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One key to the success of self-publishing authors is choosing and using the right paper and printing format for their books.
Self-publishing a book is not easy. As an author, you have to consider factors that should open doors for you. After all, the writing career does not always bless you with a catapulting force in your career path. It needs time, effort, and planning to achieve your goals in the publishing industry.
One major factor to consider in self-publishing is the right paper and printing format for your book. Fortunately, the ReadersMagnet self-publishing service allows you to properly format your book before publishing. The service also includes featuring your book at several huge international book fairs.
What Type of Book are You Writing?
Well, before you decide on publishing and deciding on the types of paper for your book. You have to know what type of you are writing. The genre of your book will help you decide what type of paper to choose to strengthen the message of your story.
There are three different types of paper to choose from:
– Glossy
– Matte
– Offset or uncoated
Glossy or Gloss-coated art paper
If you are writing a graphic novel, cookbook, or children’s book, the best type of art paper to use is the glossy one. Gloss-coated art paper is perfect for books that feature full-color and black-and-white images. This type of art paper will make the book’s visuals more compelling, crisp, and bright.
Matte-coated art paper
Some photography books, comic books, coffee table books, magazines, art books, and other hardbound books rely on matte to preserve the vibe of the books. In contrast with the glossy paper, matte art papers are silky. The matte coating helps in preserving high-resolution images and makes the caption texts clear and readable.
Offset or Uncoated Paper
Offset papers are uncoated. These provide natural looks for the pages, suitable for text-heavy books, such as novels, memoirs, workbooks, and coloring books. Moreover, the paper is also characterized by slightly rough surfaces, making it easier to turn to the next page.
If your book features photography and images that need to pop up, you should consider using the glossy types of paper. Nevertheless, you can use dull papers for text-heavy books, like novels. If you are writing a book with a strong sense of history, mystery, and horror, you can always choose offset or dull paper to level up the power of your message and story backdrop. The interior paper of your book will help bring your readers on the journey you want them to be.
Determine the Book Dimension
As a self-publishing author, you must know the trends when it comes to book dimensions. So, what book size works in today’s standards? Here are popular options for your books:
For fiction and non-fiction books: Size A4, 8.5” X 11”
Novels: offset paper, 80 grams per square meter (gsm) to 100 gsm
Larger books (e.g. coffee table book): Matte art paper, 157 gsm
How Many Pages Does Your Book Have?
One of the hottest trends in the publishing industry is matching the number of your book’s pages to its type of paper.
Less than 24 pages: Matte, gloss, or offset thinner than 200 gsm
24-32 pages: 157 – 200 gsm with a printable spine
More than 32 pages: 157 gsm (hardcover); 128, 157, or 200 gsm (Paperback)
Over 48 pages: 157 gsm
If You Have the Budget…
Budget is also one of the factors that can help you achieve good formatting for your book. The ReadersMagnet self-publishing service will allow you to achieve the best quality in terms of publishing your book. There are professionals who will help you determine which types of paper and printing format to choose for your book.
The professionals will also help you determine whether it’s best for you to have a hardcover, softcover, or board book cover.
