Trim, Binding & Paper

The Right Specs
For Your Book.

Choosing the right trim size, binding type, and paper stock is critical to your book's success. Our experts guide you through every decision with industry knowledge.

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What We Offer

Book Specification Services

The technical decisions you make about your book's physical format affect everything from cost to reader experience.

Trim Size Selection

We help you choose the ideal trim size for your genre - from 5x8 mass market to 8.5x11 workbooks.

Free consultation

Binding Type Guide

Perfect binding, case binding, saddle stitch, spiral, and lay-flat - we explain the pros and cons of each.

Free consultation

Paper Stock Selection

60lb cream, 70lb white, 80lb gloss - we help you choose the paper that best suits your content and budget.

Free consultation

Cover Finish Options

Matte, gloss, soft-touch, spot UV - we explain how each finish affects the look and feel of your cover.

Free consultation

Cost Calculator

We calculate the exact printing cost for your chosen specifications before you commit to anything.

Free estimate

Spec Sheet Preparation

We prepare a complete specification sheet for your book that you can use with any printer worldwide.

From $49 / project

Simple Process

How It Works

Tell Us About Your Book

Share your genre, page count, and target retail price. We use this to recommend the best specifications.

Review Options

We present 2-3 specification options with cost estimates and pros/cons for each.

Make Your Decision

Choose your preferred specifications. We prepare your spec sheet and file requirements.

Print with Confidence

Use your spec sheet with Velqa or any printer. Your book will be produced exactly as planned.

Specifications We Cover

Every technical decision your book requires

5x8 Mass Market

5.5x8.5 Standard

6x9 Trade

7x10 Large Trade

8.5x11 Workbook

Square Formats

Perfect Bound

Case Bound

Saddle Stitch

Spiral Bound

Lay-Flat

60lb Cream

70lb White

80lb Gloss

Why Choose Us

Spec Decisions Made Simple

✓

Industry Expert Guidance

Our print specialists have decades of experience and know which specs work best for every genre.

✓

Cost-Optimized Recommendations

We balance quality and cost to find the specifications that give you the best value for your budget.

✓

Retailer Compatibility

All specifications we recommend are compatible with Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and major printers.

✓

No Obligation

Our specification consultation is free. You only pay if you choose to print with us.

50+

Spec Combinations

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

The most popular trim sizes for fiction are 5x8 (mass market feel) and 5.5x8.5 or 6x9 (trade paperback). We recommend 5.5x8.5 for most debut novels.

70lb paper is slightly thicker and more opaque, which prevents text from showing through from the other side. It also gives your book a more substantial feel.

Cream paper is easier on the eyes for long reading sessions and is preferred for fiction. White paper is better for non-fiction with images, charts, and diagrams.

Lay-flat binding is ideal for cookbooks because it allows the book to stay open on a counter without holding it. Spiral binding is also popular.

Larger trim sizes use more paper and cost more per copy. However, a larger trim size may allow you to reduce page count, which can offset the cost difference.

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