You’ve poured your soul into the manuscript. Every word has been combed over, every chapter sweated through. Now comes the moment of truth—printing your book. Sounds straightforward, right? Just hit “print” and wait for the copies to roll in. But here’s the catch: printing is where great books are either elevated—or quietly forgotten.

Most indie authors (and even some traditionally published ones) don’t realize that the final product in a reader’s hands isn’t just the words. It’s the feel, the look, and the experience of the book itself. And that’s where overlooked printing decisions can make or break your masterpiece.

Let’s uncover the printing tips many authors miss—so your book doesn’t just get read, it gets remembered.

Paper Quality Isn’t Just About Cost—It’s About Perception

Sure, printing on the cheapest paper might save you a few bucks per copy, but it could cost you readers. Thin, low-quality paper can make your book feel flimsy, amateur, or worse—like a throwaway. Heavier, opaque paper not only prevents text from bleeding through but also gives a more premium feel.

Cream paper is often preferred for fiction—it’s easier on the eyes and feels more “literary.” White paper works great for non-fiction, especially if you include charts, illustrations, or photos.

A book printed on quality stock says, “This author cared.” That detail alone sets your book apart.

Trim Size: Pick the Right One for Your Genre

Trim size isn’t random. It tells readers what kind of book they’re holding. Romance and literary fiction tend to go with 5” x 8” or 5.5” x 8.5”. Nonfiction books lean toward 6” x 9” for a more professional appearance. Children’s books, cookbooks, and photography books all have their own sweet spots too.

Choosing a genre-appropriate size can influence bookstore shelf placement and reader expectations. If your memoir is the size of a pocketbook, it might be perceived as lightweight—even if the story is powerful.

Fonts: Never Settle for the Default

Typography is invisible—until it’s wrong. Using generic or default fonts like Times New Roman can make your book feel like a term paper. Worse, if your font size is too small or your leading (line spacing) is cramped, readers may literally get a headache trying to read your prose.

Go with book-friendly fonts like Garamond, Minion Pro, or Georgia. They’re legible and attractive. And always test with a physical proof! What looks fine on screen can read very differently in print.

Margins Matter More Than You Think

You might think, “Margins? Who cares?” Readers do—whether they know it or not. Cramped text that runs too close to the edges or the spine can feel claustrophobic. Too much space? It feels awkwardly sparse.

Aim for balanced margins with special attention to the gutter (the inner margin near the spine). If you’re using a thicker binding, you’ll need to adjust this more so that the text doesn’t disappear into the crack.

It’s a small adjustment that makes a world of difference to reading comfort.

Cover Coating Choices: Matte vs. Glossy

Ever notice how some books have a soft, velvety texture while others gleam like magazine covers? That’s the cover coating at work.

• Matte finish feels modern and sophisticated. It gives a soft look and resists glare, but it can show fingerprints.

• Glossy finish is shiny and vibrant, making colors pop—great for books with visual elements or bright cover designs.

Think of your audience and genre. A steamy romance might benefit from a glossy, eye-catching shine, while a literary novel might shine more with a subtle matte look.

Binding Style: Choose the Right Feel for Your Book

Most authors default to perfect binding (the glued paperback style), which works for most genres. But there are other options:

• Saddle-stitching (stapled spine) is great for shorter works like workbooks or zines.

• Spiral binding is ideal for cookbooks or manuals where pages need to lie flat.

• Hardcover with dust jacket adds that heirloom quality—perfect for special editions or collector’s versions.

If you want your book to feel like a gift, hardcover may be worth the investment—even if you offer it as a limited run.

Proofing: Always Order a Physical Proof Before Going Live

A digital proof isn’t enough. What looks fine in a PDF might be disappointing in print. Fonts can shift. Images can look dull. Margins might seem tighter than you imagined.

Ordering a physical proof is non-negotiable. It gives you a real feel for the book and helps catch those final issues before your readers do.

Pro tip: Don’t just flip through it. Read full sections. Look at it under different lighting. Think like a reader—because that’s who you’re trying to impress.

Ink and Color Considerations

Not all blacks are the same. There’s “rich black” and “standard black,” and mixing them up can create printing inconsistencies. The same goes for color images—make sure your files are in CMYK format, not RGB, or you might end up with muted, disappointing hues.

Photos and illustrations should be high resolution (at least 300 DPI) to print crisply. Even if your book is mostly text, a well-designed chapter header or decorative element can elevate the whole presentation.

Don’t Ignore Spine Text (If You Qualify for It)

Books with fewer than 130 pages often don’t have enough spine width for legible text. But if your book qualifies, don’t skip it! Spine text is what readers see on shelves. Make sure it includes your name, the title, and a readable font.

It’s not just a design element—it’s a visibility tool.

Sustainable Printing Is a Plus

Readers are more environmentally aware than ever. Printing on recycled paper or with eco-friendly inks can be a smart move—especially if your audience values sustainability. Plus, some print-on-demand services now offer carbon-offset options during checkout.

It’s not just a good deed—it’s good branding.

Final Thoughts: A Beautiful Book Builds Trust

When readers pick up your book, the experience starts long before they read the first line. A beautifully printed book shows intention, professionalism, and pride. It says, “This is worth your time.”

That’s why it pays to work with experts who understand every layer of the printing process. From trim size to paper stock, from spine text to binding style—each choice adds up to a final product that feels as good as it reads.

One publishing partner that’s helped countless authors make those decisions is Book Publishing LLC. Whether you’re printing your first novel or preparing a professional workbook, they’ve seen it all and know how to guide your book from file to finished product without the common hiccups.

Because in the end, you don’t just want your book to be read.

You want it to be remembered.

Let the cover whisper intrigue.

Let the pages turn smooth.

Let your book feel like it belongs on the bestsellers table—because with the right printing, it truly can.