What is a hardback book?
In book printing, nothing comes with more prestige and durability as a hardback book. However, understanding what defines a hardback book can ensure you can make informed choices when considering book formats.
A hardback book is also referred to as as hardcover book. Its a book that’s bound with a rigid cover that’s then wrapped in cloth or heavy paper stock. The pages inside are glued or stitched together, and attached to the spine. The key difference between hardback and paperback book is that paperbacks are more flexible and more prone to wear and tear.
What makes a book a hardback?
The outstanding feature of a hardback book is the solid cover. This not only creates a premium appearance, it also offers long term durability and protection. Hardback books will also often come with a jacket (the removeable paper cover) that protects the books but also features additional artwork, book summary and maybe information on the author. Inside the papers can be higher quality with the binding ensuring the book stays in tact even with long term use.
Cover: Made from rigid cardboard that is difficult to bend or damage.
Jacket: An optional feature but commonly used. Provides an extra layer or protection and boosts the general appearance of the book.
Paper: The inner pages are usually printed on heavier paper stocks.
Binding: Usually stitched or glued for long term durability.
Why choose to print hardback books?
Authors and publishers choose hardback books for a few reasons. A hardback book is generally considered more premium and presents a quality or important publication. Publishers choose hardbacks initially due to them be able to command a high price point, where as libraries or research facilities prefer hardbacks for their resilience.
Prestige: Hardback books are usually perceived as being more important, higher quality or valuable.
Gifts: Hardbacks are more favoured as gifts or for special occasions
Libraries: Prefer hardback books due their robustness
What authors need to know
If you’re an author who’s considering publishing a hardback book there are some decisions you need to make. Manufacturing a hardback book will likely be more expensive due to the materials and skills involved, but the results can be worth it. As an author you should be considering the cover design, paper quality and binding method. At Print2Demand we work with authors and self publishers across the UK, so please contact us for assistance. Hardback books are worth the investment but its essential they’re made to a high standard.
Printing in bulk will make things cheaper, at Print2Demand you can order from just 25 copies and you can build a hardback cover printing quote online.