Hard or soft? That is the question.

Hardcovers are considered to be more stylish and prestigious. They are more sturdy and look elegant on the bookshelf. However, remember that the type of binding is not the only constituent of good appearance. The artwork and the choice of materials are very important, too. We have printed a number of softcover books that looked like a piece of art and could make the highlight of any collection.

In this respect the hard-case binding fares better. Hardcovers do not tend to have dog ears, broken backs or creased pages. A hardcover provides robust protection of the book block, thanks to which the book looks great for years. This does not mean that a paperback will soon come apart, or that it will lose pages (as it did happen in the olden days). Books with paperboard covers are simply more prone to mechanical damage.

Things are quite simple here. Making softcovers is less complicated and uses smaller quantities of materials, so it is more affordable.

This depends on the reader’s preference. Softcovers are light and flexible, so the book is more convenient to carry in a handbag or backpack when you want to read it while commuting or relaxing on a beach. Paperbacks also weigh less, which can be important when travelling by plane. On the other hand, if you prefer reading at home, a hardback will not be a problem. Also, consider the opening angle. A hard case adds some weight to the book block, preventing involuntary closing of the book. However, there are more factors that affect the openability of a book. You can read about them here.

Time is often the key aspect when choosing the type of binding. Making hardcovers is more complicated and so it takes longer. If you are pushed for time, choose a softcover. But make an informed decision rather than letting a book launch date be the only decisive factor. Plan the printing a bit ahead. You will sleep better and if anything goes wrong on the way, there will be time for fixing.

If you find it too hard to choose, you can try to have the best of both worlds. Have a part of the print run using the softcover and the other part as a hardback. Let the reader decide which option fits them better and make the purchase in line with their preferences. Digital printing gives you this opportunity. 

Special editions become more and more popular. These books impress with their visual qualities, whether in terms of artwork, materials or enhancements used, and they are often sold in one-off customised cases. The books are usually hardbacks aimed at the fans of the series or the author, or simply intended for people who value beautiful editions. Sometimes each copy of the has its own individual number in the print run. In the age of bookstagram and BookTok these books become increasingly popular thanks to their aesthetic values, so vital in such social media communities. So, a part of your print run can be conventional and another one can be a special numbered edition.

We hear this question really often, but it’s a bit tricky to answer. Before you decide on the binding type, think about what matters for your target audience. A lightweight holiday romance novel simply begs for a softcover so that it can be comfortably read on the beach, whereas a hardcover is perfect for a sophisticated book of poems to read occasionally at home. All depends on the purpose and needs.