Hardcover Children's Book Printing
We provide custom printing services for full color hardcover children’s books with fully customized paper, size, quantity, and special finishes.
USD 700 for 100 books | USD 992 for 500 books
Specifications:
- Size: 8.5″ x 11″
- Pages: 32pp
- Inner paper: 106 lb gloss text paper
- Binding: sewn and hardcover binding
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Hardcover Children's Book Printing Price Calculator
Hardcover Children Book Paper Options
For the cover of a hardcover children’s book, coated paper or matte paper (wrapped on grey board) is usually used.
For the inner paper: the right selection of paper is important in children’s books with vibrant illustrations and artwork to bring the colors alive.
- Gloss Art Paper: Ideal for full-color spreads with minimal text. The glossy finish enhances the vibrancy of the illustrations, helping them stand out.
- Matte Art Paper: Great for books with fewer words and more illustrations. It delivers rich color reproduction and ensures comfortable readability for both text and images.
- Uncoated Paper: Perfect for interactive books like coloring, activity, and story books. Its absorbent surface lets kids write, color, and paint without bleeding through the pages.
Paper List
Paperback Cover Paper
- 200 gsm / 74 lb gloss cover paper
- 250 gsm / 92 lb gloss cover paper
- 300 gsm / 111 lb gloss cover paper
- 350 gsm / 129 lb gloss cover paper
- 200 gsm / 74 lb matte cover paper
- 250 gsm / 92 lb matte cover paper
- 300 gsm / 111 lb matte cover paper
Hardcover Paper
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper wrapped on 2 mm grey board
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper wrapped on 2.5 mm grey board
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper wrapped on 3 mm grey board
- Other paper wrapped on grey board
Interior Paper
- 128 gsm / 86 lb gloss text paper
- 157 gsm / 106 lb gloss text paper
- 200 gsm / 135 lb gloss text paper
- 128 gsm / 86 lb matte text paper
- 157 gsm / 106 lb matte text paper
- 200 gsm / 135 lb matte text paper
- 100 gsm / 68 lb uncoated text paper
- 120 gsm / 81 lb uncoated text paper
Book Cover Surface Options
Here are some popular surface finishes that can enhance your book’s appearance and durability:
Shiny and reflective, perfect for vibrant graphics and photos.
Glossy highlights on specific areas for a striking contrast.
Smooth and non-reflective for an elegant, professional look.
Adds a touch of luxury with metallic gold or silver edges, perfect for high-end or special edition books.
A glossy finish applied to specific areas, creating a striking contrast against matte backgrounds for a bold, eye-catching effect.
Metallic or pigmented foil for a shiny, eye-catching effect.
Raised designs for added texture and elegance.
A recessed design that creates a tactile impression on the cover, adding texture and sophistication.
Requirements for Printing Files
It’s important to understand how to prepare the finished digital files for printing. Here are a few useful tips to help you prepare the files for printing.
You'll need to add a "bleed zone" of 0.125" around all your pages.
Convert your colour space from RGB to CMYK
If you can't deliver vectors then make sure the resolution is 300 DPI.
Export your files in PDF format for the best results.
Check out our file inspection guidelines page or contact us directly. We offer a free manual file-checking service to ensure your files meet printing requirements.
The QinPrinting Eco-Friendly Promise
At QinPrinting, we are very conscious of our responsibility to develop our industry in a sustainable way that respects the life of the planet and of future generations. For that reason, we use paper stock that’s sourced from FSC-certified sustainable forestry whenever possible. We can provide recycled paper material on request. We also use environmentally-friendly soy inks—based on harmless, biodegradable vegetable products—rather than toxic resins and solvents. Getting your book printed in batches with an offset printer — rather than one at a time with a print-on-demand service — is also significantly more energy efficient, saving both water and electricity.
When you order from us, we can include the FSC-certified logo and an environmental guarantee from the manufacturer of the soy inks.
What We Offer for Hardcover Children's Book Self-Publishers
Besides our core services, we also guide you from concept to completion. Whether you’re a first-time author or an experienced publisher, our expert team ensures a smooth, worry-free process. From initial artwork reviews to final packaging, we handle every detail with care. Let us help you bring your story to life—on time and within budget—so you can share your hardcover children’s book with readers around the world, confident in the quality of your final product.
We offer the following additional services for self-publishers:
Free Artwork Check
Limited Free Artwork Modifications
Step-by-Step Guidance with Artwork Preparation
Additional Cover Surface Finishing Options
Free Storage for One Year
Worldwide Delivery
Why Print Your Hardcover Children's Book at QinPrinting?
At QinPrinting, we’re dedicated to bringing your hardcover children’s book vision to life with the highest standards of quality and professionalism. Here are some key reasons to choose us:
25+ Years of Expertise
Over two decades of experience in printing high-quality children’s books.
Premium Quality Materials
Glossy or matte paper, durable bindings, and vibrant color reproduction.
Customizable Options
Choose paper weight, cover finish, and binding type to suit your vision.
Expert Support
Dedicated team offering assistance throughout the entire printing process.
QinPrinting Rated Excellent for Hardcover Children’s Book Printing
From start to finish, Jane was incredibly informative and helpful.
Also great communication.
My books arrived, and are beautiful!
Jane was prompt and had GREAT attention to detail were exceptional. Most of my emails were answered within 24 hours, and Jane went above and beyond by sending pictures, samples, and clear explanations to help me understand all the technical aspects of book printing. She even reviewed my proofs thoroughly and pointed out a few important adjustments I needed to make to my PDF files.
Shipping was faster than expected, and when I compared the final copies from Qin Printing with those from IngramSpark, Qin’s quality was far superior. The materials looked more polished; paper is higher quality, and the print was crisper. Each book was carefully wrapped.
I ended up saving 75% of my printing budget, and communicating in English was no issue at all. It felt like Jane cared about the project as much as I did. I can’t recommend her and Qin Printing enough. Thank you so much for helping bring my book to life!
FAQs
What is the MOQ for hardcover children's book printing?
The minimum order quantity is 100 copies. It’s often recommended to print at least 500 copies to make the process cost-effective
How much does it cost to print a hardcover children's book?
The cost of printing a hardcover children’s book depends on the book’s size, page count, order quantity, and additional features such as foil stamping, UV coating, embossing, debossing, and more. Here’s a breakdown of the prices for two different sizes:
| Quantity | 100pcs | 200pcs | 500pcs | 1000pcs | 2000pcs | 5000pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52 pages | $9.17 each $917 total | $5.19 each $1037 total | $2.57 each $1283 total | $1.89 each $1894 total | $1.63 each $3251 total | $1.42 each $7117 total |
| 100 pages | $13.41 each $1341 total | $7.57 each $1514 total | $3.76 each $1878 total | $2.69 each $2692 total | $2.21 each $4423 total | $1.86 each $9282 total |
| 152 pages | $17.7 each $1770 total | $9.99 each $1998 total | $5 each $2501 total | $3.51 each $3507 total | $2.82 each $5638 total | $2.32 each $11588 total |
| 200 pages | $21.93 each $2193 total | $12.38 each $2475 total | $6.21 each $3107 total | $4.28 each $4281 total | $3.41 each $6811 total | $2.76 each $13780 total |
- Cover: 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper with matte lamination wrapped on 2.5 mm thickness greybeard
- Inner: 157 gsm / 106 lb coated text paper for interior
- Please note that all prices are EXW (Ex Works) our facility and do not include shipping costs.
What is the common size for hardcover children's book?
The most popular and cost-effective children’s book sizes for hardcovers and paperbacks are 8″ x 8″ and 8.5″ x 8.5″, offering an ideal balance of visual appeal and economical production. For board books, 6″ x 6″ is a great choice, as it easily fits little hands and keeps printing costs down—all while helping you stay within your budget.
Here’s a rough breakdown of common sizes in regard to the target age group:
- Board Books (0–4 years): 6″ x 6″, these sturdy books have thick pages perfect for little hands.
- Picture Books (4–8 years): 8″ x 8″ to 12″ x 9″, sometimes in landscape to showcase illustrations.
- Early Readers (4–8 years): 5.5″ x 8.5″ to 9″ x 12″, blending pictures with short text to aid reading.
- Middle-Grade Fiction (9–12 years): 5.5″ x 8.5″ or 6″ x 9″, often with more text and occasional illustrations.
Common Children’s Book Size Chart
| Category | Sizes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square | 6″ x 6″ | 7″ x 7″ | 8″ x 8″ | 8.5″ x 8.5″ | 9″ x 9″ | 10″ x 10″ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Portrait | 5.5″ x 8.5″ | 6″ x 9″ | 8″ x 10″ | 8.5″ x 10″ | 8.5″ x 11″ | 9″ x 12″ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Landscape | 8.5″ x 5.5″ | 9″ x 6″ | 10″ x 8″ | 10″ x 8.5″ | 11″ x 8.5″ | 12″ x 9″ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What are the cost-effective page counts for hardcover children's book?
The standard children’s book length is often 32 pages because it comfortably accommodates enough text and illustrations without overwhelming young readers. In printing terms, 32 pages neatly form two signatures, making the production and binding processes smoother and more cost-effective. This balance benefits both the reader and the publisher.
What is the standard production time for chidlren books?
- For hardcover children’s books and board books, the typical production time is around 3 weeks.
Shipping times vary based on your location and shipping method.
What are the available options for cover finishes?
We offer a range of finishes for children’s book printing, including gloss, matte, and cloth covers. You can also opt for foil stamping, embossing, or debossing for added flair.
You can choose the finishes using our instant quote calculator.
How can I prepare my hardcover children's book files for printing?
To ensure the best print quality for your children’s book, please submit your files in the following format:
- High-resolution PDF (300dpi) for sharp, clear images.
- 3mm bleed on all sides of the design to prevent cutting errors.
- Embedded fonts to avoid text issues.
- CMYK color mode for accurate color reproduction.
Additionally, be mindful of the wrapped cover and spine groove areas when designing your cover.
You can download our templates from the calculator section to help ensure your design is optimized for printing. We also offer free file checking services. Feel free to send your files to us, and our experts will review them to ensure they meet the print requirements.
Can I customize the children book's design and layout?
Yes, we offer customization options, including unique sizes, special cover finishes, and personalized interior layouts. You can choose different design elements based on your preferences to make your children’s book stand out in both appearance and feel.
Is it possible to receive a proof before the full print run?
Yes, we provide both digital and physical proofs. Digital proofs help you review the layout on screen, while physical proofs allow you to check the material, color, and finish before mass printing. Visit our Proof Support Page or contact our team for help.
What Other Children's Books We Can Print
Let's Talk!
If you’re an indie author or educator wanting to print a hardcover children’s book — and only the finest product and unbeatable customer service will do — we should talk. Get in touch today to chat through your needs or to ask for a no-obligation quote. We can’t wait to help you make your next book the best ever!
