Softcover book printing, also called paperback printing, is an incredibly popular choice for publication, no matter what you're writing about. It's affordable, portable, and professional-looking, which is a must for any author. Understanding how softcover books are printed can help you decide if paperback printing is the right choice for your book. Here's what you need to know.
Binding methods
One of the most-common binding methods for softcover books is called “perfect binding.” This involves gluing the pages and cover together at the spine using a strong adhesive made of ethylene vinyl acetate, then trimming the pages to give them that clean, neat, and “perfect” look. Perfect binding is best for books from 30-200 pages.
An upgrade to perfect binding is PUR binding. PUR stands for Polyurethane Reactive. This type of glue is stronger than the ethylene vinyl acetate adhesive, which matters if your book will be handled a lot, such as a cookbook or children's book. Books bound with PUR can also handle extreme temperatures and handling without the pages tearing away from the spine, making PUR a great option for manuals and catalogs too.
Softcover book options
The cover part of the softcover book is usually made from heavy cardstock to give it added durability along with a premium feel. To help add even more durability to the cover, different finish options are available. For example, lamination adds a thin layer of protective film in either a gloss or matte finish to protect against wear and tear, while UV coating is a liquid that cures under ultraviolet light, giving the cover a glossy sheen that makes colors pop.
Choosing the right kind of paper
Did you know that you can even choose the type of interior page paper for your book when having it printed? Not only is this important for the look and feel of the book, but for readability too.
For example, books with a higher page count would do best with text-weight paper. This paper is lighter and makes the book more portable and easier to carry, as you don't want it to be too bulky. The other option is cover-weight paper. This is heavier paper that adds a premium touch, but can also increase the thickness of the book.
Keep in mind that the paper's finish — glossy, matte, or uncoated — also affects the visual style of the images and text. Glossy finishes make images pop and text crisp and clean, while matte finishes help reduce glare and offer more muted colors. Uncoated paper is the best option for books that are intended to be written in, like journals or workbooks.
What to know when designing your softcover book
When designing a softcover book, you need to take the binding method into consideration. For books that are “perfect bound,” you don't want text placed too close to the spine, as some part of the page near the spine (known as the gutter) might not be fully visible when the book is open. You can add graphics or text to the spine if it has a width of at least 0.16 inches. This added space helps it stand out on store shelves in a way that naturally catches the eye.
Print runs and cost planning
Self-published authors should consider how print runs will be handled by the printing company. Shorter runs are great for testing the market, while larger print runs reduce the cost per book. If you're not sure, working with a reliable partner like OnPress Book Printing can help you settle on a reasonable number, whether it's your first self-published book, or you're a seasoned pro.
ISBN and barcode setup
When self-publishing your book, don't gorget to get an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and barcode for your books. Not only are these vital for distribution, but they help track sales numbers as well. Here again, if you're not sure how to get an ISBN or barcode, your printing company can help point you in the right direction.
Why choose softcover book printing?
With so many options to choose from, you may be wondering if softcover book printing is really the best direction for your book. The truth is, softcover books have a number of benefits, including:
- Cost effectiveness: Softcover books are generally less expensive to produce, which makes them great for larger print runs and budget-conscious authors alike.
- Easy to carry and portable: Softcover books go where you go and are ideal for taking along on vacation or to appointments to read while you wait. Your readers will appreciate the fact that your softcover book is lightweight and easy to carry.
- Faster production time: Softcover books have a faster turnaround time compared to hardcover books, which makes them great if you want to get your book into the hands of your target reader quickly.
Working with a reliable softcover book printing company
Now that you understand the basics of softcover book printing, how do you know which company to trust for your book printing services? Look no further than OnPress Book Printing. Our paperback book printing services offer the perfect balance between quality and affordability. Plus, the turnaround times for your book often don't take more than a few days.
We also offer the option to get a free ISBN, as well as several trim sizes and cover finish choices. If you're not sure which option is right for you, reach out to our friendly book printing experts who are happy to guide you toward making the right choice for your book. All of our books are printed in house using the latest technology and high-quality printing machines, so you're assured of professionalism every step of the way.
Contact us to learn more about our book printing services and realize your vision and your goals with professional book printing options from OnPress!
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