Discover the types of paper used in books
8 minutes
Would you know what types of paper are most used in books? In the Brazilian publishing market there are several types of paper available for printing and in today's article we will detail the most used papers, both in cover production how much in inside of books national authorities.
Before we start, there is a specific term in the publishing market that we use for the internal part of the book: we call it the core.
So, from here on, I will use the term core to designate the set of pages in the book, ok? So let's go.
Types of paper most used in the core of books
When you visit a bookstore, you will find almost all fiction and non-fiction books, almost always based on texts.
In the case of books based on plain text, that is, with little or no images, as our priority is the use of uncoated paper, also called offset.
This way we prevent it from reflecting light and disturbing reading.
White offset paper
We have always used white offset paper in the publishing market.
This paper is excellent value for money, which makes it ideal for those who want to print large volumes of books.
This paper also has some grammage alternatives, that is, the thickness of the sheet.
There are various weights, ranging from 63 to 120g, with 75 and 90g being the most used for books.
Cream or yellowish offset paper
The cream paper has the great advantage of not tiring your eyes after a long read, providing a comfortable reading experience, in addition to giving sophistication to the book.
The most used weights are 80g (soft) and 90g (bold).
Remember: the heavier the weight, the larger the spine, without having to increase the number of pages.
Coated paper
Coated papers are intended for sophisticated work. They have coating on both sides.
The most common coated paper is couché and its weight can range from 90 to 150g.
Specially developed to stand out when printing books that contain many images and require sophistication, high quality and color fidelity.
The genres that most use this paper are art, photography and children's books.
For text-only books, we should not use coated paper as long reading becomes uncomfortable. In this case, we chose the offset options.
Types of paper most used for book covers
Triplex card for paperback books
Triplex paperboard is a type of paper that is made from three layers of cellulose.
It is stiffer than coated paper even though it is the same weight.
One of its sides is smooth and its back is porous. This paper allows double-sided printing normally.
beyond the books, we also use it widely in the manufacture of cards, packaging, invitations, among other graphic products.
The most common weight of triplex cardboard for use in book covers is 250g, but in a few specific cases, some publishers use 300g.
Coated paper and board for hardcover books
In the case of hardcover books, we use the already mentioned coated paper as the paper that will receive the printing.
This coated paper is glued to a cardboard known as Paraná.
Paraná cardboard is a cardboard with a high weight and rigidity, made from pine wood and water, whose weight can vary from 277 to 1.000g.
Conclusion
There are several options for using paper in the production of a book. It all depends on your objective in the final result of the book object.
Some solutions, such as hardcovers, can make the work unnecessarily expensive.
If your name as an author is not yet established, I advise against using a hardcover initially, as the production cost is much higher and will not necessarily generate a sales volume that justifies such an investment.
The same goes for special papers that differ from the options discussed here. Any paper option other than these could make the cost of your book unfeasible.
So here's a suggestion: start with your feet on the ground and as sales consolidate, think about a luxury version. That's how publishers do it and it usually works!
How to Make a Paper Book
Creating a paper book may seem like a big challenge, but with good planning and the right materials, you can turn your ideas into a quality physical publication. So, let's take a look at the steps!
1. Content Planning
Before thinking about the physical format of the book, it is essential to define some important aspects. First of all, you should consider:
- The theme and target audience, as this will directly influence the approach of your book.
- The estimated number of pages, so you can predict costs and production time.
- The layout style, including margins, fonts and spacing, will ensure a fluid and pleasant reading experience.
2. Choosing the Type of Paper
The choice of paper is a fundamental factor, as it directly influences the reader's experience. Therefore, here are some common options:
- White Offset Paper: Ideal for technical and educational books and economical printing, especially if the aim is to produce a large print run.
- Cream Offset Paper: Excellent for prolonged reading, as it reduces eye strain. It is very common in novels and fiction books.
- Coated Paper: Mainly recommended for books with lots of images, such as photographic and children's books, as it guarantees high quality printing.
3. Book Format and Size
Another important aspect is the choice of format, as this influences both the production cost and the practicality of handling. The most commonly used sizes in Brazil are:
- 14x21cm: Standard for novels and non-fiction books, quite popular among readers.
- 16x23cm: Widely used for academic and technical books, as it offers more space for denser texts.
- 21x28cm: Larger format, ideal for illustrated books, children's books and catalogs, as it provides greater visibility for images.
4. Printing and Finishing
Once you have defined the format, the next step is to plan the printing and finishing, ensuring a high-quality final product. To do this, you should consider:
- Cover: It can be soft (flexible) or hard (more sophisticated and resistant), depending on the desired style.
- Finishing: Matte or glossy lamination, localized varnish and other details that enhance the book and make it more attractive.
- Binding type: Sewing, stapled or PUR glue, the latter being the best option to ensure greater durability.
5. Printing and Distribution
Finally, with the file ready and reviewed, it's time to think about printing and distribution. There are different alternatives, such as:
- Traditional graphics: Recommended for large print runs, as they offer a lower cost per unit.
- Print on Demand: Excellent for independent authors, as it allows you to print as needed, without needing stock.
- Distribution: It can be done through Amazon KDP, independent bookstores or directly by the author, ensuring greater control over sales.
In short, creating a paper book requires planning, technical knowledge and good material choices. However, don’t worry! I’m here to help you through this entire process.
Turn Your Manuscript into a Professional Book!
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