Paperback Book Printing
At QinPrinting, we specialize in professional paperback book printing for self-publishers, educators, businesses, and independent authors. With more than 25 years of experience and a reputation for precision, efficiency, and support, we help you produce high-quality softcover books tailored to your project’s goals.
Whether you need a small run of literary novels, a large print order of educational books, or fully customized marketing materials, we offer expert guidance, durable materials, and flexible printing options to help you succeed.
Paperback Book Instant Quote
based on your choices
Custom Paperback Book Printing
A paperback (also called softcover or perfect bound) has a flexible laminated cover with either sewn and glued or glue only binding. In a sewn perfect bound build (section sewn plus glued), folded signatures are Smyth sewn and then glued into a wraparound cover. Choose this for higher page counts, frequent handling, or bulky or thick text papers. It delivers the strongest page pull, a flatter opening, and long service life.
Glue perfect binding uses adhesive without sewing, and we offer EVA glue perfect binding. EVA is the most economical and the fastest to set for everyday use and thinner text stocks. If your book uses thinner paper and will not be read very frequently, glue perfect binding is a good choice.
If you want spine text, plan for at least 48 pages so the type remains readable.
Paper Options
Paper selection affects visual presentation, durability, and cost. We recommend selecting different stocks for interior pages and covers, depending on the artwork, layout, and desired finish.
- Gloss Art Paper: Bright finish that enhances color depth—great for illustration-heavy books.
- Matte Art Paper: Subtle sheen with excellent print quality and comfortable reading.
| GSM / LB | Gloss Art Paper Thickness | Matte Art Paper Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 80 gsm / 54 lb Text | 0.065 mm | 0.072 mm |
| 105 gsm / 71 lb Text | 0.086 mm | 0.090 mm |
| 128 gsm / 86 lb Text | 0.105 mm | 0.110 mm |
| 157 gsm / 106 lb Text | 0.136 mm | 0.140 mm |
| 200 gsm / 135 lb Text | 0.178 mm | 0.200 mm |
| 250 gsm / 92 lb Cover | 0.225 mm | 0.250 mm |
| 300 gsm / 111 lb Cover | 0.270 mm | 0.285 mm |
| 350 gsm / 129 lb Cover | 0.410 mm | - |
- Uncoated Paper: Best for coloring, writing, and interactive formats; prevents bleed-through.
| GSM / lb | Uncoated Paper Thickness |
|---|---|
| 80 gsm / 54 lb Text | 0.097 mm |
| 100 gsm / 68 lb Text | 0.118 mm |
| 120 gsm / 81 lb Text | 0.140 mm |
| 140 gsm / 95 lb Text | 0.160 mm |
| 160 gsm / 108 lb Text | 0.183 mm |
| 180 gsm / 122 lb Text | 0.200 mm |
More Specialty Paper Options
We also offer a wide range of specialty papers—such as FSC-certified, textured, vellum (translucent), holographic, and metallic papers—to give your books a distinctive look and feel. If you have a specific texture or finish in mind, we can help you find the perfect match for your project.
Offers tactile finishes such as linen or laid texture for an elegant, artistic feel.
A semi-transparent material ideal for overlays, title pages, or creative inserts.
Eco-friendly and responsibly sourced paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Adds a dazzling, reflective effect that makes your book covers or inserts instantly eye-catching.
Finish Options
We also offer optional treatments to help your cover stand out. These include:
Shiny and reflective, perfect for vibrant graphics and photos.
Glossy highlights on specific areas for a striking contrast.
Smooth and non-reflective for a simple yet professional design.
Similar to matte lamination, but the resulting surface has a delightful, almost velvet feel.
A glossy finish applied to specific areas for a bold and distinct look.
Metallic or pigmented foil for a shiny, eye-catching effect.
Raised designs for added texture and elegance.
Uses a custom-made metal die to cut paper into specific shapes.
Thin metallic foil—usually gold, silver, or bronze—is applied to the trimmed edges of your book's pages.
Custom patterns and images are sprayed on the edges for a truly unique appearance.
Print your design on a special paper that reflects light in a rainbow-like pattern.
A row of small holes that makes it easy to tear off part of the paper.
A built-in tape that allows the paper to be opened easily and cleanly by pulling along the strip.
We’re always happy to discuss new formats or unusual specifications. If you don’t see what you’re looking for above, get in touch. Our team will be glad to help.
Why Choose QinPrinting for Custom Paperback Book Printing?
We combine quality craftsmanship with attentive customer service to help you create the best version of your paperback book.
Competitive pricing for both short and long runs, with special value on bulk orders.
Advanced offset printing ensures accurate color, crisp text, and strong binding.
Choose from multiple sizes, paper types, finishes, and binding methods.
Our experienced team works with you from file preparation to final shipment.
We offer FSC-certified paper and soy-based inks upon request.
Our Shanghai facility gives you access to top-tier production quality with global reach.
FAQs
How much does it cost to print a paperback book?
The cost to print a paperback book typically ranges from $0.74 to $17.64 per book, depending on factors such as page count and order quantity. Here’s a breakdown for an 8.5″ x 11″ paperback book:
- 80 pages + 4-page cover
- 100 pcs: $642 (Unit: $6.42)
- 500 pcs: $911 (Unit: $1.82)
- 1000 pcs: $1,169 (Unit: $1.17)
- 5000 pcs: $3,709 (Unit: $0.74)
- 128 pages + 4-page cover
- 100 pcs: $948 (Unit: $9.48)
- 500 pcs: $1,366 (Unit: $2.73)
- 1000 pcs: $1,769 (Unit: $1.77)
- 5000 pcs: $5,626 (Unit: $1.13)
- 208 pages + 4-page cover
- 100 pcs: $1,458 (Unit: $14.58)
- 500 pcs: $2,133 (Unit: $4.27)
- 1000 pcs: $2,767 (Unit: $2.77)
- 5000 pcs: $8,832 (Unit: $1.77)
- 256 pages + 4-page cover
- 100 pcs: $1,764 (Unit: $17.64)
- 500 pcs: $2,594 (Unit: $5.19)
- 1000 pcs: $3,389 (Unit: $3.39)
- 5000 pcs: $10,748 (Unit: $2.15)
Paper & Printing Details
- Cover: 250 gsm coated cover with matte lamination
- Interior: 105 gsm coated text paper, full color printing
Note: Prices are EXW (Ex Works) from our facility and do not include shipping costs.
Try our easy and convenient online Printing Cost Calculator.
How long does it take to print paperback books?
Standard turnaround time is 5 to 10 business days, depending on complexity and order size. Shipping times vary by destination.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Our minimum order is 100 copies.
What is perfect binding?
The umbrella term “perfect binding” includes standard perfect binding and sewn perfect binding.
Standard perfect binding is the standard for most novels, catalogs, and graphic novels. It’s cost-effective and offers a clean, professional finish.
In this method, the inner pages are glued into a heavier cover using a strong, flexible adhesive. The entire book is then precisely trimmed for a squared spine and polished look.
Sewn perfect binding offers enhanced durability and allows the book to lay flat when opened. Interior pages are sewn together in sections before being glued into the cover, making the spine more flexible and long-lasting.
This premium binding is ideal for thicker books or publications that require frequent handling—combining an upscale appearance with practical performance.
Which books are best for softcover printing?
- Novels, general nonfiction, and memoirs: Portable, budget friendly, ideal for retail.
- Poetry and essay collections: Works well for short runs and reprints.
- Textbooks, workbooks, and manuals: Cost effective for frequent updates. Choose thicker covers and matte lamination for durability.
- Training and corporate handbooks: Product knowledge, compliance, onboarding.
- Catalogs and lightweight art books: Present content clearly while controlling unit cost. Matte or soft touch lamination helps reduce scuffing.
- Children’s and education sets (non-casebound): Multi-book bundles with optional custom slipcases or boxes.
When not to choose softcover:
- Needs to lay completely flat (180°). Consider Wire-O or Spiral.
- Gift or collector editions or projects that require maximum longevity. Consider Hardcover.
What are the popular paperback book sizes?
We print paperback books in a wide range of sizes and orientations. Your choice of size depends on your genre, content type, audience, and distribution goals. Below are the most commonly used formats by category:
Standard Trade and General Nonfiction:
- 5.5″ x 8.5″
- 6″ x 9″
- 7″ x 10″
Novels and Memoirs:
- 5.5″ x 8.5″
- 6″ x 9″
Textbooks, Manuals, and Workbooks:
- 6″ x 9″
- 8.5″ x 11″
Children’s Books and Early Readers:
- 7″ x 7″
- 8″ x 10″
- 8.5″ x 8.5″ (square)
Mass-Market Paperbacks:
- 4.25″ x 6.87″
These sizes are cost-effective and compatible with standard shelving, mailing, and retail expectations. However, we also support custom paperback book printing in nearly any size or orientation. Unusual formats may require more setup time and slightly higher costs, but they can make your book stand out in a crowded market.
What are the common paperback paper?
We offer a wide selection of interior and cover papers to match your content, whether you’re printing a vibrant art book or a classic text-only novel.
Interior Paper Options
- Coated Paper (Gloss or Matte):
- 80 gsm / 54 lb
- 105 gsm / 71 lb
- 128 gsm / 86 lb
- 157 gsm / 106 lb
- 200 gsm / 135 lb
- Uncoated Offset Paper (Wood-Free):
- 80 gsm / 54 lb
- 100 gsm / 68 lb
- 120 gsm / 81 lb
- 140 gsm / 95 lb
Use cases:
- Coated papers are ideal for image-rich content like photo books, illustrated novels, children’s books, and technical guides.
- Uncoated papers are best for text-heavy books like novels, nonfiction, and manuals. They offer a clean, easy-to-read surface and are standard in trade publishing.
Cover Paper Options
- Gloss or Matte Coated Paper:
- 200 gsm / 74 lb
- 250 gsm / 92 lb
- 300 gsm / 111 lb
- 350 gsm / 129 lb
How should I prepare my design files?
Please submit your files as high-resolution PDFs (300 dpi), in CMYK color mode, with a 3 mm bleed and all fonts embedded. Our team is happy to assist if you need any help.
Do you offer file checking before production?
Yes. We provide a free manual document check to ensure everything is print-ready.
Can I request a proof?
Yes, both digital and physical proofs are available to help you review layout and materials before full production.
QinPrinting Reviews
We are so grateful and will definitely come back again for printing services!!
We are VERY grateful! Thank you
As a first-time children’s author, this whole process has been nothing short of hurdles. So, the stressors of having my book made overseas were valid. But Nelson always reassured me that everything was going to work out, and they would deliver quality books. Qin Printing did just that and more!!! Nelson patiently walked me through the entire process. He answered my endless questions with kindness. We had multiple Zoom meetings and sometimes at the last minute. Nelson followed up when my books were shipped to keep me updated on its arrival. Also, he followed up to make sure that I was satisfied with the quality of the books. I worked with Nelson from February until August because there were serious delays on my end with preparing my book to be printed. Once again, Nelson’s awesome personality was always encouraging, especially at times when I needed it the most.
When the books arrived, I couldn’t stop SMILING!! All of the hurdles were worth seeing something that I had been working on for 8 years. More importantly, the feedback that I have received from others about the quality of the books has been very comforting. I can confidently present my book When I Grow Up Adventures: Feelings Matter to others without pause. I’m so THANKFUL that I was able to do business with this company. Without hesitation, I will continue to do business with them.
As a finished artist with 30 years of experience I can comfortably recommend this company to you
Let's Talk
Have a paperback book ready to print? Whether you’re launching a new novel, publishing a custom workbook, or preparing marketing materials, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free quote and expert support from start to finish.
