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Choosing the right hardcover cover type for your book

Hardcover resource

When writing a book, many authors mistakenly think of cover design as something that should be handled at the last minute. Maybe you have a few rough ideas in mind for your cover design, but you’re not sure what your next steps should be. Above all, you know you want a hardcover book. But then what?

In this detailed guide from OnPress Book Printing, we’ll walk you through the process of how to choose the right type of hardcover style for your book. Let’s take a closer look at what’s involved and learn how to decide on the perfect style for your unique and creative vision.

Hardcover cover types

Because we design and print hardcover books in-house, we’re able to pass significant savings to our customers without sacrificing quality. We offer three premium-quality hardback cover types, including:

Casewrap hardcover

The best of both worlds when it comes to durability and design. With a casewrap cover, the cover design is printed directly onto the book’s surface. An added protective layer of either UV glossy or matte laminate finish is then layered on top to help make the colors seem to pop from the surface while protecting against dust, scratches, and scuffs.

A casewrap hardcover is best suited for textbooks, workbooks, or books that need an affordable design that still looks vibrant and professional. Casewrap hardcover books give you a clean, modern style without the need to have a dust jacket.

Hardcover with dust jacket

If you’d prefer a hardcover book with a dust jacket for added professionalism, we can help! Hardcover books with dust jackets are a classic favorite, giving you a protective layer over top of the sophisticated look of a cloth or faux-leather binding beneath.

These types of covers are ideal for novels or memoirs and their classic design offers timeless appeal to both readers and book collectors.

What to keep in mind before ordering your hardcover design

No matter which type of hardcover book you ultimately choose, there are a few important points to keep in mind, depending on the type of book you want to print:

Know your target audience

Academic books or instruction manuals need added durability, which makes a casewrap hardcover cover a smart choice. On the other hand, novels or memoirs that target a larger audience can incorporate a dust jacket for added elegance and sophistication.

Understand the purpose of the book

Books that will undergo heavy use, such as cookbooks or textbooks, need a more durable cover like casewrap or laminated hardcover than less frequently used types of books. Dust jackets or clothbound books are ideal for gift books, coffee table books, or special editions.

Cost of the book

Casewrap hardcover books are more affordable and practical for authors with limited budgets. Dust jacket and clothbound books cost more, but can significantly elevate the perceived value of the book and make it stand out on retail shelves.

Design preferences

If your book cover will be the primary driving force behind your reader picking it up and handling it (for instance, a graphic novel or children’s book), the casewrap style or a dust jacket will give you more creative freedom to really hone in on the details as opposed to a clothbound book. On the other hand, clothbound books are more limited in design but offer creative alternatives and unique options for texture and detail, like embossing or foil stamping.

Finishing options for your hardcover book

Last but not least, you’ll need to decide on a finishing option for your hardcover book. Here are the different options you can choose from, as well as their benefits:

  • Matte or glossy laminate: Most commonly used on casewrap covers and dust jackets for greater durability and a touch of stylish sophistication.
  • Foil stamping: Often used on clothbound covers to highlight the title or logo.
  • Embossing/debossing: Adds texture to titles or design elements.
  • Spot UV coating: Highlights specific areas with a glossy shine for added depth.

Choosing the right hardcover cover type: your next steps

Now that you better understand what different options are available for your hardcover cover type, how can you go about choosing the right cover for you book? Keep in mind that people often make their first impression of a book based on the cover design. For that reason, you’ll want to carefully consider and weigh different options to choose the best option for your needs and budget.

When working with a professional printing company like OnPress, you’re assured of the best possible quality at the best possible price. Our G7-certified master printers and highly efficient roll-fed presses are designed to create flawless hardcover book covers both inside and out. From crisp text to vibrant images, every hardcover cover we create is designed to stand out and look great.

We also offer a variety of FSC-certified paper stocks in natural, opaque, and glossy finishes. Add UV gloss or matte lamination to enhance the look of your hardcover book and protect it from wear and tear.

Even if you need your hardcover books printed quickly, you can rely on OnPress. With turnaround times as short as just two business days for smaller orders, your hardcover book will be ready quickly without sacrificing quality for speed.

Found a cheaper price elsewhere? We’ll match it! That’s how committed we are to your complete satisfaction every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our hardcover printing process and let’s work together to give your book the attention it deserves!

Contact us today to learn more about our paperback graphic novel printing services and how we can help you bring your creative vision to life!

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