varies, commonly 8 x 8 or 8.5 x 11<br>Pocket books: 5.5 x 8.5 or smaller<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Paper Is Used for Paperback Books?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The paper inside a paperback book is called text weight paper. The cover uses heavier cover weight paper. Here is a full breakdown of what is available at PrintingCenterUSA and when to use each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cover paper options:<\/strong> 100 lb gloss cover, 100 lb matte cover, 80 lb gloss cover, 80 lb matte cover, 80 lb uncoated cover, 10pt gloss cover, 10pt matte cover, 10pt C1S cover, 12pt gloss cover, 12pt matte cover, 12pt C1S cover, 14pt gloss cover, 14pt matte cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For most paperback books, 80 lb or 100 lb cover stock with a gloss or matte finish is the standard choice. Gloss cover stock makes the cover image appear more vibrant and is better protected against moisture. Matte cover stock has a more refined, understated quality that suits literary fiction, academic titles, and any book where a more subtle aesthetic is appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Inside paper options:<\/strong> 100 lb gloss text, 100 lb matte text, 80 lb gloss text, 80 lb matte text, 70 lb gloss text, 70 lb matte text, 70 lb uncoated text, 60 lb uncoated text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For text-heavy books like novels, memoirs, and manuals, 70 lb or 80 lb matte text is the standard recommendation. Matte paper is more comfortable to read under most lighting conditions and gives the interior a traditional book feel. For photo books and image-heavy publications, 80 lb or 100 lb gloss text makes colors appear richer and images sharper. For workbooks, coloring books, and any book where readers will write directly on the pages, 60 lb or 70 lb uncoated text is the right choice because it accepts pen and pencil cleanly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What type of paper is used for book covers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most professional paperback book covers use 10pt to 14pt cover stock. This is significantly heavier than the interior text pages and gives the cover its characteristic stiffness while remaining flexible enough to be the softcover format. UV high gloss coating or soft touch lamination are the most popular cover finish options. UV coating makes the cover image pop and adds protection against scratching and moisture. Soft touch lamination gives the cover a velvety, tactile finish that communicates premium quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Many Pages Does a Paperback Book Need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The minimum page count for a perfect bound paperback book at PrintingCenterUSA is 20 pages. If your book has fewer than 20 pages, saddle stitch binding is the recommended alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Page counts must be in increments of two. The cover counts as four pages: front cover, inside front cover, inside back cover, and back cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no maximum page count. The spine becomes printable at approximately 80 pages depending on your paper choice. Add a title, author name, or design element that is visible when the book is displayed upright on a shelf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dhrupal.mo.cloudinary.net\/images\/html_pages\/img\/gallary_perfect_bound_book-3.webp\" alt=\"produt-img\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is the Spine of a Paperback Book?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The spine is the flat edge of the book that connects the front to the back cover. The more pages you have the wider the spine will be. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spine width is determined by your page count and paper thickness. Use PrintingCenterUSA&#8217;s spine calculator on the <strong>instant pricing tool<\/strong> to determine how wide your spine will be before you design your cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Set Up Your Paperback Book File for Printing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting your file set up correctly from the start prevents delays and rework. Here are the key technical requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bleed:<\/strong> Set to 0.125 inches (1\/8 inch) on all sides. Any background color or image intended to run to the edge of the page must extend beyond the trim line by 0.125 inches.<br><strong>Trim:<\/strong> The final document size after cutting. This is your chosen book size.<br><strong>Safety line:<\/strong> Keep all important content including text and images at least 0.125 inches inside the trim line so nothing gets cut off.<br><strong>Binding margin:<\/strong> For the inside gutter (the edge closest to the spine), set your safety margin to at least 0.375 inches (3\/8 inch) to prevent text or images from being lost in the binding.<br><strong>Image resolution:<\/strong> All images must be at least 300 DPI. Images at 72 DPI or 96 DPI will print blurry and pixelated regardless of how sharp they look on screen.<br><strong>Page order:<\/strong> Save pages in single-page consecutive order. Do not upload spreads. The cover and all interior pages should appear one at a time in sequential order.<br><strong>File format:<\/strong> Submit as a print-ready PDF with fonts embedded.<br><strong>Color mode:<\/strong> Set to CMYK before designing. RGB produces unpredictable color shifts in print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PrintingCenterUSA offers free downloadable Adobe templates for every standard book size with margins, bleed, and safe zones already configured. Every file submitted goes through the automated 43-point inspection before production begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Print a Paperback Book at PrintingCenterUSA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Printing a paperback book at PrintingCenterUSA is fast, easy, and affordable. Here is how the process works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Choose<\/strong> your size, paper, and finish using the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/printing\/paperback-book-printing\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/printing\/paperback-book-printing\">instant pricing tool<\/a><\/strong>. Enter your page count, quantity, and specs to see an exact cost per book before you order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Upload <\/strong>your print-ready PDF at checkout. If your file is not ready, you can select Buy Now and Upload Later to secure your order and upload your file from your account page when it is ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Review <\/strong>your proof. Once your file is received it goes through the automated 43-point inspection. You will receive an electronic PDF proof within 24 hours of placing your order. Review it carefully and approve it to move into production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Receive <\/strong>your order. Standard production ships in three to four business days after proof approval. Rush two-business-day production is available if you need your books faster. UPS Ground and Next Day Air shipping options are available depending on your timeline and budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dhrupal.mo.cloudinary.net\/images\/html_pages\/img\/gallary_perfect_bound_book-5.webp\" alt=\"produt-img\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Much Does It Cost to Print a Paperback Book?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Paperback book printing cost depends on size, page count, paper choice, and quantity. Larger quantities lower your cost per book significantly. Use PrintingCenterUSA&#8217;s <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/printing\/paperback-book-printing\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/printing\/paperback-book-printing\">instant pricing tool<\/a><\/strong> for an exact cost on your specific project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a general reference, a standard paperback at 200 pages typically runs between $4 and $12 per book depending on quantity and paper choice. At higher quantities the cost per book drops substantially. Many self-published authors and small publishers sell their paperbacks for $15 to $30 or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Design Your Event Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>There are several ways to get your paperback book designed and print-ready depending on your skill level, budget, and timeline.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/free-templates\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/free-templates\">Free downloadable Adobe templates<\/a> <\/strong>are available at PrintingCenterUSA for every standard book size. The margins, bleed, binding gutter, and safe zones are already configured so you can start designing without any technical setup. Templates are available for Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/online-design-tools\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/online-design-tools\">The free online design tool<\/a> <\/strong>at PrintingCenterUSA lets you build your book layout directly in the browser with no software required. Upload your images, add your text, and the tool handles the file preparation automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canva.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.canva.com\/\">Canva<\/a> <\/strong>is a popular option for book design. Set your document dimensions to your chosen book size, design each page in order, and export as a PDF Print file with bleed enabled before uploading. Follow PrintingCenterUSA&#8217;s guide on exporting Canva files for print to make sure your file is press-ready before you submit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/services\/find-a-designer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/services\/find-a-designer\">Professional design help<\/a> <\/strong>is available through PrintingCenterUSA&#8217;s <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/services\/find-a-designer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/services\/find-a-designer\">Find a Designer service<\/a><\/strong> for authors and publishers who want expert help from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For any design tool, set your bleed to 0.125 inches on all sides, keep your binding gutter margin at least 0.375 inches, keep all other important content at least 0.125 inches inside the trim line, use CMYK color mode, and export as a print-ready PDF with fonts embedded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is a paperback book?<\/strong><br>A paperback book is a book with a flexible printed cardstock cover bound using perfect binding. Also called softcover, softback, or softbound, it is the most widely used book format in the world. Paperbacks are lighter, less expensive, and easier to produce than hardcover books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What does paperback mean?<\/strong><br>Paperback means the book has a soft, flexible paper-based cover rather than a rigid hardboard cover. The name comes from the flexible paper cover. It is the same as softcover or softback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is softcover the same as paperback?<\/strong><br>Yes. Softcover, softback, softbound, and paperback all refer to the same format: a book with a flexible printed cover bound with adhesive perfect binding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is the difference between paperback and hardcover?<\/strong><br>Paperback has a flexible cardstock cover and costs significantly less to produce. Hardcover has a rigid board cover and is more durable and more expensive. Paperback is preferred for novels, textbooks, and any book where affordability and portability matter. Hardcover is preferred for premium editions, gift books, and coffee table books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is a trade paperback?<\/strong><br>A trade paperback is the standard larger-format paperback found in bookstores. It is typically 5.5 x 8.5 or 6 x 9 inches, printed on higher quality paper than a mass market paperback, and produced in smaller quantities. Most self-published books and independent press titles use trade paperback format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What size is a paperback book?<\/strong><br>The most common paperback sizes are 5.5 x 8.5 inches for novels and trade books, 6 x 9 inches for nonfiction and academic titles, and 8.5 x 11 inches for textbooks, manuals, and workbooks. PrintingCenterUSA offers a full range of portrait, landscape, and square sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What paper is used for paperback book covers?<\/strong><br>Most professional paperback covers use 10pt to 14pt cover stock, which is significantly heavier than the interior pages. Gloss cover stock with UV coating is the most popular finish for vibrant color protection. Matte cover stock with soft touch lamination is the premium choice for a refined tactile finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What paper is used inside paperback books?<\/strong><br>Text-heavy books like novels and manuals typically use 70 lb or 80 lb matte text paper. Photo books and image-heavy publications use 80 lb or 100 lb gloss text. Workbooks and coloring books use 60 lb or 70 lb uncoated text so readers can write on the pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How many pages does a paperback book need?<\/strong><br>The minimum for perfect binding at PrintingCenterUSA is 20 pages. Page counts must be in multiples of two. Books under 20 pages are better suited to saddle stitch binding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How much does it cost to print a paperback book?<\/strong><br>Cost depends on size, page count, paper, and quantity. A standard 200-page trade paperback typically runs $4 to $12 per book depending on quantity. Higher quantities lower the cost per unit significantly. Use PrintingCenterUSA&#8217;s <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/printing\/paperback-book-printing\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/printing\/paperback-book-printing\">instant pricing tool<\/a><\/strong> for an exact cost on your specific specs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How do I print a paperback book?<\/strong><br>Choose your size and specs using the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/printing\/paperback-book-printing\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/printing\/paperback-book-printing\">instant pricing tool<\/a><\/strong>, upload your print-ready PDF, approve your electronic proof, and receive your order in three to four business days. Free Adobe templates are available for every standard book size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ready to Print Your Paperback Book?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now you have everything you need to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/printing\/paperback-book-printing\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/printing\/paperback-book-printing\">publish<\/a><\/strong> your paperback book today with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/\">PrintingCenterUSA<\/a><\/strong>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking to self-publish your paperback book? We are going to cover everything you need to start your publishing journey as a self-published author. Binding types are one of the most searched topics in publishing and it is also one of the most important decisions you\u2019ll make in print. Here is what a paperback book is, types of paper, sizes, and hardcover vs. paperback at PrintingCenterUSA. What Is a Paperback Book? A paperback book is also a softcover book which is a bound set of pages at the spine with glue and paper rather than hardcover board. The cover is printed, trimmed, and glued to the book block using an adhesive binding process called perfect binding. Paperback books are the most popular book format in the world and are what most people imagine when they picture a book in their head. They are less expensive to buy and produce. They are easier to carry around with you which makes them the most common self-publishing option. Softcover and paperback books are the same. Start your softcover\/paperback book today! Paperback vs. Hardcover The difference between paperback and hardcover comes down to the cover material, cost, weight, and intended use. Paperback books have cardstock covers and are lighter. They are more affordable and portable. Hardcover books have a thick cardboard like cover bound to the pages. Hardcovers are more expensive but they also last longer, are stronger, and are prestigious. For most people paperback is the best choice for publishing due to cost and production. PrintingCenterUSA offers both paperback and hardcover printing. Paperback is available in a wide range of sizes with multiple paper and finish options. Hardcover printing is available in portrait, landscape, and square orientations in sizes including 5.5 x 8.5, 6 x 9, and 8.5 x 11 with page counts from 30 to 400 pages. Paperback Book Sizes The right size for your paperback depends on your genre, content type, and how you want the book to look and feel in a reader&#8217;s hands. Here are the standard paperback book sizes available at PrintingCenterUSA: Portrait (bind on long edge): 4.25 x 11, 5.5 x 8.5, 6 x 9, 8.5 x 11, A4 (8.27 x 11.69), A5 (5.83 x 8.27), A6 (4.13 x 8.83)Landscape (bind on short edge): 8.5 x 5.5, 9 x 6, 11 x 8.5Square: 6 x 6, 8 x 8, 12 x 12 The most popular size at PrintingCenterUSA is 8.5 x 11 inches. For novels and trade books, 5.5 x 8.5 and 6 x 9 are the industry-standard sizes. For textbooks, manuals, and workbooks, 8.5 x 11 gives the most space for content and images. Standard paperback sizes by genre and use: Novels and fiction: 5.5 x 8.5 or 6 x 9 inchesNonfiction and trade books: 6 x 9 or 8.5 x 11 inchesTextbooks and academic titles: 8.5 x 11 inchesManuals and workbooks: 8.5 x 11 inchesPhoto books and art books: 8.5 x 11 or 11 x 8.5 landscapeChildren&#8217;s books: varies, commonly 8 x 8 or 8.5 x 11Pocket books: 5.5 x 8.5 or smaller What Paper Is Used for Paperback Books? The paper inside a paperback book is called text weight paper. The cover uses heavier cover weight paper. Here is a full breakdown of what is available at PrintingCenterUSA and when to use each. Cover paper options: 100 lb gloss cover, 100 lb matte cover, 80 lb gloss cover, 80 lb matte cover, 80 lb uncoated cover, 10pt gloss cover, 10pt matte cover, 10pt C1S cover, 12pt gloss cover, 12pt matte cover, 12pt C1S cover, 14pt gloss cover, 14pt matte cover. For most paperback books, 80 lb or 100 lb cover stock with a gloss or matte finish is the standard choice. Gloss cover stock makes the cover image appear more vibrant and is better protected against moisture. Matte cover stock has a more refined, understated quality that suits literary fiction, academic titles, and any book where a more subtle aesthetic is appropriate. Inside paper options: 100 lb gloss text, 100 lb matte text, 80 lb gloss text, 80 lb matte text, 70 lb gloss text, 70 lb matte text, 70 lb uncoated text, 60 lb uncoated text. For text-heavy books like novels, memoirs, and manuals, 70 lb or 80 lb matte text is the standard recommendation. Matte paper is more comfortable to read under most lighting conditions and gives the interior a traditional book feel. For photo books and image-heavy publications, 80 lb or 100 lb gloss text makes colors appear richer and images sharper. For workbooks, coloring books, and any book where readers will write directly on the pages, 60 lb or 70 lb uncoated text is the right choice because it accepts pen and pencil cleanly. What type of paper is used for book covers? Most professional paperback book covers use 10pt to 14pt cover stock. This is significantly heavier than the interior text pages and gives the cover its characteristic stiffness while remaining flexible enough to be the softcover format. UV high gloss coating or soft touch lamination are the most popular cover finish options. UV coating makes the cover image pop and adds protection against scratching and moisture. Soft touch lamination gives the cover a velvety, tactile finish that communicates premium quality. How Many Pages Does a Paperback Book Need? The minimum page count for a perfect bound paperback book at PrintingCenterUSA is 20 pages. If your book has fewer than 20 pages, saddle stitch binding is the recommended alternative. Page counts must be in increments of two. The cover counts as four pages: front cover, inside front cover, inside back cover, and back cover. There is no maximum page count. The spine becomes printable at approximately 80 pages depending on your paper choice. Add a title, author name, or design element that is visible when the book is displayed upright on a shelf. What Is the Spine of a Paperback Book? The spine is the flat edge of the book that connects the front to the back cover. The more [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":31,"featured_media":18660,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"sfsi_plus_gutenberg_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_show_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_type":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_alignemt":"","sfsi_plus_gutenburg_max_per_row":"","h5ap_radio_sources":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[108],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3793","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-books"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>PAPERBACK BOOK PRINTING &quot;GET STARTED&quot;<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"So you have written a book. Ready to self-publish? Now&#039;s the time to think about the perfect binding type that you want.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.printingcenterusa.com\/blog\/paperback-book-printing-get-started\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"PAPERBACK BOOK PRINTING &quot;GET STARTED&quot;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"So you have written a book. Ready to self-publish? 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