How to Print a Novel
Printing a novel with YourBookPress is a four-step process that takes most authors from manuscript to finished copies in under two weeks.
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1
Format your manuscript for print
Open your document in Word, Google Docs, InDesign, or Affinity Publisher and set the page size to your chosen trim (6" x 9" is the standard). Set inside margins (gutter) to at least 0.75" to account for the binding, outside margins to 0.5–0.6", and top/bottom margins to 0.6–0.8". Add headers with your title and author name, page numbers, and chapter breaks. Use a readable serif font like Garamond, Caslon, or Georgia at 10–12pt.
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2
Export as a print-ready PDF
Save/export at 300 DPI with fonts embedded and color mode set to CMYK. Include 0.125" bleed on all sides. Our upload system auto-checks for resolution, dimension, and color mode issues.
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3
Design your cover
Use our built-in cover designer or upload your own pre-designed cover. The tool calculates your spine width automatically based on your page count and paper type. Your cover wraps around the entire book — front, spine, and back — in a single file.
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4
Proof, approve, order
Review your digital proof, approve it, and your novel goes into production. Standard turnaround is 5–7 business days, then ground shipping adds 3–5 days. Free shipping on orders of 50+ copies.
How big is one print page compared to a novel page? A standard manuscript page (8.5" x 11", 12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced) holds roughly 250 words. A formatted novel page (6" x 9", 11pt, single-spaced with proper margins) holds roughly 250–300 words. So the ratio is approximately 1:1, but your exact count depends on trim size, font, and spacing.
Can you print a novel at home? Technically yes — with a home printer, paper trimmer, and a lot of patience. But the result will never match a professionally printed book. Home printers can't do professional binding, edge-to-edge bleed, or spine printing. If you want a book that looks like it came from a real publisher, send it to a book printer.
What Size Are Novels Printed In?
Choosing the right trim size matters — it affects how your novel feels in the reader's hands, how many pages it runs, and how it sits on a bookstore shelf.
| Size | Dimensions | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| US Trade | 6" x 9" | The standard — literary fiction, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy, memoir |
| Digest | 5.5" x 8.5" | Genre fiction, romance, mystery, mass-market style |
| A5 | 5.83" x 8.26" | International markets, UK/European publishing |
| 4.25" x 6.23" | Short novellas, compact editions | |
| Comic | 6.6" x 10.2" | Graphic novels, collected comic editions |
6" x 9" (US Trade) is the safe default for most novels. It's what readers expect, what bookstores stock, and what looks right on a shelf next to traditionally published titles. If you're unsure, go with 6" x 9".
What size paper are novels printed on? Novel pages are printed on large press sheets that are then cut and trimmed to your selected size. You don't need to worry about paper sheet sizes — just set your PDF to match your chosen trim and we handle the rest.
Novel Printing Paper Guide
The paper you choose defines how your novel feels to read and how long it lasts. Here's what works best:
70# Uncoated (Cream/Natural) — The Classic Novel Paper. The vast majority of printed novels use cream/natural uncoated paper. It's easy on the eyes for extended reading, has a warm natural tone that reduces glare, minimizes show-through, and feels like a “real book.” If you're printing a standard text novel, this is the correct choice.
80# Coated — Mixed Content Novels. If your novel includes interior illustrations, maps, chapter header art, or halftone images, 80# coated paper reproduces those visual elements with better fidelity than uncoated. Good for illustrated literary fiction, fantasy novels with maps, and nonfiction with embedded images.
100# Glossy — Graphic Novels Only. Heavyweight glossy paper is reserved for graphic novels, manga, and heavily illustrated books where image quality is the priority. Too heavy and too shiny for a standard text novel — but essential for sharp, vivid comic art.
Novel Printing Cost
How much does it cost to print a novel? Here's a rough guide for the most common configuration — a 250-page, 6" x 9" perfect bound novel with standard B&W on 70# uncoated paper:
| Quantity | Per copy | You save |
|---|---|---|
| 1 copy (proof) | ~$6–7 | — |
| 15 copies | ~$4.80–5.50 | ~25% |
| 50 copies | ~$4.00–4.50 | ~35% |
| 150 copies | ~$3.30–3.80 | ~47% |
| 500 copies | ~$2.80–3.20 | ~55% |
| 1,000 copies | ~$2.40–2.80 | ~60% |
Hardcover novel printing adds approximately 50–80% to the per-unit cost — a 250-page hardcover novel starts at ~$16–20 for a single copy and drops to ~$5–7 at 500 copies. Most authors print both: a hardcover for direct sales at a premium price ($24.99–29.99) and a paperback for Amazon and bookstore distribution ($14.99–17.99).
The calculator at the top of this page gives an exact, real-time quote for any configuration. Swap binding, paper, and quantity to see how each decision moves the price.
Graphic Novel Printing
Graphic novel printing has different requirements than standard novel printing — higher-quality paper, full-color interiors, and different trim sizes.
Graphic Novel Dimensions for Print
The standard graphic novel size is 6.6" x 10.2" — the traditional comic trim used for collected editions, trade paperbacks, and original graphic novels. Other popular formats:
- • 6" x 9" — manga-style graphic novels and smaller indie graphic novels
- • 8.5" x 11" — oversized graphic novels and art-forward editions that give panels maximum visual impact
- • 7" x 10" — mid-size format popular for independent and art-house graphic novels
How to Print a Graphic Novel
The process is similar to a standard novel with a few key differences:
- Export pages at 300 DPI in CMYK — critical for accurate color reproduction. RGB files will shift colors during printing.
- Use 80# coated or 100# glossy paper — uncoated paper absorbs ink and dulls color. Coated stock keeps lines sharp and colors vivid.
- Set bleed to 0.125" — graphic novels frequently use full-bleed art. Without proper bleed, you'll get white margins around art that should be edge-to-edge.
- Choose the right binding — perfect bound for trade paperback graphic novels, hardcover for premium editions, saddle stitch for single-issue comics.
Graphic Novel Printing Cost
How much does it cost to print a graphic novel? Graphic novels cost more than text novels because of full-color printing and heavier paper. Here's a rough guide for a 120-page, 6.6" x 10.2" perfect bound graphic novel with premium color on 80# coated paper:
| Quantity | Per copy |
|---|---|
| 1 copy (proof) | ~$14–18 |
| 25 copies | ~$10–13 |
| 100 copies | ~$7–9 |
| 500+ copies | ~$5–7 |
Print on demand graphic novel printing works well for testing the market before committing to a large run. Print 10–25 copies, sell through your website or at conventions, gauge demand, then scale up.
Large Print Novel Printing
Large print novels serve an essential need for readers with low vision, macular degeneration, and age-related visual changes. Large print novels for seniors are a growing market — and one that traditional publishers underserve for most titles.
What makes a novel “large print”:
- • Font size: 16–18pt (vs standard 10–12pt)
- • Wider margins for comfortable hand-holding
- • Generous line spacing (1.3–1.5x)
- • Trim size typically 6" x 9" or larger to accommodate the bigger text
How large print affects your page count: a 250-page novel at standard 11pt becomes approximately 375–500 pages in large print at 16pt. Plan for roughly 1.5–2x the pages. This increases per-unit cost proportionally, but large print editions often command a higher retail price ($18–22 vs $14–16 for standard).
Large print paperback novels are the most common format — readers prefer lightweight, easy-to-hold books. Perfect bound at 6" x 9" on 70# uncoated cream paper is the standard configuration. The cream/natural paper tone reduces glare, which is especially important for readers who struggle with contrast.
Novel Binding Options
Perfect Bound (Paperback) — Most Popular. Perfect binding is the standard for self-published novels and trade paperbacks. Flat spine, professional appearance, works at every page count from 64 to 800+. The spine is printable, which matters for bookstore shelf display. This is what most people mean when they say “print my novel.”
Hardcover — Premium Editions. Hardcover novel printing produces a book that matches Big Five first editions in quality and presentation. Rigid case binding, laminated cover, printable spine. Commands $8–12 higher retail price than paperback.
Which binding for which purpose:
- • Paperback for Amazon, IngramSpark, bookstore distribution, book fairs, and general sales
- • Hardcover for direct website sales, signed editions, gift copies, library submissions, and premium pricing
- • Both if you want to cover all channels and maximize revenue
Novel Printing for Different Purposes
Print on Demand Novel
Print on demand novel printing means ordering copies only when you need them — no upfront inventory, no warehouse, no unsold boxes. Order 1 copy or 10 copies at a time as sales come in. Our pricing supports this model with no minimums and no setup fees. Many self-published authors start with print on demand and switch to bulk ordering once they've validated demand.
Author Proof Copies
Print a single copy to review formatting, typography, cover design, and overall quality before committing to a larger order. Catch issues in a $7 proof, not in a $700 bulk run.
Book Launch & Signing Copies
Order 25–100 copies for your launch event, author signing, or book fair booth. Free shipping at 50+ copies means your event inventory arrives without inflating your costs.
Bookstore & Library Distribution
Print 100–500 copies for distribution to bookstores, library systems, and independent retailers. Our pricing at 500 copies makes wholesale distribution profitable even at standard 55% bookstore discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to print a novel?
A 250-page, 6x9 paperback novel with B&W interior starts at ~$6–7 per copy and drops to ~$2.50–3.00 at 1,000 copies. Use the calculator at the top for an exact quote.
What size are novels printed in?
6" x 9" (US Trade) is the industry standard. 5.5" x 8.5" (Digest) is common for genre fiction. See the full size guide above.
How much does it cost to print a graphic novel?
A 120-page full-color graphic novel on 80# coated starts at ~$14–18 per copy and drops to ~$5–7 at 500+. Use the calculator to configure your exact specs.
Can I print just one copy of my novel?
Yes. No minimums. Many authors start with a single proof copy to review, then reorder at volume once they're satisfied with the quality.
What paper is best for a novel?
70# uncoated cream/natural for text novels. 80# coated for novels with illustrations or maps. 100# glossy for graphic novels where image quality is the priority.
What are graphic novel dimensions for print?
6.6" x 10.2" (comic trim) for collected editions, 6" x 9" for manga-style, 8.5" x 11" for oversized. See the graphic novel section above for details.
What is large print novel printing?
16–18pt font for readers with low vision. Page count increases 1.5–2x vs standard. Typically 6" x 9" or larger on cream uncoated paper. A growing market that most publishers underserve.
How long does novel printing take?
5–7 business days standard production after proof approval, plus 3–5 days ground shipping. Rush production (2–3 days) available at checkout. Free shipping on 50+ copies.
Can I print a novel on demand?
Yes. Order as few as 1 copy at a time with no minimums, no setup fees, and no inventory commitment. Print on demand, then scale to bulk when you're ready.
