DZ-Jay's Random Blog

Which paper size is that, US Letter or something smaller suitable for books?

7"x10", which is a standard hard-cover size. However, I'll probably scale it to print it on US Letter at the local office shop, at least for this run.

 

-dZ.

I wrote a couple of "novels" that are about 20,000 words. I made the paper size the same as those "Goosebumps" books and my page total for both are 112.

I wrote a couple of "novels" that are about 20,000 words. I made the paper size the same as those "Goosebumps" books and my page total for both are 112.

 

I plan on getting my book published and I was avoiding the typical 5 x 9 paperback size. I chose 7 x 10 because it felt like a nice, sturdy size for a hardcover, like my copy of The Hobbit.

 

I also chose a font that seems to be quite compact (Bakersville), yet easy to read (at least to me). If I change it to a smaller format like 5 x 9 and choose a less compact font (Palatino), it takes about 125 pages.

 

In the smaller format, it just looks to me like there is not enough text on each page, and the letters are too big. *shrug*

 

@atari2600land, did you ever get your novels published?

 

-dZ.

I noticed that Oscar's book about IntyBASIC is 6 x 9, which perhaps was chosen because it is close to the dimensions of an Intellivision game box, which I believe is 6 x 8? Odd formats though, you are probably better off getting it published in a commonly available paper size.

I noticed that Oscar's book about IntyBASIC is 6 x 9, which perhaps was chosen because it is close to the dimensions of an Intellivision game box, which I believe is 6 x 8? Odd formats though, you are probably better off getting it published in a commonly available paper size.

 

Oscar's book is in one of the cheapest formats for on-demand printing.

 

If I self-publish, it won't be through on-demand printing, which limits the options; it'll be via an actual book printer (I've used DiggyPod before). 7 x 10 is a standard book size for larger hard-cover books, but it's more expensive. 6 x 9 and 5 x 9 are common "pulp" or "trade" sizes, which are paperbacks and such.

 

In any case, I have the same manuscript re-formatted in various sizes as well, including a completely plain one for submissions: single-sided, double-spaced, plain typewriter fonts, etc. That's the beauty of using a modern word processor.

 

I intend to find a good publisher, but failing that, my plan is to invest in self-printing, on high quality stock, with full-colour illustrations on glossy stock, and good and expensive binding. I think this story deserves more than just a paperback on pulp.

 

Because it'll contain full-color illustrations, I chose the larger 7 x 10 format.

 

https://www.thebookdesigner.com/2010/09/self-publishing-basics-how-to-pick-the-size-of-your-book/

 

-dZ.

If nothing else, I'll print just 50 copies on the fancy format and send most of them to my family and friends.

 

-dZ.