Paperback vs Hardcover
You can create print-on-demand books in paperback and hardcover format (specifications subject to availability). Choose the bookbinding option that best suits your book's content and target audience. You could even print both formats to suit different reader preferences and distribution needs.
| Paperback | Hardcover | |
| Description | Pages are bound to the spine using adhesive and attached to a flexible, slightly thicker paper cover. Also known as a softcover, perfect binding creates a rectangular spine. | Pages are bound to a spine with adhesive and encased in durable, rigid cardboard covers, typically wrapped in printed paper. |
| Pros |
▪ Cost-effective to produce and sell ▪ Compact, lightweight and portable with some flexibility ▪ Fast turnaround times ▪ Low shipping costs |
▪ High durability ▪ High aesthetic appeal ▪ High-perceived value ▪ Higher profit margin potential |
| Cons |
▪ Lower durability ▪ Susceptible to damage over time ▪ Lower profit margin |
▪ Higher production costs due to material and labor expenses ▪ Longer turnaround times ▪ Higher shipping costs |
| When to use | Ideal for everyday reading and mass-market distribution. | Ideal for keepsakes, special editions or gifts. |
Reading Book vs Photo-Quality Book Printing
| Reading Book | Photo-Quality Book | |
| Description | For text-based publications containing few or no graphics. | For detailed, image-heavy content like photographs and graphics that require rich, vibrant colors. |
| Pros |
▪ Cost-efficient due to low material and setup costs ▪ Multiple paper options for optimal readability ▪ Suitable for some graphic work like grayscale illustrations and simple line drawings |
▪ Produces vivid printed colors ▪ Wide range of print specifications ▪ Versatile for a variety of print projects |
| Cons |
▪ Unsuitable for colorful, image-heavy work due to low color fidelity ▪ Unsuitable for work with high ink coverage due to potential ink transfer ▪ Smaller range of print options |
▪ Unsuitable for text-heavy projects ▪ Coated paper may cause glare, making text harder to read ▪ Requires heavier-weight papers for optimal photo quality |
What can I print?
The appeal of print on demand for many is the creative freedom it offers. You can print the following items on demand:
Go to the Self-Publishing page if you don’t see a ‘Print On Demand’ box on a product page under the Instant Quote Calculator to print an item listed above.
Now that you understand the factors to consider when printing on demand, you're ready to discover how to start earning from your prints by Getting Paid with Stripe.
