Softcover book printing

Softcover book printing at PrintItEasy starts from a single copy. A softcover is light, flexible and economical: the standard for novels, poetry, readers and any book you print in numbers. Softcover book printing keeps the price per copy low without compromising on quality. You choose the size, the binding and the paper, and we check your file before production.

What is a softcover suitable for?

Softcover books are ideal for novels, poetry collections, manuals, portfolios, study and workbooks, readers, children’s books and catalogues. Wherever reading comfort, lower weight and a sharp price matter, the softcover is the logical choice.

Options and specifications

• Sizes: several standard sizes, from pocket to A4.
• Interior: wood-free offset or coated paper, typically 80–170 gsm.
• Cover: sturdy board (240–300 gsm) with matt or gloss lamination.
• Binding: perfect (glued) or sewn binding, depending on extent and use.
• Finishing: various options for a polished, professional look.

Why print your softcover at Printiteasy

In-house production means control over quality and fixed delivery times. You order from a single copy, get automatic file checking and see your price straight away, with no waiting for quotes. Ideal for both a one-off edition and an ongoing print run.

Print a softcover in 3 steps

• Choose your specification. Decide on size, paper, cover finish and lamination.
• Supply your file. Upload a print-ready PDF with embedded fonts and, for the cover, the correct spine width.
• We print and deliver. Once your file is approved, your softcover arrives within 5 to 7 working days.

What makes a softcover different?

A softcover has a flexible cover of heavy card rather than rigid boards, usually bound with a perfect binding: the pages are glued into the spine and the cover wrapped around. It is lighter and cheaper than a hardcover, which is why it is the norm for novels, poetry collections and larger print runs.

For a book you want to sell at a friendly price, or produce in quantity, a softcover is almost always the practical choice. A matt or gloss lamination protects the cover and gives it a professional finish.

Paper and binding for softcover book printing

For the inside pages, choose cream novel paper of 80 to 90 gsm for a text-led book, or silk of 120 gsm or more for a book with photographs. The cover is printed on heavy card of 250 to 300 gsm, with matt or gloss lamination.

A perfect binding suits most softcovers. For a book that must lie completely flat, such as a workbook or manual, a wire-o binding is more comfortable. The spine width depends on the page count and paper, so the cover is set up once the interior is final.

Supplying your file

Supply the interior as a print-ready PDF with embedded fonts, and the cover as a separate file with the correct spine width and 3 mm bleed. Keep a generous inner margin. Not sure about your file, or unsure about the spine? We are happy to check it with you at no charge. For guidance, see our knowledge base.

For authors, students and businesses

A softcover suits a novel, a poetry collection, a thesis, a reader or a report. Because we print from a single copy, you can order a proof and check the result before ordering a run, and from a larger run the price per copy falls. To sell your softcover through bookshops, you will need an ISBN, see the International ISBN Agency.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference from a hardcover?
A softcover has a flexible, laminated board cover instead of a rigid hardboard case. Lighter and cheaper, while keeping a professional look.

Which binding should I choose?
Perfect binding suits most books; for thicker or heavily used editions, sewn binding is sturdier. While configuring you’ll see what fits your number of pages.

What’s the minimum number of copies I can order?
From a single copy up to large print runs, with a lower unit price the more you print.