According to where you are in your self-publishing process, you may have discovered this already. Most printers can print books although most printers are not book printers. With that said, the question becomes can they print your book in a way that's cost effective for you.

Additionally, don't forget to consider the option of pod publishing or your book. Whether you submit it directly to Ingram or use a middle man company like iUniverse. You essentially submit your fully prepared book to them for printing and some distribution.

Single Color Trade Paperback and Hardcover -
Standard Book Sizes

Mass Market Paperback – 4¼ X 7"
This trim size used to be called dime novels. Because the large publishing houses print this size in tens of thousands it’s tough to compete in small quantities. Also, the perceived value of this size is lower than the other book sizes. Choose this size cafefully.

Trade Paperback and Hardcover – 5½ X 8½"
Its the most popular trim size for fiction and non-fiction books. If you are planning for a quanity above 500 copies it doesn’t make any difference whether you use this size or the trade paperback alternate size of 6 x 9. If you plan to print quantities under 500 copies, choose this trim (actually 5¼ X 8¼"). It is significantly less expensive than the 6X9 alternate with no lower perceived value.

Trade Paperback and Hardcover alternate – 6 X 9"
This was considered the standard trade paperback size for years before the Internet printing press. This size fits perfectly on a 25 X 38 standard size sheet of paper. This is now the standard Internet printing press book trim size. If you are printing quantities above 500 copies, this is the recommended trim size.

Textbook Paperback and Hardcover – 7 X 10"
This is considered standard size for text books and other "how-to" books. It is best in quantities above 500 copies because it fits the Internet printing press perfectly. Under 500 copies yields the same pricing as 8½ X 11" only you trim off the excess paper.

Workbook – 8½ X 11"
It is considered a standard workbook trim size. Printing under 500 copies you're dealing with a slightly smaller trim size (8¼ X 10¾) because of the digital equipment standards. Over 500 copies fits traditional Internet printing press. Its hard to compete with large publishers in this size for the same reason as the Mass Market size.

Color Illustrated Paperback and Hardcover -
Illustrated Children’s Books, Art Books, Travel and How-to Books

Hardcover and Paperback 8 X 8"
Standard children’s book size. Not recommended for paperback children’s books in low quantities. The competition is too tough from traditional children’s book publishers. OK size as hardcover children’s book or as paperback for non-illustrated children’s books. Pricing is available with or without book jacket.

Hardcover & Paperback 8 X 10"
Very standard children’s book size. Like the 8 X 8, not recommended in paperback for children’s illustrated books. Pricing is available with or without book jacket.

Hardcover & Paperback – Oblong 10 X 8"
Standard children’s book size. Not recommended in paperback for children’s books but great as hardcover. Common paperback size for non-children’s picture books. Pricing is available with or without book jacket.


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