Novel Printing: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to printing your novel, whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned writer, understanding the ins and outs of the printing process can make a huge difference in the quality and professionalism of the final product. This guide provides an in-depth look at the key aspects of novel printing, from choosing the right size and paper to binding methods and special finishes.

1. Novel Printing Size

The size of your novel plays a crucial role in its appeal and usability. The most common sizes for printed novels are:

5.5” x 8.5” – A popular choice for novels, offering a compact format without compromising readability.
6” x 9” – The industry standard for trade paperback books, perfect for most genres and widely recognized.
5” x 8” – Ideal for shorter novels or those aiming for a more portable and lightweight feel.
Custom Sizes – Some authors opt for unique sizes to make their book stand out, though this may impact printing costs.

2. Cover Options of Novel Printing

Paperback – The most affordable and common option. A paperback cover can be matte, glossy, or laminated to add texture and durability.

Hardcover – A premium, durable option with a rigid, sturdy cover. Often used for books meant to last, such as collector's editions or high-end publications. It can be finished with various materials like dust jackets, foil stamping, or embossing for an extra touch of elegance.

Leather Cover – A luxurious and sophisticated choice, perfect for high-end journals or special edition books. Leather covers can be smooth or textured and often feature foil embossing or stitching details. Known for their long-lasting durability and timeless aesthetic.

Soft Touch Matte Finish Cover – A sleek, velvet-like finish that offers a sophisticated, modern look. Soft to the touch, it provides a smooth, non-glossy surface that reduces fingerprints and glare. Ideal for creating a refined, tactile experience for readers.

Cloth Cover – A stylish and durable option, often used for hardcover books. Cloth covers come in various textures and colors, offering a unique, tactile experience. They are typically more durable than paper and often feature debossing or foil stamping for added detail.

3. Interior Paper of Novel Printing

Cream Paper – A soft, off-white color that is easy on the eyes, commonly used for novels. It gives a vintage or classic feel.

White Paper – Bright white paper that provides sharp contrast, making the text stand out more. Ideal for textbooks or novels with detailed images or graphs.

Black Pages with White Ink – A striking, bold choice that creates high contrast and a modern, edgy aesthetic. The white ink stands out beautifully against the black background, making it ideal for unique art books, special edition works, or journals that aim to make a statement. It offers a dramatic and stylish look, often used for artistic or gothic-themed designs.

Colored Paper – A vibrant, customizable option that adds a pop of color to the pages. Available in a variety of shades, colored paper can be used to enhance the design or theme of a book, making it ideal for children's books, creative journals, or artistic publications. It provides an exciting, non-traditional look while maintaining readability.

Weight of Paper – Typically, paper weights range from 50-80lb. The heavier the paper, the more durable and luxurious the book feels, but it also adds to the weight and cost.

4. Novel Binding Method

The binding method determines how the book is put together. Here are the most common types for novels:

Perfect Binding – The most common binding method for novels. The pages are glued together along the spine, giving the book a clean, professional finish.

Saddle Stitching – This method involves folding sheets of paper in half and stapling them together along the spine. It's generally used for shorter books like pamphlets or booklets.

Hardcover Binding – For more premium books, hardcover binding involves attaching a rigid cover to the text block. This binding method is more expensive but creates a durable, long-lasting product.

5. Printing Method

Digital Printing – Ideal for small print runs, digital printing is cost-effective and fast. It's perfect for self-publishers who don’t need large quantities. However, it may not provide the same color richness and precision as offset printing.

Offset Printing – Best for larger print runs, offset printing provides high-quality results and more color accuracy. It involves transferring ink from a plate to a rubber blanket, then onto paper.

6. Special Finishes

Foil Stamping – A shiny, metallic finish applied to specific areas of the cover or pages, commonly used for titles, logos, or design accents.

Embossing/Debossing – Raised or indented designs that add texture to the cover or pages.

Spot UV Coating – A shiny, varnish-like finish applied to specific areas of the cover or pages to create a contrast with the rest of the matte finish.

Flaps on Dust Jackets – Folded extensions of the dust jacket, often used for added design or blurb information.

Edge Painting – Coloring the edges of the pages, which can be done in a variety of hues and adds a luxurious touch to hardcover novels.

7. Tips to Format a Novel for Printing

Font and Size – Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Garamond, typically sized between 10-12pt for the body text. Ensure the font is readable and consistent throughout the novel.

Margins – Keep at least 0.5” margins on all sides of the page. The gutter (inner margin near the binding) should be wider to accommodate for binding.

Page Numbers – Page numbers should appear in the header or footer, avoiding the first page of chapters. Most novels use roman numerals for front matter and arabic numbers for the main content.

Chapter Breaks – Leave sufficient white space before chapters. Consider starting each chapter on a new page to create a clean, professional layout.

Proofread – Before printing, thoroughly proofread your manuscript to catch any typographical or formatting errors.

8. How Much Does It Cost to Print a Novel?

The cost of printing a novel varies based on several factors:
Quantity – The more copies you print, the lower the cost per unit. Small print runs will be more expensive per copy, but printing in bulk (e.g., 1,000 copies) reduces the price significantly.

Size and Binding – Larger books and hardcover bindings generally cost more than smaller, paperback versions.

Paper and Finish – Premium paper, special finishes, and custom designs all add to the cost.

Printing Method – Digital printing may be more affordable for smaller quantities, while offset printing typically offers better value for large orders.

Additional Costs – Don’t forget additional expenses like editing, proofreading, cover design, and ISBN registration.

On average, the cost to print a paperback novel can range from $2 to $10 per copy, depending on the factors mentioned above. Hardcover editions, with higher-quality materials and finishes, may cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per copy.

Conclusion

At Sese Printing, we understand that printing a novel involves a range of important decisions, from selecting the right size and paper to choosing the perfect binding and special finishes. Our team is committed to helping you create a high-quality printed book that perfectly reflects your vision. Whether you're printing a small batch or a large order, we offer a wide range of customizable options to ensure your novel looks professional, polished, and ready to impress your readers. With our expertise in novel printing, we guarantee a seamless experience and exceptional results that meet the highest industry standards. Let Sese Printing bring your book to life with precision, quality, and care.