All books are page-turners, by definition, aren’t they? But just how many pages should your paperback’s readers be turning, exactly?
There is no hard and fast rule for determining the perfect page count for perfect bound books. That being said, there are a few factors you’ll need to take into consideration before shipping your manuscript off to the printer, not the least of which are the book’s style, subject matter, and audience. If you’re self-publishing a novel, for example, somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 pages is a relatively common industry standard.
Here are just a few more:
- Size: Your book’s size determines how many words will fit on one page, which ultimately determines page count. Most minimums clock in at 5” x 6” with a max of 8.5” x 11”. Consult your printer for specifics. At Gasch Printing, our team can accommodate sizes ranging from 4.5” x 6.0” to 12” x 12.” One good rule of thumb: your book’s trim size can increase relative to your total word count, reducing pages in the process. Similarly, shorter books with smaller trim sizes give your paperback more heft.
- Sheets: Generally speaking, the standard page count for perfect bound books is between 40-400 pages, and books must be a minimum of 1/8” thick to be glued successfully. The thickness of your paper will provide some wiggle room here, with thicker stock helping to make shorter books meet the necessary criteria. It’s important to keep in mind, one sheet equals two pages (regardless of whether anything is printed on them or not).
- Stock: One of the most important factors to consider when determining the page count for your perfect bound book is the thickness of the paper that you will be using. The thicker the paper, the fewer pages. Conversely, if you use thinner paper, then you will be able to fit more pages inside of your book. There are two main options to pick from for interior pages – coated and uncoated. Each has its unique characteristics and will ultimately have its own weight (the lower the number, the thinner the paper). Your book’s purpose (novel, catalog, children’s book, etc.) should drive your paper stock decision.
Whether you’re printing your first or your hundredth book, the experience shouldn’t ever be complicated or bewildering.
Gasch Printing specializes in perfect bound books and can accommodate as few as 50 pages using this method. Our team will walk you through the entire process, and our facility is fully equipped with the tools and materials needed to deliver a sensational product. Simply choose your specs and upload your files, and we’ll take care of the rest. Contact us whenever you’re ready to get started to learn more!