A Complete Guide for Authors

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your work in print. Whether it’s a novel, a memoir, a how-to guide, or a poetry collection, seeing your words professionally bound and beautifully presented is a dream come true for any author. But behind that polished final product lies a series of decisions, each of which can have a significant impact on how your book looks, feels, and is received by readers. One of the most important of these decisions is your book’s trim size.

What Is Trim Size and Why Does It Matter?

Trim size refers to the dimensions of your book — the width and height of each page once the book is printed and bound. For example, a popular trim size for novels is 5.5” x 8.5”, while a coffee table art book might be closer to 10” x 10”. The trim size you choose will affect not only the appearance of your book but also its readability, production cost, and how it’s perceived by booksellers and readers.

Choosing the right trim size can be an overwhelming decision, especially for first-time authors. However, understanding your genre, audience expectations, and the practicalities of print production can help guide you to the right choice. Let’s dive into the factors you should consider when choosing a trim size for your book.

1. Genre Expectations

One of the simplest ways to narrow down your trim size options is to consider your book’s genre. Certain genres tend to be associated with specific trim sizes, and readers often expect books in those genres to conform to these standards. Here are some popular book sizes by genre:

• Fiction (Novels): Most novels, particularly in genres like romance, science fiction, and literary fiction, are typically printed in a standard trade paperback size, often 5” x 8” or 5.5” x 8.5”. These dimensions create a compact, portable book that is comfortable to hold and read.
• Non-Fiction: Non-fiction books, especially those with complex layouts (like cookbooks, self-help books, or business guides), are often printed in larger sizes, such as 6” x 9” or even 7” x 10”. This gives more room for images, charts, or sidebars and makes the text easier to read.
• Memoir and Biography: Memoirs and biographies tend to be in the 5.5” x 8.5” or 6” x 9” range, striking a balance between portability and readability.
• Children’s Books: Picture books for young children are typically square, such as 8” x 8” or 10” x 10”, which provides ample space for illustrations. Early reader chapter books might be closer to 5” x 8”, making them easy for young hands to hold.
• Poetry Collections: Poetry books often use smaller trim sizes, around 5” x 8”, to give the book an intimate feel. This size also allows for creative formatting, with ample white space around each poem.

Choosing a trim size that aligns with your genre helps set reader expectations and gives your book a professional, polished look.

2. Production and Printing Costs

Trim size isn’t just an aesthetic choice — it also has a significant impact on production costs. Smaller books require fewer pages to reach a certain word count, which can lower printing costs. For example, a 50,000-word manuscript formatted in a 5” x 8” trim size will take up more pages than the same manuscript formatted at 6” x 9”, potentially increasing your printing expenses.

When choosing your trim size, it’s important to work with your publisher or printing service to understand how your choice will affect the bottom line. Keep in mind that:

• Larger books cost more to print and ship due to their increased paper usage and weight.
• Digital printing vs. offset printing: Different printing methods may have varying cost structures depending on the trim size, so it’s worth discussing with your printer.

If you’re planning to sell your book at a specific price point, consider how trim size will affect your costs and whether that price point will still be profitable.

3. Readability and Layout

The trim size of your book directly influences the layout of the text on each page. Factors like font size, line spacing, and margin width are all affected by trim size, and choosing the wrong size can make your book difficult to read or visually unappealing. Here are a few considerations:

• Font size and spacing: A smaller trim size, such as 5” x 8”, may require smaller font sizes to fit a certain number of words per page, which could strain readers’ eyes, especially for non-fiction works that tend to have denser information. On the other hand, larger trim sizes offer more flexibility to use larger fonts and generous spacing, improving readability.
• White space and margins: Generous margins and white space make a book feel less crowded and easier to read, but they also take up page real estate. This can be especially important for genres that rely on white space, like poetry or art books.
• Page count considerations: Choosing a smaller trim size may result in more pages, which can increase printing costs but also make the book feel more substantial. Conversely, a larger trim size may decrease the page count but could lead to awkwardly wide lines of text that are harder for readers to follow.

Balancing these factors will help ensure that your book is a pleasure to read and looks visually appealing on every page.

4. Distribution and Retail Considerations

If you’re planning to distribute your book widely, it’s worth noting that some retailers and distributors may have preferences or restrictions related to trim size. For example:

• Bookshelf space: Bookstores generally prefer standard trim sizes, as they fit more predictably on shelves. Non-standard trim sizes can make shelving awkward and might limit your book’s chances of being displayed face-out.
• Print-on-demand platforms: Some self-publishing and print-on-demand (POD) platforms only offer certain trim sizes. For instance, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has a specific list of supported trim sizes, so if you have a unique size in mind, it’s essential to check that your chosen platform can accommodate it.
• International markets: Trim sizes can vary by region. In the U.S., 5.5” x 8.5” and 6” x 9” are common for trade paperbacks, but in the U.K. and Europe, A-format (4.33” x 7.01”) and B-format (5.06” x 7.81”) paperbacks are more popular. If you’re targeting a global audience, consider regional preferences.

5. Visual Appeal and Branding

Your book’s trim size can also influence its overall aesthetic and branding. For example, a large-format coffee table book will make a completely different impression than a compact paperback, even if the content is similar. Think about how you want readers to perceive your book and how trim size can contribute to that perception:

• Premium or special editions: Larger sizes can lend a sense of prestige or luxury, which is ideal for art books, photography collections, or premium editions of novels.
• Portability: Smaller books are easier to carry, which may appeal to readers of certain genres. For instance, romance novels are often printed in compact sizes, making them easy to slip into a purse or backpack.
• Genre-specific aesthetics: Certain genres have established visual conventions. A self-help book, for example, often has a larger, more imposing trim size, creating a sense of authority. Meanwhile, a poetry chapbook might opt for a smaller, more personal size.

Consulting with a Publishing Specialist

If you’re still unsure about which trim size to choose, consulting with a publishing specialist can be invaluable. An experienced publishing professional can offer guidance based on industry standards, production costs, and design considerations specific to your genre and target audience.

Publishing specialists can also help you visualize how your manuscript will look in various trim sizes, giving you a clearer sense of how the final product will feel in your readers’ hands. At BookBaby, our knowledgeable Publishing Specialists are here to assist you with all aspects of your book design and formatting, including selecting the ideal trim size.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Book Stand Out

Selecting the right trim size for your book is an essential step in creating a professional, appealing product. It’s not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a strategic decision that affects everything from production costs to reader experience. By understanding your genre’s standards, evaluating practical considerations, and seeking guidance from publishing professionals, you can ensure that your book is not only beautiful but also functional, marketable, and memorable.

At BookBaby, we’re here to help you through every stage of the publishing process. From choosing the perfect trim size to designing a custom cover, our team is dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Contact us today to speak with a Publishing Specialist, explore our free resources, or get pricing information. With BookBaby, you can publish your book with confidence, knowing you have industry experts by your side.