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When custom printing hardcover books, there are various standards and sizes to consider. These standards can vary depending on the region, country, or publishing house. However, there are some generally accepted standard sizes that are followed in the printing industry.


standard size of hardcover book printing

Standard sizes for hardcover books are typically measured using the width and height of the book, with the spine considered separately. A book's spine will have a width determined by the number of pages and the thickness of the paper used for printing. Here are some commonly used sizes and their dimensions:
Royal: This is a larger size, measuring 156mm x 234mm. It is commonly used for art and photography books or any book that requires larger pages to show off illustrations or images.
Quarto: This size measures 189mm x 246mm and is typically used for larger children's books or coffee table books.
A4: This measures 210mm x 297mm and is a popular standard for many genres, including fiction and non-fiction. It is a cost-effective size and provides ample space for text and images.
B5: This is slightly smaller than A4, measuring 176mm x 250mm. It is commonly used for textbooks, manuals, and workbooks.
A5: This measures 148mm x 210mm and is a popular size for novels, memoirs, and other general reading books.
For instance, a popular hardcover book size for a novel or memoir is typically 6" x 9". This size is relatively compact and easy to carry around, making it a popular choice for readers on-the-go.
In contrast, a coffee table book, which typically features large illustrations or photographs. May need a larger, more substantial size. In this case, a common standard size is 9" x 12", which allows for the illustrations to be showcased in their full glory.
There are also variations within these standard sizes, depending on the printing press used and the specific requirements of the project. For instance, some printing presses may offer a slightly larger or smaller version of a particular standard size.
In conclusion, the standard sizes for custom hardcover book printing allow for consistency and ease of production within the industry. Publishers and printers can choose from a variety of sizes to suit their individual needs and preferences. Although the above sizes are the most commonly used.
I hope you find this information helpful in your quest for knowledge on printing standards for hardcover books. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

We are a profession printer in China mainland, catalogue printing is one of our main production line. We printed catalogue for many clients, and keep long term business relationship with them.


perfect bound catalogue with tab 1

Today I introduce a catalog the cover size is 210mm*297mm, the inner pages are in size 200mm*297mm, and the tabs are in the same size as the cover. If you think this is a catalog with spiral bound then you were wrong, because this catalogue printing was bound with perfect bound.At the beginning we suggested Jenny to choose spiral bound because there have tabs inside the catalogue, but Jenny insisted to do the catalogue with perfect bound. I told her no problem, we can finish the catalogue in high end quality, we did it.


perfect bound catalogue with tab 2

Jenny have request about the weight of the catalogue, so the material we used for her catalogue printing is 250gsm cover, 200gsm tabs, 80gsm inner pages, all the material is with glossy finishing, the effect looks very good. The tabs were cut into sizes, 10mm bigger than the inner pages, in order to protect the tabs, the cover size is as same as the tabs, this adds to the difficulty of cutting the catalogue printing into size. Jenny was very happy after see the finished catalogue. And I believe a professional catalogue can help her to win more clients.


perfect bound catalogue with tab 3

We printed the catalogue for Jenny since 2017, she prints catalogue 1~2 times every year. She said our price is very competitive while the quality is the best. Every time I will control every details for her order very well, because the tabs is easy to be damaged during shipping if the packing do not control professional, so we will pack her catalogue with the pallets with protection 4 sides, not only the top and bottom.
The shipping terms we did for Jenny's catalogue printing was CIF terms to Melbourne port only. Under this shipping terms, the fee is not include customs fee, not include duty, not include tax, no include deliver fee from port to the destination. When goods arrive the port, the agent will help to deliver the goods to the destination with you pay for them. If you have a truck, you can also drive there to pick up the goods by yourself. We have cooperated with our agent for many years, he usually give us the best shipping fee, and competitive destination fee. And will guarantee the goods can arrive our client's hands in good conditions.

When I received the inquiry from USA client-Jenni. She said she wanted to print her children's book with us, but don't know how to do.


1. Quote

I replied her email very quick and asked the book specifications. It is a book in size 8.5*8.5 inches, 36 pages, I quoted her price for difference quantity. Because our factory use advanced offset machines for printing, the more you order, the price will be cheaper. Clients can choose the quantity that think is the best for them. No matter how many copies you order we can print for you.


hardcover children's book printing case 1


2. Free checking file and give some suggestions

After a few weeks, I received the printing files, the format is not perfect, after check the files we told the client how to improve. We received the updated files after one day. Because the client is very smart, she adjusted the files in perfect format now.
Then, she told me she would like to choose 2000 copies of hardcover children's book printing service as the first time she cooperated with us. I can understand, this is the first time she cooperated with us, she maybe a little worried. Don’t worry, our quality is 100% guarantee. If any quality problem because of us, we promised to refund or reprint for you freely. I will pay big attention to every printing items, will never let you down.


3. Hardcover children's book proofing

Before mass production, I told the client we will do a hardcover children's book printing sample for her confirmation first. After she view the sample if need any adjustment, we will improve then move on mass production. We think the proof sample is very important, it can help the client to find the small issue that couldn't find from the artwork. Normally, the sample of hardcover children's book printing will be finished in 4 days. Once the sample book is finished, I will take clear pictures and a video and send to my clients, then send out the sample book after that. We do hope every client would feel happy to work with us together.


4. Mass production printing

I got the approval to proceed with mass production after a week. I confirmed all the details with the client again before mass production. Because once we start to print, then the printing content can not be changed. If must be changed, there will have extra fee. So we will make sure every details are clear and correct before start printing hardcover children's book.
I remembered we started to arrange mass production by 10th October, and finished the order by 28 October. We are factory directly, our delivery time is very fast and stable, we will finish the order on time. We sent out the books after received the balance.


5. Finished and shipping

At the beginning of December, the client told me she has received the books, they look great. She was very happy with quality and will print more books with us. I was very appreciated, thank you for choosing our printing service. I hope can build long term business relationship with every client.


Printing hardcover children's book

When it comes to catalog printing, there are a few key specifications to keep in mind to ensure that your final product looks professional and polished. Here are 5 important factors to consider:


What Is The Specifications For Catalog Printing?


1. Paper type and weight for catalogue printing

Firstly, it's important to choose the right paper stock. The weight and finish of the paper can impact the overall look and feel of your catalogue. Typically, a heavier weight paper is used for covers to provide durability and a more luxurious feel, while a lighter weight paper is used for the inside pages. The finish of the paper can vary from glossy to matte, depending on the desired look and feel. The paper you choose can have a big impact on the look and feel of your catalog or booklet. So it is important to consider factors like the weight of the paper, the finish (e.g. glossy, matte), and the color.


2. Size for printing catalogue

Determine the size of your catalogue based on its intended use. Will it be mailed to customers? Handed out at an event? The size can impact the cost of printing and shipping. Common sizes for catalogs and booklets include 8.5 x 11 inches and 5.5 x 8.5 inches. The orientation can be portrait or landscape, depending on the content and design. Layout and design are also important considerations. Ensure that the content is organized in a logical and easy-to-follow manner. Use high-quality images and graphics, and make sure any text is legible and easy to read.


3. Binding options

Consider the type of binding you want, such as saddle-stitched, perfect bound, or coil bound. Each has different advantages and disadvantages. So choose the one that works best for your specific needs. When you choose the service of catalogue printing china, they usually will give you a best suggestions in the binding way.


4. Color mode

Determine whether you want to print in full color, spot color, or black and white. Full color can be more expensive, but it can also make your catalog or booklet more visually appealing.


5. Bleed

If you have images or color that extend to the edge of the page. You'll need to include a bleed in your design to ensure that there is no white border around the edges.
By keeping these specifications in mind, you can ensure that your catalogue printing project to the highest standard and meets your expectations.
Finally, be sure to choose a reputable catalogue printing company that can handle the specifications of your project. They should have experience in printing catalogs and booklets. Also be able to guide you through the process, ensuring that your final product meets your expectations.