A guide to self-publishing hardcover books: design, printing, and distribution
In a digital world dominated by eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks, it's easy to overlook the enduring appeal of hardcover books. Yet, with over 650 million print copies sold annually in the U.S. alone — about 25% of which are hardcovers — this format clearly has a strong foothold. What makes hardcover books worth considering for self-publishers, and how can you successfully create your own? This guide will help you decide if a hardcover edition fits your goals and guide you through the process if you choose to go ahead.
Why self-publish a hardcover edition?
Despite the convenience of eBooks and the affordability of paperbacks, millions of readers still prize hardcovers for their quality, durability, and elegance.
Libraries, which spend over $2 billion on book acquisitions annually, particularly favor hardcovers for their resilience. the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and other similar organizations report that U.S. libraries collectively invest billions each year in collection development. This includes physical books, e-books, and other media formats, indicating a sustained commitment to diversifying and enriching their offerings despite the rise of digital resources. This large investment supports the idea that print materials remain essential to library collections, reinforcing the value placed on durable and high-quality books, like hardcovers, which are expected to last longer in circulation than paperbacks.
When you publish a hardcover, it's more than just a book; it's a statement of value, a showcase of quality, and an item many readers want to display proudly on their shelves. Hardcovers are not only popular but often more profitable, as they allow you to charge a premium without doubling production costs.
For authors looking to elevate their brand, hardcovers convey authority. A hardcover edition signals to readers, reviewers, and the market that this book is worth their attention. It's akin to a movie debuting in theaters before arriving on streaming — hardcovers generate buzz and appeal to readers who crave a tangible, collectible version of a book they love.
Is a hardcover right for your book?
Publishing a hardcover may not be ideal for every book or author, but here are a few scenarios where it could be the perfect fit:
- Genre suitability: Popular hardcover genres include cookbooks, memoirs, photography, art portfolios, and genres like fantasy and science fiction.
- Personal works: Family histories, memoirs, or local history books meant for a personal audience are excellent hardcover options, offering a lasting keepsake for friends, family, and community members.
- Established fanbase: If you have a loyal readership and want to offer a special edition, a hardcover can enhance your brand and provide your readers with a collectible.
- Artistic showcase: Visual works — photography, comics, or graphic novels — gain immense value in a hardcover format, allowing you to highlight your art with premium print quality.
How to self-publish a hardcover book: step-by-step
- Design your book: To make a hardcover edition stand out, collaborate with a professional designer for the interior layout and cover. But if you want to go it alone, we're always here to help and provide templates which will guide you on format, layout, and even details like ISBNs and barcodes in a wide range of free and subscription software.
- Choose a printer: You'll need to choose between print-on-demand (POD) and custom offset printing. POD services, such as Amazon's KDP and Ingram Spark, offer a straightforward approach but are limited in terms of size, paper quality, and customization. On the other hand, here at Qinprinting, as an offset printer we provide extensive design options, professional quality, and can be cost-effective when ordering in bulk.
- Review a proof: With a custom printer, you'll receive a proof or sample to ensure everything aligns with your vision. This step is crucial to catch errors and verify that the final product meets your quality standards.
- Distribution: Once printed, you can distribute your hardcover through retailers or directly via an email list. Some printers even offer warehousing and distribution services, shipping books to retailers or customers as needed. If that's an option that might interest you, talk to us as we can probably help.
Pros and cons of hardcover printing options
- Ingram Spark: Ingram Spark's POD option provides convenient distribution and print quality, but it's largely automated, with limited customization.
- Amazon's hardcover service: Amazon integrates hardcover printing with its established eBook and paperback services but lacks customization and isn't yet widely available.
- Custom offset printing: Custom offset printers offer personalized service, a vast range of options, and superior quality. If you're ready to invest, they provide the most professional results, making your book a true collector's item.
Why invest in custom printing?
Custom printing services provide more than just a product; they offer an experience and level of expertise that automated POD services currently can't match. With options like foil stamping, embossing, and premium paper, custom printing turns your book into an exceptional physical product that stands out on the shelf. And for authors concerned with sustainability, many offset printers use eco-friendly practices, such as FSC-certified paper and soy-based inks.
If you're serious about offering a hardcover, consider custom offset printing. It delivers not only on quality and customization but also on the ability to order in bulk, maximizing profit margins and giving you full control over your product.
Is hardcover publishing right for you?
Whether you're looking to make a profit, create a family heirloom, or cater to a dedicated fanbase, a hardcover edition could be the next step in your self-publishing journey. For authors building a long-term career, a well-made hardcover shows readers that you're committed to delivering a high-quality, lasting product that they can treasure.
Talk to us! We're here to help
Whatever your hardcover book project, it's never too soon to talk to us about your needs. With decades of experience in the industry, one of our expert team will be happy to help and guide you as you prepare your files for printing and we have all kinds of useful resources — such as templates, video guides, and an expert live team — to make your life even easier. Get in touch today for a no-obligation quote or to talk through what you have in mind.
Shoot us an email to [email protected] or call us at +1 951 866 3971 and we'll be delighted to discuss your needs.
