Hardcover book printing
Hardcover books for original works, collections, and gift editions. Choose the format, paper, page count, and cover specification, then check pricing and production options in our online calculator.
A hardcover book is a great choice for content you want to present with sturdy covers and carefully specified finishes. DTS’s calculator includes thread-sewn hardcover binding, a range of formats, and separate options for the interior, cover, and endpapers. Choose full-colour or black-and-white printing, matt or gloss cover lamination, and a flat or rounded spine. You can also add a bookmark ribbon and choose the headband colour. Create a book for an original work, collection, presentation, or gift edition. Set the quantity and page count, review all your selections, and calculate the price for your entire order. Before preparing the cover, make sure its format matches the interior’s page count and paper.
Configure and order your printed book
Once you’ve configured your product in the calculator, add it to your cart. The quantity is carried over as one set. Shipping and VAT are calculated at checkout. We review every order before production and will contact you if anything needs clarifying.
Format, paper and printing for the book interior
Choose a book format to suit its content. Portrait A4 and A5 formats are available, along with landscape A5 and several square sizes. In the calculator, set the page count, paper type, and grammage. Available options depend on the selected format. For the interior, you can choose full-colour or black-and-white double-sided printing. If your book combines photographs, illustrations, and text, check how the different content types will fit before settling on a format. For books with multiple designs or versions, clearly specify what changes between copies. The total quantity in the calculator means the number of finished books in the selected configuration.
Hardcover, spine and endpapers
The available production option is thread-sewn hardcover binding. The calculator specifies coated paper laminated onto 2 mm board for the cover. Choose full-colour or black-and-white single-sided printing, and matt or gloss lamination. The spine can be flat or rounded, as selected in the configuration. Endpaper printing is a separate option; you can also choose unprinted endpapers. Specify these details before preparing the cover. Its overall dimensions depend on the selected format, page count, and binding, so don’t reuse a cover template from another book without checking it first.
Ribbons and other book finishing details
The headband and the bookmark ribbon are separate options. For the headband, the calculator offers white, black, blue, red, and brown. You can omit the bookmark ribbon or choose one of these colours. Match the colours to the cover and the purpose of the publication. Before adding the book to your cart, check the format, page count, interior material, cover printing, endpapers, spine, and both ribbons. The specifications should match the prepared artwork. If you’re also considering a softer cover, see our perfect-bound brochures; wire-o binding is also available for workbooks and manuals.
Frequently asked questions
Is the hardcover book also thread-sewn?
Yes. In this calculator, the binding option is listed as Hardcover, thread-sewn. You can then choose a flat or rounded spine. When preparing the cover, use the exact selected specification and the book’s final page count.
Can I choose a black-and-white interior with a full-colour cover?
Yes. Specify the interior and cover printing separately. For the interior, you can choose full-colour or black-and-white double-sided printing; for the cover, full-colour or black-and-white single-sided printing. Endpapers have an additional, separate printing option.
What’s the difference between a headband and a bookmark ribbon?
The headband is the finishing detail at the spine of the book block, while readers use the bookmark ribbon to mark their place in the book. The calculator lists them as separate options. Colours are listed for both, and you can also select None for the bookmark ribbon.
Can I order a book with a rounded spine?
Yes. Under Hardcover, thread-sewn, select Rounded spine. A flat spine is also available. This choice is part of the specifications and affects the cover setup, so select it before preparing the final artwork.
What do I need to specify before preparing a book cover?
Choose the format, page count, interior paper, and spine type. Then set the cover dimensions to suit the selected hardcover binding. The calculator also lists the cover material and board, but the format details alone are not a complete cover layout template.
Related print products
Also compare our perfect-bound brochures and wire-o-bound booklets. For your book launch, you can order invitations too.
Perfect-bound brochures
A4 and A5 letterheads featuring your branding. Choose the paper, printing, hole punching, and quantity, then order business letterheads with DTS’s online calculator.
Wire-o-bound booklets
Order printed envelopes for business mail, invitations, and greeting cards. Choose the style, size, printing, and personalisation, then check the price with DTS.
Book launch invitations
Print leaflets with your choice of format, paper, quantity, and designs. Compare single- or double-sided printing, calculate the price as you go, and order from DTS.