What Should You Know Before Hardback Book Printing?

Key Highlights

• Hardback book printing combines premium materials, sturdy binding, and precise finishes to create long-lasting, professional-quality books.
• The right cover choice, printed, cloth, or sustainable material, sets the tone for your design and durability.
• Interior paper types such as uncoated, silk, and gloss influence readability, texture, and overall presentation.
• Print quality options, including black and white, greyscale, and full colour, allow you to tailor results to your content style.
• Proper artwork setup and print-ready files ensure flawless alignment, colour accuracy, and finish.
• Factors like page count, printing method, and materials affect overall cost and turnaround time.
• One-off and short-run hardback printing offer flexibility, personalisation, and professional results for any project size.
• With expert guidance and attention to detail, it’s easy to produce a hardback book that looks as impressive as it feels.

Ever picked up a beautifully bound hardback book and wondered why it feels so special? The weight, texture, and finish instantly signal quality. For authors, designers, and publishers, achieving that same professional look can feel overwhelming with so many printing terms, paper types, and layout rules to navigate.

The real challenge isn’t just printing a book; it’s creating one that looks and feels exceptional. Every choice, from the cover design to the paper finish, shapes the final result. Without the right guidance, colours may print off, spines can misalign, or pages might not have the premium feel you imagined.

This guide will simplify every stage of hardback book printing. You’ll learn how to choose materials, prepare your artwork, set up print-ready files, and select finishes that make your book stand out. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to turn your vision into a beautifully bound hardback worth showing off.

What Is Hardback Book Printing?

Hardback book printing, also known as casebound printing, is the process of creating books with sturdy, durable covers. These rigid covers protect the pages and give the book a premium, long-lasting finish. Unlike paperbacks, hardbacks are built into a sturdy case made of thick board wrapped in printed paper or cloth for a strong, elegant finish.

This printing style is ideal for projects that deserve a high-end look and feel, such as art collections, photo books, corporate presentations, and graphic novels. With the option to add finishes like foiling, dust jackets, or textured cloth, hardback books stand out for their strength, visual appeal, and timeless design.

What Are The Benefits Of One-Off Hardback Book Printing?

One-off hardback book printing is a great option for authors, artists, and designers who want premium quality without committing to large quantities. Whether you’re producing a prototype, a gift, or a personal project, it combines flexibility with a high-end finish. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• Durability: Hardback books are built to last. Their rigid covers and strong binding protect pages from wear and tear, ensuring your book stands the test of time.
• Professional Appearance: A hardback cover instantly gives your book a refined, bookstore-quality look, perfect for portfolios, presentations, or first editions.
• Higher Value: Although production costs are higher, hardbacks can be sold at a premium price, often delivering better returns per copy.
• Collector Appeal: Hardcovers are prized by collectors and readers alike, often seen as timeless keepsakes or display pieces.
• Customisation: One-off printing allows complete creative control over materials, finishes, size, and layout, giving your project a truly personal touch.

Whether you’re printing a single copy or testing a new design, one-off hardback book printing lets you create a professional, durable, and fully customised edition that reflects your vision perfectly before scaling up to larger runs.

How To Choose The Right Cover And Material For Your Hardback Book

When creating a hardback book, the cover and its material define your book’s first impression; how it looks, feels, and lasts. The right combination can elevate a simple print project into a timeless keepsake.

1. Printed Covers

A printed hardback cover gives you complete design freedom. Your artwork or photography is printed in full colour on coated paper such as silk or gloss, laminated for protection, and wrapped around a rigid case.

Best for: art books, brand catalogues, and illustrated works.

Finishing choices include:

• Matt or gloss lamination
• Spot UV for selective shine
• Dust jackets for a professional touch

Printed covers are also ideal when you want to print hardback book from PDF files directly, streamlining the setup process.

2. Cloth And Linen Covers

A cloth or linen cover brings warmth and texture, perfect for designs that value craftsmanship over gloss. These materials come in a variety of colours and weaves, giving your book a classic, elegant appeal.

Best for: limited editions, keepsake books, and custom hardback book printing projects.

Finishing choices include:

• Metallic or coloured foil stamping
• Embossing
• or debossing
• Ribbon markers for a refined finish

Cloth and linen covers pair beautifully with hardback book with box print options for added luxury and protection.

3. Specialist And Sustainable Materials

For something distinctive, consider buckram, textured paper, or eco-friendly materials like FSC-certified boards and recycled cloths. At Ex Why Zed, all papers are FSC certified, reflecting a genuine commitment to sustainable printing. This ensures your book not only looks exceptional but is produced responsibly, an increasingly important factor for authors, brands, and publishers today.

Whether you prefer the sleek polish of coated paper or the heritage feel of woven cloth, your cover material sets the tone for the story inside. It’s the finishing touch that transforms a printed book into a lasting piece of craftsmanship.

What Are The Best Paper Types And Finishes For Hardback Book Interiors?

The interior pages of a hardback book are just as important as the cover; they shape how readers experience your content. Paper choice influences everything from colour vibrancy and readability to overall weight and feel. Selecting the right finish ensures your book looks professional and feels balanced in the hand.

1. Uncoated Paper

Uncoated paper offers a smooth, natural texture that makes reading comfortable and glare-free. It’s perfect for novels, poetry collections, or text-heavy books where clarity and readability are key. The ink sinks slightly into the fibres, giving a soft, tactile finish that feels organic and timeless.

2. Silk Finish

Silk paper strikes a balance between text and imagery. It has a subtle sheen that enhances printed colours without being overly glossy, making it ideal for illustrated books, educational materials, or mixed-content projects. It reproduces photos and graphics with crisp definition while keeping text sharp and easy on the eyes.

3. Gloss Paper

Gloss paper provides high colour depth and strong contrast, giving images a vibrant, polished appearance. It’s the go-to choice for hardback photo book printing, art catalogues, or promotional pieces that rely on striking visuals. The reflective surface makes colours pop, adding a premium, professional finish.

How to Choose The Right Paper Weights And Finishing Details?

Once you’ve chosen your paper type, it’s time to consider thickness and finishing touches. For hardback interiors, paper weight typically ranges from 115gsm to 170gsm, depending on how substantial you want your book to feel.

• 115–130gsm works best for text-based books that need flexibility and ease when turning pages.
• 150–170gsm suits image-heavy or luxury editions that benefit from thicker, more durable stock.

The Role Of Endpapers

Endpapers connect the inner pages to the cover, adding both structure and aesthetic value. They can be blank for simplicity or printed to complement your design. Coloured or patterned endpapers give keepsake and limited-edition books an elegant, personalised finish.

How To Choose The Right Paper?

Your paper and finish choices should align with your book’s purpose:

• Choose uncoated for readability and warmth.
• Go for silk if you want a smooth balance between text and images.
• Opt for gloss to make visuals stand out with high contrast and shine.

If you’re uncertain, Ex Why Zed offers sample packs to help you compare textures and finishes before printing. Selecting the right stock ensures your hardback book printing project feels balanced, durable, and beautifully produced.

What Print Quality And Colour Options Are Available For Hardback Book Printing?

The print quality you choose has a big impact on how your book looks and feels. Whether you’re creating a text-heavy novel, a photo-rich art book, or a professional report, selecting the right colour option ensures your content stands out exactly as intended.

Popular options include:

Your print choice should match your content. Text-focused publications, like dissertations or novels, often look best in black and white or greyscale. However, books that rely on imagery, such as art portfolios, photo books, or marketing materials, truly shine in full colour.

How To Set Up Artwork For Hardback Book Printing

Setting up your artwork correctly is one of the most important parts of preparing a professional hardback book. A well-prepared file ensures your covers align perfectly, pages print cleanly, and the final product looks polished. Here’s how to do it step by step.

1. Create The Cover Spread

Design your cover as a single flat spread that includes the front cover, back cover, spine, and flaps (if any). Extend your artwork into the bleed area to avoid white edges after trimming. Add a 3 mm bleed on all sides and include crop marks for precise cutting.

Make sure your cover file accounts for spine width, which depends on your total page count and paper weight. For instance, a 40-page book printed on 130gsm silk will have a thicker spine than one printed on 115gsm uncoated stock.

What to Avoid: Forgetting bleed, misaligned spines, or text placed too close to the edges; these are the most common causes of layout errors.

2. Add Endpaper Files (If Printed)

If your book includes printed endpapers, design them as separate two-page spreads. These attach the text block to the inside of the front and back covers and can feature colours, patterns, or subtle artwork that complements your book’s theme. If your endpapers are blank, you can skip this step.

What to Avoid: Using artwork that runs too close to the fold or placing essential details near the edges.

3. Prepare Inside Pages

Set up your inside pages as single pages in reading order. The first page of your PDF should be the first right-hand page of the book. Keep text and important design elements at least 5 mm inside the trim edge to prevent them from being cut off during binding.

What to Avoid: Exporting your inside pages as spreads or leaving insufficient margins: both can cause cutting or alignment issues during production.

4. Export For Print

When your artwork is finalised, export each file as a high-quality print PDF (PDF/X-1a). This ensures all fonts and images are embedded and that colours are correctly converted to CMYK. Check that each file includes the 3 mm bleedand crop marks before submission.

What to Avoid: Exporting files in RGB colour mode or skipping the printer’s file setup guidelines, which can lead to unexpected colour shifts or layout problems.

By taking the time to prepare your artwork carefully, you’ll ensure your hardback book printing project comes out perfectly aligned, vibrant, and truly professional.

How Should You Prepare And Submit Files For Hardback Book Printing?

Getting your files right is key to achieving a clean, professional finish. Here’s what you need to prepare and how to submit it properly.

Step 1: Gather Your Files

You’ll typically need three main files:

• Cover file: A flat spread including the front, spine, back, and flaps (if any)
• Inside pages: A single PDF in reading order (set up as single pages, not spreads)
• Endpapers: Only if printed, provided as two additional two-page spreads

If your endpapers are blank, you can skip them and just send the cover and inside page files.

Step 2: Follow The Right Technical Specifications

Before exporting, double-check your settings:

• Format: PDF (PDF/X-1a preferred)
• Bleed: 3 mm on all sides
• Crop Marks: Required
• Colour Mode: CMYK
• Resolution: 300 dpi
• Safe Zone: Keep text and key elements 5 mm from trim and spine

These settings ensure crisp text, accurate colours, and perfect alignment during binding.

Step 3: Submit Your Files For Printing

Once ready, compress your files into a single .zip folder and send them via WeTransfer or Dropbox. Include details like book size, paper type, quantity, and any special finishes. At Ex Why Zed, we also offer a free file check to confirm your artwork is fully print-ready before production begins.

Step 4: Run A Final Check Before Sending

Before you hit send, review your files one last time to avoid small but costly mistakes:

• Fonts and images are embedded correctly
• Page numbers and spine alignment are accurate
• Image resolution and colour consistency are maintained

A careful final review ensures a smooth production process and a hardback book that looks just as polished in print as it does on screen.

What Are The Different Types Of Hardback Books And Their Uses?

Hardback books come in many forms, each designed to suit a specific purpose, from storytelling and research to preserving memories. Here’s how different types of hardbacks serve unique needs:

• Hardcover Novels: Add a sense of substance and elegance to storytelling.. Their sturdy design protects pages and gives a premium feel, making them ideal for collectors, special editions, and well-loved classics.
• Dissertations and Theses: Offer professionalism and long-term protection for academic work. Hardback binding keeps research safe while meeting university standards, giving your work a polished, lasting finish.
• Photo Albums And Art Books: Bring images to life with vibrant colour and fine detail. The rigid cover protects delicate pages, perfect for portfolios, exhibitions, and hardback photo book printing projects.
• Yearbooks: Preserve memories worth revisiting with yearbooks. Durable covers protect the pages while allowing for creative, personalised designs that capture each milestone or graduating year.

No matter the purpose, hardback book printing blends strength, style, and longevity, turning every project into something worth keeping.

Thinking about printing a yearbook? Check out our detailed guide on How Much Does It Cost to Print a Yearbook to explore pricing, options, and tips for creating a yearbook that truly stands out.

What Factors Affect The Cost And Turnaround Time Of Hardback Book Printing?

When planning your hardback book printing, it’s important to understand what influences both cost and production time. Factors such as page count, printing method, materials, and finishes all play a part in determining your final budget and delivery schedule.

1. Page Count And Printing Method

The number of pages in your book directly affects cost and turnaround time. More pages mean more paper, longer print runs, and higher binding costs.

Your printing method also makes a difference:

• Offset printing is ideal for large print runs, offering lower costs per unit once setup is complete.
• Digital printing suits smaller quantities, with minimal setup but a slightly higher per-copy cost.

If your project has a very low page count, booklet printing can be a better fit, perfect for short stories, children’s books, zines, or small catalogues.

2. Unit Cost Considerations

The unit cost (cost per book) depends on several key factors, including:

• Page count and trim size
• Paper quality and ink type
• Binding method
• Cover finishes and extras (like foiling or ribbon markers)

For instance, a 200-page black-and-white book will cost less per unit than a 100-page full-colour edition. Balancing these choices helps you stay on budget while maintaining quality.

3. Royalty And Profit Considerations

If you’re publishing commercially, factor in your royalty rates: the percentage earned from each sale. These rates vary based on publisher agreements and book pricing. Understanding production costs upfront allows you to price your book fairly while still earning a reasonable return.

Bring Your Hardback Book To Life With Ex Why Zed

If you’re looking for professional hardback book printing that blends creativity, quality, and care, Ex Why Zed is your ideal partner. We make it easy for authors, designers, and businesses to transform their ideas into beautifully bound books that leave a lasting impression.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Premium Quality: Every book is printed using top-tier digital and litho technology for exceptional colour accuracy and detail.
• Sustainable Materials: All our papers are FSC certified, and we use eco-conscious inks to keep your project planet-friendly.
• Short-Run & One-Off Options: Whether you need a single copy or a full print run, we deliver consistent quality every time.
• Flexible Customisation: Choose from printed or cloth covers, silk or uncoated papers, foiling, ribbons, dust jackets, and more.
• Free File Check: Our team reviews your artwork before production to ensure your book is perfectly print-ready.
• UK-Based Expertise: With years of experience and a hands-on approach, we guide you through every step, from setup to delivery.

At Ex Why Zed, we don’t just print books; we help you create something worth keeping. Start your hardback book printing project today and see how easy it can be to turn your vision into a timeless, professionally finished masterpiece.

Ready To Get Started? Get in touch with our team to discuss your project, request a quote, or ask a question; we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Conclusion

Hardback book printing gives your work the durability, finish, and presence it deserves. Once you’ve chosen your paper options, finalised your design, and prepared your print file, the printing process becomes straightforward. Whether your project calls for a perfect bound softcover or a casebound edition, planning the inner pages and materials carefully will make all the difference to the final result.

Remember, hardbacks remain a popular choice for authors and creators who want long-lasting quality and visual impact. Once you’ve approved your files, a professional printer will take care of the rest, ensuring a smooth workflow and fast turnaround so your finished book arrives exactly as you envisioned, ready to be opened, displayed, and treasured.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of printing a novel in hardcover?

Printing a novel in hardcover adds durability, elegance, and long-term value. It protects the pages from damage, enhances presentation, and appeals to collectors and readers who appreciate premium-quality editions that feel substantial and look professional on any shelf.

Is it possible to print a hardcover book on a regular printer?

A regular home printer cannot produce a true hardcover book. Professional hardback printing requires specialised binding equipment, durable materials, and precise alignment to create the rigid cover, spine, and finish that define a high-quality hardcover edition.

How much does hardback book printing typically cost?

The cost of hardback book printing depends on page count, paper type, colour options, and quantity. Prices are generally higher than paperbacks due to materials and binding, but bulk or short-run printing options make it affordable for various project sizes.

How long does it take to print and receive a hardback book?

Production time varies by project, but most hardback books are printed and delivered within seven to ten working days. Custom finishes, complex designs, or large quantities may take slightly longer to ensure quality and consistency in every copy.

Can I order a small print run of hardback books in the UK?

Yes, small or short-run hardback book printing is available in the UK. This option is ideal for authors, artists, and businesses who want professional-quality books in limited quantities without the high setup costs of traditional large-volume printing.

Why are hardback books more expensive to print than paperback books?

Hardback books cost more to print because they use thicker cover materials, extra binding layers, and higher-grade finishes. The production process is more complex, ensuring strength and durability, which naturally increases cost but enhances overall quality and longevity.