What UK Writers Should Know About Book Printing Options
Printing a book can feel like the final big step after months or even years of writing. For writers in the UK, knowing your book printing options ahead of time gives you more control over how your project turns out. Whether you're publishing fiction, non-fiction, or a collection of poems, the way your book is printed can affect how it's received by your readers.
Deciding on format, paper, finish, and print style isn’t just about picking what looks good. It’s about making sure the finished book matches your goals. Some choices can make your book feel more formal or professional. Others suit a relaxed or creative tone. For writers new to print, the options can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve broken down the main choices to help UK-based authors feel more confident from the start.
The Different Types Of Book Printing
Before anything else, one of the first decisions to make is the format of your book. This choice shapes how your book looks, how it feels in someone’s hands, and how it's perceived by readers.
Hardback books give off a sturdy, well-made feel. They’re often chosen for memoirs, commemorative projects, or books where presentation plays a role in the experience. Hardbacks tend to hold up better over time, so they’re useful if you’re aiming for keepsakes or long-term use.
Paperback books, on the other hand, are lighter and more cost-effective. They’re easier for readers to carry and can feel more approachable. That makes them a smart choice for fiction, instructional content, and everyday reading. Though they're more flexible, they can still be finished to a high standard, so quality is never out of reach.
You’ll then want to decide on the size. Choosing between A4, A5 and a novel-size book depends mostly on your subject and audience. A5 is a compact and popular option, often used for poetry books, fiction, or compact guides. A4 offers more room, which is helpful if your book includes charts, large images, or is designed to be used as a workbook.
Another major factor is whether your book is printed in black and white or colour. Black and white printing is ideal for novels, essays, or any text-heavy project. It’s clean, straightforward, and often more budget-friendly. Colour printing steps things up visually — top choice for children’s books, manuals with diagrams, or cookbooks with photography. But it should have a clear purpose. Colour shouldn’t distract or feel out of place.
Here’s a quick recap to match format and style with purpose:
- Hardback: Great for long-lasting quality and formal tone
- Paperback: Lightweight, affordable, and easy to carry
- A5: Ideal for poetry, fiction, small journals
- A4: Best for workbooks, guides, or visual layouts
- Black and white: Works well for narrative-focused content
- Colour: Best for visual detail, charts, or illustrated work
Make sure your choice adds to the reading experience. The look and feel of your book should support the content, not go against it.
Selecting The Right Paper
Paper type is often overlooked but it can make a big difference. It affects how your book feels, how readable it is, and even how your visuals come across. There are two main paper types worth knowing for most UK printing jobs.
100gsm uncoated paper has a subtle texture and a natural look. It’s easy on the eyes and ideal for longer reads like memoirs, novels, or short story collections. The surface is non-glossy and accepts ink evenly, so it’s good for books designed to be written in. That includes journals, workbooks, or creative writing prompts.
150gsm silk paper is smoother and has a slight sheen. This type is often picked for books that rely on images, such as travel guides, art collections, or children’s books. It shows off colour and detail better than uncoated paper, which makes it a solid option for anything visual.
To help you decide, here’s a rough guide:
- Choose 100gsm uncoated if your book is:
- Focused on reading or storytelling
- Designed to be written in
- Meant to have a softer, relaxed feel
- Choose 150gsm silk if your book:
- Relies on full-colour illustrations or photos
- Needs sharp, clean detail in visual elements
- Benefits from a polished, sleek finish
Paper might seem like a small decision in the process. But it’s one of those details that readers notice, even if they don’t realise it. A book that’s a pleasure to hold and flip through keeps people reading longer.
Cover Lamination Options Explained
When someone picks up your book, the finish on the cover is one of the first things they notice. Choosing between matt and gloss lamination helps shape the first impression and also plays a role in protecting your book.
Matt lamination gives a smooth and understated look. It doesn’t reflect light, which is helpful if your book will be displayed under harsh lighting. Matt covers offer a more muted finish, which tends to feel more refined. This makes them popular for books with a sleek or serious tone, like literary fiction or non-fiction titles.
Gloss lamination, by contrast, adds shine and brightens up colours. It catches the eye and looks great for books with illustrated covers or playful design. Children’s books, photo collections, and any title with bold artwork often benefit from a gloss finish. It’s energetic and appealing — perfect when you want your visuals to pop off the shelf.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Think of lamination as the handshake before the conversation. It tells readers something about what’s inside before they even open the book.
To break it down simply:
- Use matt when you're aiming for elegance, minimalism, or a clean professional vibe
- Use gloss when your book is vibrant, rich in colour, or visually striking
The right finish makes your book feel complete and shows that you've paid attention to the details.
Practical Tips For UK Writers
Once you’ve made your format and design choices, there are a few practical steps that can make your printing process a lot smoother. These tips aren’t just for new writers — they apply to anyone working through print for the first time in a while.
1. Double-check file formatting: That means correct trim size, margins, and consistent breaks. Print doesn’t behave like a digital document, so lines and spacing need extra care.
2. Leave space for bleed and trim: Anything that runs to the edge of the page, like backgrounds or full-page images, needs bleed. This extra space ensures clean trimming.
3. Match your choices to your content: You don’t need colour printing if your book’s entirely text. Likewise, a guide full of diagrams needs the clarity that colour can offer.
4. Align your covers properly: Always make sure your spine width matches your page count and paper weight. A misaligned spine will throw off front and back cover positioning.
5. Order a proof copy: Even if everything looks perfect on-screen, a physical proof helps you catch things you’d easily miss otherwise. This step is a must before any large print run.
6. Avoid last-minute printing rushes: Build time into your plan for revisions, delivery, and possible tweaks. This gives you breathing space so you’re not making snap decisions under pressure.
Small steps like these can make a big difference in the result. Rushed printing jobs are often the ones that lead to disappointment. Taking time to get the basics right gives your book the finish it deserves.
Bringing Your Words Into Print With Confidence
Seeing your book in print should feel like a milestone, not a mountain. Once the writing is done, the rest might seem like the easy part — but choosing the right printing details makes a huge difference to how your book connects with readers.
Your choices in binding, size, paper, and cover finish aren’t about following rules. They’re about reflecting the story or message you’ve built. Everything involved in printing plays a part in how your words are received, from how long readers hold on to the book to how seriously the content is taken.
We know the process isn’t always clear. There are a lot of options and plenty of room for mistakes. But with a bit of guidance and thoughtful planning, it becomes easier to make smart decisions that suit you and your audience.
Whether you’re producing a run of five or five hundred, your book deserves to show up exactly how you imagined it. Plan ahead, review your choices carefully, and you’ll end up with something worth every page.
Completing the process of print your own book in the UK can offer a great sense of achievement. If you're looking to turn your manuscript into a lasting keepsake, explore the hardback options available at Spine Book Printing. Our high-quality prints can help bring your story to life, giving your work a polished finish that connects with readers. By choosing the right trim size, paper type, and cover finish, you ensure your book makes a strong and lasting impression.
