Paperback Printing VS Hardcover Printing

Printing a book is not an easy task. The name of the game in this business is to be able to produce a perfect, error free book that has been inspected several times throughout the printing process by experts to insure that every step has been taken to make sure that your books will end up in the hands of your consumers looking as good as you expected .

Printing a paperback book is different from printing hardcover books in many ways. For those that are inexperienced with publishing and printing, it can seem like there is very little difference between the two, but this is not so. There are some differences: more to producing a perfect product than one might think.

Before starting to describe about difference of   paperback printing and hardcover printing, let's know some more about what is a paperback/hadcover book first.

What is a paperback book?

paperback printing

A paperback book, also known as soft cover or soft-back, is a book printed on large sheets of paper which can be folded and bound together at the spine. The pages lie flat when the book is open, so one may read it without having to hold it open with one hand while reading.

It is thinner and lighter than a hardcover book, and it is usually cheaper to purchase. Paperbacks are often published in large quantities and sold at low prices.

Related article:Is Paperback Good?

What is a hardcover book?

hardcover printing

A hardcover book, also known as a hardback, is a book bound with rigid covers (usually cardboard or paperboard) that are covered in cloth, leather, or paper. The pages inside the book are sewn together to ensure that they do not fall out and the cover keeps them securely bound together., and the spine is usually reinforced with a strip of cloth or paper called a band.

Hardcover books are more common in books that are meant to be kept for a long time, such as textbooks , reference materials, and novels. Hardcover books are typically more expensive than paperback books, as they are more durable.

Now let's dive into the differences of  paperback printing and hardcover printing .

Printing process

The printing process for a hardcover book is more complicated than for a paperback book. The cover must be printed separately and glued to the spine of the book. There are also different types of binding that can be used for hardcover books, such as perfect binding, case binding, and Smyth Sewn binding.

Paperback books can be printed and produced faster than hardcover books. The process of paperback printing involves a print-ready file that is sent electronically to be printed on paper and then bound together for the finished product, and there is no additional work that needs to be done.

If you are in the market for kids' book printing,see 18 Tips on How to Save Money on Kids Book Printing for more information.

Printing cost

If you're on a tight budget, paperback printing is probably your best bet. This type of printing is much less expensive than hardcover printing because hardcover printing requires a higher quality paper and a more complex printing process. This means that the cost per unit is usually higher than for paperback printing.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are printing a large quantity of books, the hardcover printing option may be more cost-effective than paperback printing.

See 37 Questions to Ask Your Future Children Book Printing Company for your children book printing project.

Durability

TIMI's book printing

If you're looking for a book that will last, go with hardcover printing. Paperbacks are much more prone to wear and tear than hardcovers, and they can also be easily damaged by water or other liquids. Hardcover books are much more durable and can withstand a lot more abuse.

Paperback books can only last up to a year while hardcover books can last up to centuries. This is because hardcover printing process inserts the sheets inside the spine of the book, making it sturdier and more difficult to tear.

Paper used

The paper used for printing paperback books is different from the paper used to print hardcover books. Paperback books can use any kind of paper, such as recycled paper, which is why they are cheaper to produce. Hardcover books must use a heavier paper stock that is not as absorbent as the paper used for paperback books. This makes the pages less likely to curl and results in a sturdier book.

Binding

Another difference between hardcover printing and paperback printing is the binding. Hardcover books have a more durable binding that allows them to hold up under heavy use, while paperbacks usually feature stapled bindings that make it easier to flip through the pages quickly. The amount of time that a book can be opened without damaging the spine is also a consideration when choosing between hardcover and paperback printing.

Related article:Wire-o Bound Book Printing|A Full Guide

Cover

A paperback book generally has a cheaper looking, less glossy cover than a hardcover book. The cover of a hardcover book is made with thick paper over cardboard, while the cover of a paperback is made by simply printing on paper without any additional materials. If you're looking for a book that looks a little more professional, go with hardcover.

Interior

TIMI's book printing

Hardcovers are available in paperback form as well, so you don't necessarily have to choose one or the other when it comes to your interior. If you decide on paperback printing for your interior pages, keep in mind that there will be an obvious difference in quality between the cover and the pages. Hardcover printing will give you a more cohesive look throughout your book.

See Hardcover Book Printing in China:Easy,Fast,Cheap!

Size

Hardcover and paperback books also vary in size. Hardcover books are larger than paperbacks because they need to be more durable than other book types. Their size also makes them convenient for reading, and they are perfect for coffee tables. Paperbacks, on the other hand, are smaller than hardcovers. They are perfect for carrying around and reading on the go.

However, this is not always the case. Some publishers choose to publish hardcover editions of their books that match the dimensions of a paperback version. This allows consumers to purchase both types of editions from the same edition of the book.

Appearance

When it comes to appearance, there is no doubt that hardcover books look more professional and elegant than paperback books. This is because the hardcover book's spine is usually covered in cloth or leather, while the paperback book's spine is usually covered in paper.

As a result, many people view hardcover books as being more high-quality and valuable than paperback books.Thus,hardcover printing books are often used for textbooks, while paperback printing books are more commonly used for leisure reading.

Price to consumers

Price is generally lower for paperback books, since they require less paper and binding than hardcovers. This also makes them more affordable for the consumers.

However, hardcover books are generally considered more prestigious. If you are publishing a book to make money, it may be better to go with the hardcover binding. The increase in price will be offset by sales.

Related article:13 Steps for Successful Custom Children Book Printing  

Conclusion

So, what is the best option for you? If you are looking for a quick, cheap, and easy book to produce, a paperback printing book is the way to go. If you are looking for a more high-end, luxurious product that will last longer, go with a hardcover printing book.

The bottom line is that both paperback and hardcover printing books have their benefits, and the decision about which one to choose comes down to what you are looking for in a book.

For more information, please check:Wholesale Hardcover Book Printing VS  Wholesale Paperback Book Printing

About TIMI

TIMI's book printing

TIMI is a book printing company staffed by self-publishing experts utilizing the world's superior book printing and binding equipment.

Every individual book publishing project is different, the results are always the same:

• Eye-popping colors • Crisp and even ink coverage

• Quality paper stocks • Sturdy, tight book binding

For over 20 years experience in Book Printing Filed, TIMI has passed Disney, WCA, MSI, BSCI, SMETA BVQ1 test.It also has QC team to provide customers with more professional book products and services.

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