When you request a hardcover book printing quote, clear details make all the difference. The more precisely you describe your book—its size, paper, finishes, and binding—the faster your printer can provide an accurate price and suggest the right materials.
A short, well-structured list is enough to include all the essential hardcover book printing specifications. In this guide, we’ll show you what information to include, how to write it clearly, and an easy example you can follow when contacting your printer.
What to Include When Describing Your Hardcover Book
When you email your printer for a quote, think of your message as a blueprint for the finished product. It should describe how the book will look and feel, using standard print terms that every printer understands.
Even a few clear lines can cover all the hardcover book printing details they need to calculate cost and materials accurately.
Here’s a good example to start with:
Size: 8.5″ × 11″
Paper cover: 4C/0C, 157gsm gloss art paper + 2.5mm grey board, matte lamination on the outside, gold foil stamping;
End sheets: 0C/0C, 140gsm offset paper;
Inner: 4C/4C, 157gsm gloss art paper, 32 pages;
Binding: sewing and hardcover binding, square back;
Dust jacket: 3.5″ flaps; 4C/0C, 200gsm gloss art paper, matte lamination, gold foil stamping;
Ribbon: 693 pale gold;
Paper slipcase: 4C/0C, 157gsm gloss art paper + 2.5mm grey board, matte lamination, gold foil stamping, shrink-wrapping.
Let’s take a closer look at what each section includes.
1. Book Size
Always describe the finished trim size of your inner pages, written as width × height (e.g., 8.5″ × 11″).
Mention whether it’s portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal).
In printing, the non-binding edge comes first — for example, 11″ × 8.5″ means landscape orientation.
Example:
Size: 8.5″ × 11″, portrait
This simple detail helps your printer plan the layout, spine width, and all cover components correctly.
2. Cover
The cover is one of the most important parts of your hardcover book printing specifications. It defines both the appearance and durability of your book. When describing your cover, include the color printing, material, and finishing options.
- Color: Use printing codes such as 4C/0C for CMYK full color on one side only.
You can choose different materials depending on your design and budget:
- Paper wrap — most common; printed on 157gsm gloss or matte art paper (or 106lb text) and mounted on 2.0–3.0mm grey board.
- Cloth wrap — available in various colors and textures for a classic look.
- PU or leather wrap — for luxury or limited-edition books.
For finishes, specify what you need:
- Lamination – matte, gloss, or soft-touch to protect the surface.
- Foil stamping – metallic finishes such as gold, silver, rose gold, blue, red, or holographic.
- Spot UV – a shiny coating that highlights logos or titles.
- Embossing/Debossing – raised or recessed designs for texture.
Example (paper cover):
Paper cover: 4C/0C, 157gsm (106lb text) matte art paper + 2.5mm grey board, matte lamination on the outside, gold foil stamping on title area.
Example (cloth cover):
Cloth cover: navy blue linen over 2.5mm grey board, silver foil title on spine and front cover.
Example (PU cover):
PU leather cover: black matte finish over 2.5mm grey board, gold foil logo on front, debossed spine title.
3. End Sheets
End sheets connect the inside pages to the hardcover and add strength.
Include both color and material. Most end sheets are offset paper (120–160gsm, or 80–100lb text), plain or colored.
Example:
End sheets: 0C/0C, 140gsm (or 95lb text) offset paper, light gray.
4. Inner Pages
This section covers color, paper, and page count.
- Color: Use 4C/4C for full color, or 1C/1C for black and white.
- Paper: State the type and weight (gloss, matte, or offset) — for example, 157gsm gloss art paper, or 106lb text if you prefer using lb.
- Page Count: The total number of printed pages — remember that one sheet = two pages (front and back).
Example:
Inner: 4C/4C, 157gsm (≈106lb text) gloss art paper, 32 pages.
This gives the printer enough to calculate the total paper needed and how to bind it.
5. Binding
Hardcover books are usually sewn and casebound, also known as Smyth sewn binding. This method is durable and lets the book open flat.
You can choose between a square back (flat spine) or round back (curved spine).
Example:
Binding: sewn and hardcover binding, square back.
If you want a decorative head and tail band, mention that too (e.g., “white/black headband”).
6. Dust Jacket
If your hardcover book includes a dust jacket, describe it clearly — flap size, paper, printing, and finishes.
Paper weight: usually 157–200gsm (or 100–120lb text) art paper.
Example:
Dust jacket: 3.5″ flaps; 4C/0C, 200gsm (120lb text) gloss art paper, matte lamination on the outside, silver foil stamping.
That one line tells the printer the exact layout, paper weight, and finishing.
7. Ribbon
If your book includes a ribbon marker, list the color (or color code) and width.
Example:
Ribbon: pale gold, 6mm wide, one per book.
You can also ask your printer to suggest available ribbon colors.
8. Slipcase
A slipcase adds both protection and a premium look to your hardcover book.
You can make it with printed paper, or cloth wrapped over grey board.
When describing your slipcase, include the printing color, material, board thickness, and finishing options.
If you prefer a paper wrap, use terms like gloss art paper or matte art paper (e.g., 157gsm or 106lb text).
If you choose a cloth wrap, mention the fabric color and texture instead.
You can also specify shrink-wrapping if each set needs to be individually packaged.
Example:
Slipcase: 4C/0C, 157gsm (106lb text) gloss art paper + 2.5mm grey board, matte lamination, gold foil stamping, shrink-wrapped.
This format keeps your hardcover book printing specifications clear, concise, and consistent.
Printers instantly know the materials, finishes, and quantities needed to produce exactly what you envision.
If you’re not sure how to organize all these details, QinPrinting’s online quote system automatically creates a standard specification summary for you to review before placing your order.
Additional Business Details for Your Quote
Besides physical book specifications, printers also need three key business details to prepare an accurate quote:
- Quantity – Give one or two options (for example, 500 and 1,000 copies) to compare unit prices.
- Trade Terms – Indicate if you prefer EXW, FOB, CIF, or DDP, depending on your shipping preference.
- Delivery Address – Provide the complete destination (including contact name and phone number) for freight calculation.
Sample Email Format
Here’s how your email might look when requesting a hardcover book printing quote:
Subject: Hardcover Book Quote Request
Hello [Printer Name],
Please quote my hardcover book as follows:
Size: 8.5″ × 11″
Paper cover: 4C/0C, 157gsm gloss art paper + 2.5mm grey board, matte lamination on the outside, gold foil stamping, gilded edges
End sheets: 0C/0C, 140gsm offset paper
Inner: 4C/4C, 157gsm gloss art paper, 32 pages
Binding: sewing and hardcover binding, square back
Dust jacket: 3.5″ flaps; 4C/0C, 200gsm gloss art paper, matte lamination, gold foil stamping
Ribbon: pale gold, one per book.
Slipcase: 4C/0C, 157gsm gloss art paper + 2.5mm grey board, matte lamination, gold foil stamping, shrink-wrapping
Quantity: 500 and 1,000 copies
Trade Terms: DDP
Delivery Address: 448 Redcliff Dr, Suite 106, Redding, CA USA 96002
Please confirm pricing, lead time, and proofing options.
Thank you very much!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Company Name]
[Email] | [Phone]
Final Tips
Keep your specifications clear, consistent, and concise.
Avoid long descriptions—short, structured lines make it easy for your printer to quote accurately.
If you’re unsure about paper or finishes, include reference photos or ask for material samples.
At QinPrinting, our online quotation system automatically generates a standard specification summary based on your input. It’s an easy way to double-check that your hardcover book printing details are complete before sending your request.
