Hardcover FAQs

What is the minimum number of pages a hardcover book can have?
Our minimum number of pages for a hardcover book is typically 28 pages. This total comes from using 7 sheets of paper, with each sheet folded to create 4 pages (2 on the front and 2 on the back). Thus, each sheet contributes 4 pages to the book. It’s important that the total page count in a hardcover book is divisible by 4.

What board thicknesses do you offer for hardcovers?
We offer hardcover boards in three different thicknesses: 2.5 mm, which is roughly the thickness of two dimes; 3.0 mm, about the thickness of two pennies; and 3.5 mm, about the thickness of two quarters. If you'd like to see and feel the differences yourself, we can include samples of these board in your sample pack upon request.

How is pricing determined for hardcover books?
Pricing for hardcover books depends on several factors including the book size, materials, and quantity. However, a significant portion—about 50%—of the cost comes from creating the offset printing plates. These plates measure approximately 30x20 inches, and we aim to fit as many pages as possible onto each one. This means that both the size of your pages and the total number of pages directly influence how many plates are needed. Additionally, the cost per book decreases substantially with larger print runs, as the setup costs are distributed over more units.

Can a hardcover book lay flat, and how much of the page will be covered by the gutter?
Our hardcover books use sewn binding, allowing them to lay quite flat. This is particularly advantageous for coffee table books, not only because sewn binding is stronger than glue binding, but also because it enhances the visual presentation of spread images. The gutter coverage is minimal, ensuring a good view of the entire page.