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
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 |
Paperback Binding Styles
Paperback books—also known as softcover books—come in several popular binding styles, each offering different benefits depending on your book’s purpose, length, and design.
A popular and cost-effective option, perfect for fiction, comics, catalogs, and more. It features a clean, flat spine and is ideal for books with 32–800 pages.
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
What is paperback or softcover book printing?
Paperback book printing, also known as softcover printing, refers to producing books with a flexible, paper-based cover rather than a hard, rigid one. The cover is usually made of thicker cardstock and can be finished with matte or gloss lamination for durability and a professional look.
Inside, the pages are typically printed on coated or uncoated text paper and bound using one of several binding methods—most commonly perfect binding (where the pages are glued to the spine) or saddle stitching (where pages are stapled through the fold).
Softcover books are lightweight, affordable, and versatile, making them ideal for novels, graphic novels, coloring books, manuals, workbooks, catalogs, and more.
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.
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.
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.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Our minimum order is 100 copies.
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.
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.
QinPrinting Reviews
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.
Mary Egbert
Author of Let's Dye Yarn and Fiber.
Camaj Fiber Arts
Camaj School of Fiber Arts
Most of all, we are so grateful for Nelson’s support throughout the entire process. He was consistently helpful, communicative, and detail-oriented — truly a pleasure to work with. Every step was made easier thanks to his guidance and care. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Highly recommend both the product and working with Nelson. We’ll definitely be back for future projects.
A special thanks to Nelson, who went above and beyond by sending us videos of the printed books and samples before shipping to ensure everything was perfect. His attention to detail and dedication gave us great peace of mind.
We had a children’s book printed and the final product was absolutely beautiful. The print quality, vibrant colors, sturdy binding, and professional packaging exceeded our expectations. Delivery was timely and the pricing was very competitive, especially for the high level of quality and service we received.
We were so impressed that we didn’t hesitate to place a second order with them and once again, everything was flawless.
If you're looking for a reliable, high quality, and customer focused printing company, QinPrinting is the one to go with. Highly recommended!
The product itself is so well made in terms of quality — Every detail was exactly as promised, if not better.
What really stood out to me, though, was the follow-up. Even after the purchase and delivery Nelson checked in to ensure everything was running smoothly and that I was satisfied. That level of care and commitment to customer experience is rare and truly appreciated.
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.
