Like us on Facebook and receive a 20% discount
Paperback Book Printing
Whether you need a small run of literary novels, a large print order of educational books, or fully customized marketing materials, we offer expert guidance, durable materials, and flexible printing options to help you succeed.
Custom Paperback Book Printing
A paperback (also called softcover or perfect bound) has a flexible laminated cover with either sewn and glued or glue only binding. In a sewn perfect bound build (section sewn plus glued), folded signatures are Smyth sewn and then glued into a wraparound cover. Choose this for higher page counts, frequent handling, or bulky or thick text papers. It delivers the strongest page pull, a flatter opening, and long service life.
Glue perfect binding uses adhesive without sewing, and we offer EVA glue perfect binding. EVA is the most economical and the fastest to set for everyday use and thinner text stocks. If your book uses thinner paper and will not be read very frequently, glue perfect binding is a good choice.
If you want spine text, plan for at least 48 pages so the type remains readable.
Book Paper Options
Choosing the right paper is essential to balance visual impact, durability, and interactivity:
Gloss Art Paper
Matte Art Paper
● Gloss Art Paper: Bright finish that enhances color depth—great for illustration-heavy books.
● Matte Art Paper: Subtle sheen with excellent print quality and comfortable reading.
Offset (uncoated) paper
Uncoated Paper: Best for coloring, writing, and interactive formats; prevents bleed-through.
Finish Options
We also offer optional treatments to help your cover stand out. These include:
Gloss Lamination
Shiny and reflective, perfect for vibrant graphics and photos.
Varnishing
Glossy highlights on specific areas for a striking contrast.
Matte Lamination
Smooth and non-reflective for a simple yet professional design.
Soft Touch Lamination
Similar to matte lamination, but the resulting surface has a delightful, almost velvet feel.
Spot UV
A glossy finish applied to specific areas for a bold and distinct look.
Foil Stamping
Metallic or pigmented foil for a shiny, eye-catching effect.
Emboss
Raised designs for added texture and elegance.
Die Cut
Uses a custom-made metal die to cut paper into specific shapes.
Gilded Edges
Thin metallic foil—usually gold, silver, or bronze—is applied to the trimmed edges of your book's pages.
Painted Edges
Custom patterns and images are sprayed on the edges for a truly unique appearance.
Holographic Cover
Print your design on a special paper that reflects light in a rainbow-like pattern.
Perforated Line
A row of small holes that makes it easy to tear off part of the paper.
Tear Strip
A built-in tape that allows the paper to be opened easily and cleanly by pulling along the strip.
Can't find what you want? Contact us!
We’re always happy to discuss new formats or unusual specifications. If you don’t see what you’re looking for above, get in touch. Our team will be glad to help.
Free File Checking Service
Not sure if your files are print-ready? You’ve nothing to worry about! Our team will check your files for free to make sure everything’s in order—things like page size, bleed, color mode, and image resolution. If something’s off, we’ll let you know and suggest how to fix it before anything goes to print.
Need help to prepare your files? We’ve put together a step-by-step guide you can check out here.
And if you’re still unsure, just reach out. We’re always happy to take a look and answer your questions.
SEND YOUR FILES
Printing File Requirements
It’s important to understand how to prepare digital files for printing. Here are a few useful tips to help you prepare yours.
You'll need to add a "bleed zone" of 0.125" around all your pages.
Convert your colour space from RGB to CMYK
If you can't deliver vectors then make sure the resolution is 300 PPI.
Export your files in PDF format for the best results.
To learn more, see our File Checking Guidelines or get in touch directly. We offer an expert file-checking service, free to all our customers.
FAQs
How much does it cost to print a paperback book?
The cost to print a paperback book typically ranges from $0.74 to $17.64 per book, depending on factors such as page count and order quantity. Here’s a breakdown for an 8.5″ x 11″ paperback book:
- 80 pages + 4-page cover
- 100 pcs: $642 (Unit: $6.42)
- 500 pcs: $911 (Unit: $1.82)
- 1000 pcs: $1,169 (Unit: $1.17)
- 5000 pcs: $3,709 (Unit: $0.74)
- 128 pages + 4-page cover
- 100 pcs: $948 (Unit: $9.48)
- 500 pcs: $1,366 (Unit: $2.73)
- 1000 pcs: $1,769 (Unit: $1.77)
- 5000 pcs: $5,626 (Unit: $1.13)
- 208 pages + 4-page cover
- 100 pcs: $1,458 (Unit: $14.58)
- 500 pcs: $2,133 (Unit: $4.27)
- 1000 pcs: $2,767 (Unit: $2.77)
- 5000 pcs: $8,832 (Unit: $1.77)
- 256 pages + 4-page cover
- 100 pcs: $1,764 (Unit: $17.64)
- 500 pcs: $2,594 (Unit: $5.19)
- 1000 pcs: $3,389 (Unit: $3.39)
- 5000 pcs: $10,748 (Unit: $2.15)
Paper & Printing Details
- Cover: 250 gsm coated cover with matte lamination
- Interior: 105 gsm coated text paper, full color printing
Note: Prices are EXW (Ex Works) from our facility and do not include shipping costs.
Try our easy and convenient online Printing Cost Calculator.
How long does it take to print paperback books?
Standard turnaround time is 5 to 10 business days, depending on complexity and order size. Shipping times vary by destination.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Our minimum order is 100 copies.
What is perfect binding?
The umbrella term “perfect binding” includes standard perfect binding and sewn perfect binding.
Which books are best for softcover printing?
- Novels, general nonfiction, and memoirs: Portable, budget friendly, ideal for retail.
- Poetry and essay collections: Works well for short runs and reprints.
- Textbooks, workbooks, and manuals: Cost effective for frequent updates. Choose thicker covers and matte lamination for durability.
- Training and corporate handbooks: Product knowledge, compliance, onboarding.
- Catalogs and lightweight art books: Present content clearly while controlling unit cost. Matte or soft touch lamination helps reduce scuffing.
- Children’s and education sets (non-casebound): Multi-book bundles with optional custom slipcases or boxes.
When not to choose softcover:
What are the popular paperback book sizes?
We print paperback books in a wide range of sizes and orientations. Your choice of size depends on your genre, content type, audience, and distribution goals. Below are the most commonly used formats by category:
Standard Trade and General Nonfiction:
- 5.5″ x 8.5″
- 6″ x 9″
- 7″ x 10″
Novels and Memoirs:
- 5.5″ x 8.5″
- 6″ x 9″
Textbooks, Manuals, and Workbooks:
- 6″ x 9″
- 8.5″ x 11″
Children’s Books and Early Readers:
- 7″ x 7″
- 8″ x 10″
- 8.5″ x 8.5″ (square)
Mass-Market Paperbacks:
- 4.25″ x 6.87″
These sizes are cost-effective and compatible with standard shelving, mailing, and retail expectations. However, we also support custom paperback book printing in nearly any size or orientation. Unusual formats may require more setup time and slightly higher costs, but they can make your book stand out in a crowded market.
What are the common paperback paper?
We offer a wide selection of interior and cover papers to match your content, whether you’re printing a vibrant art book or a classic text-only novel.
Interior Paper Options
- Coated Paper (Gloss or Matte):
- 80 gsm / 54 lb
- 105 gsm / 71 lb
- 128 gsm / 86 lb
- 157 gsm / 106 lb
- 200 gsm / 135 lb
- Uncoated Offset Paper (Wood-Free):
- 80 gsm / 54 lb
- 100 gsm / 68 lb
- 120 gsm / 81 lb
- 140 gsm / 95 lb
Use cases:
- Coated papers are ideal for image-rich content like photo books, illustrated novels, children’s books, and technical guides.
- Uncoated papers are best for text-heavy books like novels, nonfiction, and manuals. They offer a clean, easy-to-read surface and are standard in trade publishing.
Cover Paper Options
- Gloss or Matte Coated Paper:
- 200 gsm / 74 lb
- 250 gsm / 92 lb
- 300 gsm / 111 lb
- 350 gsm / 129 lb
How should I prepare my design files?
Please submit your files as high-resolution PDFs (300 dpi), in CMYK color mode, with a 3 mm bleed and all fonts embedded. Our team is happy to assist if you need any help.
Do you offer file checking before production?
Yes. We provide a free manual document check to ensure everything is print-ready.
Can I request a proof?
Yes, both digital and physical proofs are available to help you review layout and materials before full production.
Why Print Your Book with Intuan?
We combine quality craftsmanship with attentive customer service to help you create the best version of your paperback book.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Competitive pricing for both short and long runs, with special value on bulk orders.
High Production Standards
Advanced offset printing ensures accurate color, crisp text, and strong binding.
Customization
Choose from multiple sizes, paper types, finishes, and binding methods.
Reliable Support
Our experienced team works with you from file preparation to final shipment.
Sustainable Practices
We offer FSC-certified paper and soy-based inks upon request.
Factory Direct
Our Shanghai facility gives you access to top-tier production quality with global reach.
Related Products
Let's talk!
If you’re thinking about printing a book and want it to look and feel just right, we’d love to help. At QinPrinting, we work closely with you from start to finish—whether you need help preparing your files or choosing the finishing touches that will make your book stand out. Big print run or small, we’re here to make sure it turns out beautifully. Get in touch—we’re ready when you are!
