One of the most important decisions an author makes is choosing the right book format. Should it be softcover, hardcover, or board book? Each has unique strengths and is suited to different types of projects.
- Softcover (paperback): Affordable and lightweight, perfect for novels, guides, and workbooks. Best for projects where price sensitivity matters.
- Hardcover: Durable, premium, and long-lasting. Ideal for children’s books, cookbooks, or special editions that require strength and beauty.
- Board book: Thick, sturdy pages designed for toddlers. Board books withstand chewing, pulling, and repeated reading — making them popular for early learning titles.
Choosing the wrong format can hurt both sales and reader satisfaction. For example, a cookbook in paperback may fall apart in the kitchen, while a toddler’s storybook without board pages won’t survive daily use.
By matching format to function, authors can create books that truly serve their readers.