“Details matter. It’s worth waiting to get it right.” — Steve Jobs
Paper for printed books is a world of its own. When it comes to bringing your book to life, every detail counts — and choosing the right paper for your printed book is one of those decisions that can make or break the final product. The texture, weight, and finish of the paper influence not only how your book feels in readers’ hands but also how your words and images appear on the page, even it can impact its profitability!
If you’re self-publishing or creating a custom project, navigating the world of paper options can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry — we’re here to break it all down so you can make the best choice for your masterpiece. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about selecting the ideal paper for your printed book, from sizes and weights to finishes, colors, and even how paper impacts storage, shipping, pricing, and your carbon footprint.
Why Paper Choice Matters
The paper you choose doesn’t just impact the look and feel of your book; it shapes the entire reading experience. Imagine flipping through a poetry book on luxurious, creamy paper versus a novel printed on thin, glossy stock. The paper communicates something to your readers before they even start reading.
The right paper enhances readability, elevates illustrations or photographs, and adds to the book’s perceived value. A thoughtful choice shows you care about every aspect of your creation, which helps build a lasting connection with your audience. Plus, your paper selection can influence your pricing strategy, production timeline, and even long-term brand perception.
Finding the Right Paper Size for Your Printed Book
The size of your book influences both your paper options and the overall design. While custom sizes are possible, sticking to standard sizes can simplify production and lower costs. Common choices include:
- 5.5” x 8.5” (Digest Size): Great for novels, memoirs, or nonfiction titles. This size is portable, easy to hold, and cost-effective for printing and shipping.
- 6” x 9” (Trade Size): A popular choice for self-help books, business books, and general nonfiction. It offers a balance between readability and production costs.
- 8.5” x 11” (Letter Size): Ideal for workbooks, manuals, and textbooks. The larger size is perfect for content with diagrams, charts, or interactive elements.
- Square or Landscape Sizes: Perfect for photography books, children’s books, and art-heavy projects. These sizes create a unique visual impact but may increase production and shipping expenses.
The size you choose can affect the reader’s experience and your book’s visual impact. Larger sizes offer more room for design elements, while smaller ones create a more intimate feel. But size also affects paper costs, storage requirements, and shipping fees. It’s crucial to weigh your creative vision against logistical realities.
Understanding Paper Weight: Finding the Sweet Spot
Paper weight affects how sturdy and substantial your book feels. It also influences how ink behaves on the page. In the U.S., paper weight is measured in pounds (lb), while grams per square meter (gsm) is the standard internationally. Let’s break it down:
- 50-60 lb (74-90 gsm) Uncoated Text: Standard for novels and fiction books. Light enough for easy page-turning, yet durable.
- 70-80 lb (104-118 gsm) Uncoated Text: A versatile option for nonfiction, self-help, and workbooks with minimal images. This weight adds durability without drastically increasing costs.
- 100 lb (148 gsm) Gloss or Matte Text: Ideal for photography books, cookbooks, or children’s books with lots of full-color imagery. This heavier weight enhances print quality but can increase your book’s price.
- Cover Stock (80-120 lb): Used for book covers, this heavier, more durable stock protects your pages and adds a polished finish.
Choosing the right weight is about balancing durability with flexibility. A thicker paper feels luxurious but may make a book cumbersome, while thinner paper is more affordable but might not hold ink as well.
Heavier paper not only adds to production costs but also influences shipping expenses. If you plan to sell books globally, selecting a paper weight that balances quality and affordability can save you and your readers money without compromising on experience.
Choosing the Perfect Paper Color for Your Printed Book
The color of your paper affects readability and the aesthetic vibe of your book. The most common options are:
- White: Clean, crisp, and ideal for high-contrast text or vibrant, full-color images.
- Cream (or Natural White): Softer on the eyes and perfect for long-form reading, making it popular for novels and memoirs.
- Colored or Specialty Paper: Less common for the interior of books but great for special projects or artistic books.
Cream paper may cost slightly more than standard white, but the enhanced reading comfort can add perceived value, especially for literary works or long-form content.
Should You Go Glossy, Matte, or Uncoated?
The finish of your paper determines how the pages feel and how they interact with ink. Here are the most common options:
- Uncoated: Absorbs ink more easily, giving text a softer look. Great for novels, poetry, and journals.
- Matte: A smooth, low-glare finish that works well for books with a mix of text and imagery.
- Gloss: Shiny and reflective, making colors appear more vibrant. Perfect for photography books, cookbooks, and portfolios.
While gloss and matte finishes add polish and sophistication, they can increase costs. For books without heavy imagery, sticking with uncoated stock may save money while enhancing readability.
How Paper Choice Impacts Pricing
Every decision you make about your book’s paper influences your bottom line. Heavier weights, special finishes, and unique sizes can elevate your book’s perceived value but also drive up production costs. These factors can influence your retail price and profit margins.
For example, a photography book with high-gloss, heavyweight pages will naturally cost more to print and ship than a novel on lightweight uncoated stock. But that higher production cost could justify a premium price point, especially if your target audience values luxury and quality.
The pricing impact doesn’t end with production costs. Paper weight and size affect storage and shipping, which can be a significant factor for authors fulfilling orders independently or through services like Brand Elevate. A heavier book incurs higher shipping fees, and storing large quantities of bulkier books requires more space — all of which can add up over time.
Choosing the right paper goes hand in hand with choosing the right binding, together they greatly impact both your readers’ experience as well as the costing and pricing of your book. You can learn more about book binding styles here.
Balancing quality with affordability is key. You want to create a beautiful product, but understanding how each paper decision affects the final price ensures you can meet your business goals while delivering an exceptional experience to readers.
Bringing It All Together
Choosing the right paper for your printed book is both an art and a science. It’s about finding the perfect balance between aesthetics, function, and cost. The choices you make — from size and weight to finish and color — will shape the reader’s experience, influence your pricing strategy, and impact logistical considerations like storage and shipping.
Taking the time to carefully consider your paper options means you’re investing in the longevity and success of your book. And remember, you don’t have to navigate this process alone, you can follow the steps of other self-published authors like Joanna Penn, with great insights in her Youtube Channel.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure which paper will best bring your vision to life, reach out to us at Brand Elevate. We’re here to guide you through every step, helping you make thoughtful decisions that honor your work while staying within your budget.
Let’s create something extraordinary together — one page at a time.