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How to Publish a Hardback Book

Publishing a hardback book is nearly the same process as publishing a paperback book with one difference; the binding process. When you send your finished book files on to the printer for a hardback book you have to size your cover files, and possibly your book text differently. Another important difference that you will notice is your printing cost since hardback books are significantly more expensive to print as compared to paperback books, which is why they usually cost at least $5 to $10 more at the book store. Still, many readers are more reluctant to pass on a hardback book to friends and family (who will consume the book without having to buy it), which is why some publishers choose to go with the hardback option.

Instructions

    • 1

      Layout your manuscript into a PDF text file. Most hardback books are sized at 6 x 9 inches---this will be the size of your PDF pages.

    • 2

      Create your book cover (also called a dust jacket for your hardback book) as a TIF or PDF file laid out to include the spine, front and back cover, front and back flap, wrap-spacing, and a 1/8 bleed around the edges. So for example, if you're doing a 6 x 9 inch hardback book your total height will be 9 inches plus 1/8 bleed on the top and bottom for a total height of 9.25. The width will be the front and back cover, which totals 12 inches, plus the spine width (let's say it's .5 inches), four different wrap spaces at 1/4 inch each, which totals another 1 inch, and the back and front flap, which will be about 3.5 inches each. So the total width in this case will be 20.75 inches.

    • 3

      Send your finished book cover and text files to the printer (a PDF and TIF file). You will be sent a proof in about a week, which you need to approve and send back in order for the print order to proceed.

    • 4

      While waiting for books, get the word out about your hardback book. The most important element of "publishing" a book is to "publicize" it to as many people as possible. Send out a press release regarding the book. Send an email out to your newsletter list. Establish a website to promote your book. Send galleys (self-printed copies of the book) to book reviewers to see if you can get reviews before the book arrives in hand.

    • 5

      When your books arrive, send out initial orders that were made due to your promotional efforts, and send copies to distributors and wholesalers in an attempt to establish relationships. The wholesalers need to see the finished product before making a final decision on whether to distribute the title. Once you book is snapped up by a distributor, you have taken care of all of the main elements of publishing the book (producing the produce, getting the word out, and making it available to the public). Just continue promoting the hardback title wherever and whenever possible to build interest.

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Book Publishing

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