When you’re deciding which format or formats your book should take, it’s important to know your options and also that you don’t have to settle for just one type. For example, e-books can be more convenient than a physical book, but they’re not very good for book signings, many people still prefer the tactile sensation of holding a book, and actual copies of a book are easier to share with others. And what about an audiobook? Well, some people don’t like reading and would rather listen to a book than read it. And as far as paperback versus hardcover, you don’t necessarily have to choose between them. You can offer both formats for sale or just print a few hardbacks for your own bookshelf and to share with friends and family.
An excellent place to start, in our opinion, is with a paperback, followed by an e-book, and then maybe even an audiobook. Hardcover, of course, is always an option, but it’s likely that a paperback will be more affordable for a wider audience.
Paperback (aka softcover)—This is the most common book format. Standard U.S. trim sizes for trade paperbacks (as opposed to mass market, which is 4 x 7) are 5.5 x 8.5 and 6 x 9. These standard trim sizes work for both fiction and nonfiction. Sometimes, your book may call for a variation in size (picture books, for example), and options can be discussed with your book designer.
Hardcover—There are two types of hardcover: book with a dust jacket (with flaps) and laminated (no flaps). With a laminated hardcover, the cover and back cover are printed directly on the hardback book cover. With a jacket, the cover wraps around a hard cloth cover. Like trade paperbacks, the standard U.S. trim sizes are 5.5 x 8.5 and 6 x 9. Again, your particular book may call for a variation in size, so discuss your options with your book designer.
E-book—An e-book is one of various file formats that can be read by an e-reader, such as Kindle and Apple Books. Some authors may choose to do an e-book only to avoid the expense of producing a printed book, but most choose both print and digital.
Audiobook—This is a recording of your book that is read by a professional narrator. You can also read your own audiobook, but you’ll want to be sure to work with a producer in a studio so that it is professionally done.
PDF—A PDF is simply a “picture” of the pages of your printed book that you can offer as a free or paid download to interested parties from your website or via e-mail. (PDFs are generated as part of the publishing process as well for proof checking and printer upload.)
Recent Comments