Square Back Hardcover Book Printing
Square back hardcover book printing refers to a hardcover book style where the back cover is flat (or “square”) instead of having the traditional rounded spine. This style is sometimes also called “flat hardcover” and gives the book a sleek, professional look, making it ideal for coffee table books, photography books, art books, and corporate publications.
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Custom Square Back Hardcover Books
Square back hardcovers’ flat backs provide a stable structure that helps when the pages are separated or when books are stored for long periods.
Coated paper or matte paper (wrapped on grey board) is usually used for the cover of a hardcover book.
For the inner paper:
- If your hardcover book features colourful illustrations, cartoons, colored diagrams, graphs, photographs and other graphic work, we recommend printing on gloss or matte art paper to get the best results.
- Gloss paper is often best for books with full-colour spreads, lots of photography or illustrations and less text, whereas books with more text and fewer illustrations may benefit from matte paper.
- Matte paper will still give superlative image reproduction while rendering the text easier to read.
- If your hardcover edition is text-only or includes only a few black-and-white tables, simple grayscale illustrations, and line diagrams, we suggest an uncoated offset paper stock.
- Offset paper — also known as uncoated wood-free paper or UWF — has the lignin extracted during the pulping process. The result is a natural-looking, absorbent white paper with a good balance of strength, opacity, and brightness, which makes it ideal for interior text.
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.
What We Offer for Hardcover 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.
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
FAQs
What is the MOQ for square back hardcover 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
What are the cost-effective page counts for hardcover book?
The standard 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 hardcover books?
- For hardcover books, the typical production time is around 3 weeks.
Shipping times vary based on your location and shipping method.
Can I customize the 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.
QinPrinting Reviews
Susan!!!! These books are SOOOOOOO beautiful! I don't think we could have dreamed how joyful it would be to open the box and find such care for and beautifully printed books. This was a special day -- we hope to have many more like it.
Thank you for fielding so many questions. Your patience with us (well, me) was so kind. You and your team have gone above and beyond for us.
Gratefully,
MAC
Their product quality, attention to detail, and clear communication have exceeded my expectations at every step. I truly appreciate their dedication and care, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with them on many more projects to come.
I'm also impressed with the quality of their prints!
I am absolutely delighted with how the book has turned out. The quality is outstanding, and the books arrived beautifully packed and in perfect condition.
The Qin Printing website, is exceptionally comprehensive and clear. It made understanding the process much easier.
The Qin Printing team live up to your their slogan, “Passion in Every Page.”
When I received the books I could not believe the quality, much better than I anticipated. The printing quality is exquisite and we are over the moon to share the books with our school community. Each person that has reviewed the books so far has spoken highly of the quality.
Thank you so very much once more and we look forward to working with you on an annual basis.
Susan Han and Carol Li did amazing job to answer all our questions, patiently walk with us along with the project step by step, had a great communication, came up with great solutions and showed a high level of professionalism. The product is of amazing quality, and there were no unexpected delays on any level. We are planning to print our next game with them.
Let's Talk!
If you’re an indie author or educator wanting to print a square back hardcover 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!
