Understanding the best trim sizes for hardcover and paperback books
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) provides a variety of trim size options for both hardcover and paperback books. Choosing the right trim size is crucial as it affects the aesthetics, readability, and overall feel of your book. This guide will help you understand the available trim sizes and suggest which types of books each size works best with.
Trim sizes for paperback books
Amazon KDP offers a wide range of trim sizes for paperback books, allowing authors to select the most suitable dimensions for their content. Here are some of the most popular options:
5" x 8"
(12.7 x 20.32 cm)
This trim size is ideal for novels, novellas, and smaller non-fiction books. Its compact, portable nature makes it popular for genres like romance, mystery, and self-help.
5.25" x 8"
(13.34 x 20.32 cm)
Slightly larger than the 5" x 8" size, this option still maintains a compact feel. It is suitable for fiction and some non-fiction genres, offering a bit more room for text and images while remaining easy to handle.
5.5" x 8.5"
(13.97 x 21.59 cm)
This trim size is common for both fiction and non-fiction books. It provides more space for text, making it a great choice for genres like memoirs, historical fiction, and non-fiction works that require a bit more room for explanations and images.
6" x 9"
(15.24 x 22.86 cm)
One of the most popular sizes for both fiction and non-fiction. This trim size is widely used for novels, biographies, and self-help books. It offers ample space for text and images, making it a versatile option for many types of content.
Other available paperback trim sizes:
5.06" x 7.81"
(12.85 x 19.84 cm)
Novels, fiction, general reading books.
6.14" x 9.21"
(15.60 x 23.39 cm)
Trade paperbacks, fiction, memoirs, biographies.
6.69" x 9.61"
(16.99 x 24.41 cm)
Fiction, biographies, and general trade books.
7" x 10"
(17.78 x 25.40 cm)
Textbooks, non-fiction, art books.
7.44" x 9.69"
(18.90 x 24.61 cm)
Fiction, non-fiction, children’s books.
7.5" x 9.25"
(19.05 x 23.50 cm)
Children’s books, photography, art books.
8" x 10"
(20.32 x 25.40 cm)
Children’s books, cookbooks, photography.
8.25" x 6"
(20.96 x 15.24 cm)
Activity books, children’s books, workbooks.
8.25" x 8.25"
(20.96 x 20.96 cm)
Children’s books, picture books, art books.
8.27" x 11.69"
(21.01 x 29.69 cm)
Large format books, art, photography, textbooks.
8.5" x 8.5"
(21.59 x 21.59 cm)
Children’s books, picture books.
8.5" x 11"
(21.59 x 27.94 cm)
Textbooks, manuals, workbooks, reference books.
Trim sizes for hardcover books
Hardcover books often have a more limited range of sizes compared to paperbacks,
but they can still be adapted to suit various genres and content types.
Here are the most common hardcover trim sizes offered by Amazon KDP:
5.5" x 8.5"
(13.97 x 21.59 cm)
This size is great for fiction and non-fiction books, offering a balance of compactness and readability. It is suitable for novels, memoirs, and general non-fiction.
6" x 9"
(15.24 x 22.86 cm)
A popular choice for hardcover books, this trim size accommodates a wide range of genres, including novels, biographies, and self-help books. It provides ample space for text and images.
8.25" x 11"
(20.96 x 27.94 cm)
This larger trim size is ideal for coffee table books, art books, and other visually-driven content. It offers plenty of room for high-quality images and detailed visuals, making it perfect for showcasing artwork, photography, or elaborate designs.
Other available hardcover trim sizes:
6.14" x 9.21"
(15.60 x 23.39 cm)
Trade hardcovers, fiction, memoirs, biographies.
7" x 10"
(17.78 x 25.40 cm)
Textbooks, non-fiction, art books.
Choosing the right trim size
When selecting a trim size for your book, consider the following factors:
Genre – Different genres often have preferred trim sizes. For example, novels typically use smaller sizes like 5" x 8" or 6" x 9",
while textbooks and art books benefit from larger dimensions such as 7" x 10" or 8.25" x 11".
Content – Consider the amount of text and the inclusion of images or graphics.
More detailed content may require larger trim sizes to ensure readability and visual appeal.
Audience – Think about who will be reading your book. Children's books, for example,
often use larger trim sizes to accommodate illustrations and larger text.
Budget – Larger trim sizes generally result in higher printing costs. Balance the need for space with your budget constraints.
Conclusion
Selecting the right trim size for your book is essential for its success on Amazon KDP. By understanding the different sizes available and their best uses, you can make an informed decision that enhances your book's readability, visual appeal, and overall impact. Whether you are publishing a novel, a children's book, or a textbook, choosing the appropriate trim size will help your book stand out and attract more readers.
