Key insights

• 📘 Standard size for paperback books: five and a half by eight and a half inches
• 📏 Smaller size: five by eight inches, but not recommended for self-publishing
• 📐 Difference between two standard sizes: five and a half by eight and a half inches and six by nine inches
• 📖 Importance of text size in relation to book thickness and spine size
• 💲 Book size affects print cost and royalties
• 📈 Consider maximizing royalty potential while maintaining quality
• 📓 Two common sizes for journals or workbooks are 7.5 by 9.25 and 8 by 10
• 📝 Importance of easy opening and cracking of the spine for writing ease

Q&A

• How should authors determine the size of their book?

  The size of the book is ultimately up to the author, but factors like print cost and readability should be considered. A larger manuscript may benefit from a 6x9 size, while a shorter one could work well with a 5.5x8.5 trim size. Additionally, a free guide for starting a book is available in the description box.

• What factors should be considered when choosing the right journal size?

  Choosing the right journal involves considering size, spine, thickness, and number of pages. It's important for the journal to open up and the spine to crack easily for easy writing. Examples of journal sizes and finishes are also discussed.

• Can I change the finish of my book listing in KDP? What are the common sizes for journals or workbooks?

  You can change the finish of your book listing in KDP. Glossy finish is polished, while matte finish feels more luxurious and is less prone to fingerprints. When creating journals or workbooks, two common sizes are 7.5 by 9.25 and 8 by 10.

• How does book size affect print cost and royalties?

  The size and finish of your book can affect print cost, royalties, and quality. Consider maximizing royalty potential while maintaining quality. Additionally, different finishes (matte vs. glossy) have trade-offs in terms of durability and appearance.

• What is the difference between the two standard sizes of five and a half by eight and a half inches and six by nine inches?

  The difference between the two standard sizes is important when considering the impact on distribution options like expanded distribution programs and third party distributors like IngramSpark.

• What are the standard sizes for paperback books?

  The standard size for paperback books is five and a half by eight and a half inches. There's also a slightly smaller size at five by eight inches, but the most common size for full books is five and a half by eight and a half inches.

• 00:00 Understanding the trim sizes for self-published books is important for cover design and distribution. Research standard sizes on platforms like Amazon and consider the impact on distribution options like expanded distribution programs and third party distributors like IngramSpark.
• 01:32 The standard size for paperback books is five and a half by eight and a half inches. There's also a slightly smaller size at five by eight inches, but the most common size for full books is five and a half by eight and a half inches.
• 03:00 Consider the size and finish of your book to optimize print cost, royalties, and quality; matte finish can pick up oils and fingerprints while glossy finish may be more durable.
• 04:37 You can change the finish of your book listing in KDP; glossy finish is polished, while matte finish feels more luxurious and is less prone to fingerprints; when creating journals or workbooks, two common sizes are 7.5 by 9.25 and 8 by 10.
• 06:13 Choosing the right journal involves considering size, spine, thickness, and number of pages. It's important for the journal to open up and the spine to crack easily for easy writing.
• 07:43 The size of your book is up to you, but factors like print cost and readability should be considered. A larger manuscript may benefit from a 6x9 size, while a shorter one could work well with a 5.5x8.5 trim size.