Hardcover books are made with a similar process to paperbacks. However, they use a different paper that is thicker and has a premium look.
They also come with a book cover typically wrapped in cloth or paper, sometimes with a gilded foil. It is a great way to add extra appeal to your book and stand out from its peers in your genre.
Cover
The first step in making a hardcover book is to design the cover. It involves choosing a color and design for the book’s front and back covers. The cover can be created in various ways, including using different paper stocks and coatings and applying an embossed effect.
After the design is finalized, the book’s cover is sent to print at a printing facility. Once the cover is printed, it will be laminated for extra durability.
While making a hardcover book takes a lot of work, they can be a good choice for those who want a high-quality look. They can be more expensive than paperbacks, but they are also more durable and easier to display on shelves.
Hardcovers have a thick cardboard cover usually covered by a cloth or heavy paper. In addition, they often have a dust jacket, which is also folded over the cover and usually contains the book’s title, the author’s name, and a blurb about the content.
During the printing process, the hardcover will be laminated with a layer of transparent film to protect it from wear and tear. It can be done with UV-resistant inks or a special gloss coating.
The book is then ready for a binding technique known as Smyth-sewn binding to bind a hardcover book. This binding has thread stitches in each signature’s centerfold that bind the text pages to the hardcover or soft cover. Smyth-sewn books are the most durable and highest-quality type of bookbinding.
Next, the cover stock is selected, and the book blocks are assembled. The books are then cut at the spine and bound to a printed and laminated cover stock with EVA glue or, for a more robust binding, PUR glue. The books are then packaged and shipped to the customer.
Bookblock
A book is made as two separate parts: the interior called a book block (or text block), and the cover. These are joined together by the binding. It is done using a gluing method called hardcover binding or casebound binding.
A book block is the text block of a hardcover book or journal. These can be produced in a variety of ways. Some are pasted to a cover, while others are bound by gluing endpapers and flyleaves to the cover board.
The first step is to create a book block and square it up with a ream cutter or guillotine, then weigh it to ensure it won’t shift or move around when you add the spine. It’s also a good idea to clamp the text block or use clothespins if you’re going to sew the signatures together.
After the spine is glued and the text block is squared up, it’s time to get started on the covers. It is a quick and straightforward process but requires attention to detail.
It is where the head and tail bands come in handy: they help to strengthen the spine and give a decorative edge to the book block. They come in a variety of colors and weaves.
In addition to the head and tail band, the spine of a Bookblock is covered in a gauze that’s reinforced by glue. It is a widespread technique, especially for larger, heavier books.
Usually, the gauze is applied to the front and back cover for “library bindings” or for adding reinforcement to the first and last signatures. It is a much stronger method than gluing the spine to the cover itself.
It is also good to wrap gauze over the top and bottom of the spine. This extra gauze makes the book sturdy and withstand more wear and tear.
Now that the book block and the cover are firmly attached, it’s time to add the final details to make your book an accurate one-of-a-kind.
Case
A case is a box or container to keep something safe and secure. A case is usually small and designed specifically for the thing being stored in it. Real-life examples include a knife case or eyeglasses case.
Hardcover books are made with a unique binding process that makes the book sturdier and more expensive than paperbacks. The process involves thermoforming, which uses heat or pressure to form plastic sheets into three-dimensional objects.
The process can be much more labor-intensive than paper printing, so the price tag will be much higher for hardcover books. But it’s also more durable and a good option for those who want a high-quality product that will stand the test of time.
Some people prefer to buy hardcovers because they feel more substantial and more legit. They’re also easier to take with you on the go. For this reason, they can be an excellent choice for avid readers who like carrying their favorite books around.
While hardcovers are a bit more expensive, many authors sell them at a higher price than paperbacks because it helps them attract clients and fans interested in the content. In addition, it can help you get the word out about your new book and make it more profitable in the long run.
Another reason to consider selling your book in hardcover is that it can be an excellent way to stand out amongst other books on the shelves. It’s also a great way to increase the value of your books, which is essential for attracting collectors and investors.
Finally, hardcovers are often more expensive than paperbacks because they use premium paper resistant to damage. In addition, they’re usually printed on acid-free paper, which prevents them from becoming brittle and cracking over time.
If you’re looking for a strategy to make your hardcover book more unique and appealing, try a jacketed case laminate. This option allows you to print whatever artwork you want on the cover underneath, giving your book a truly premium look.
Casing-in
A well-designed casing can do wonders for the text-laden interior in the bookbinding business. The best way to slap one on is to use a reputable bindery. The trick is finding the right one to match your project’s requirements. Aside from the obvious choices, you’ll also want to consider your budget. As with any significant home improvement, the more you know your stuff, the better off you’ll be. A bindery specializing in your project type can help the process go much more smoothly and quickly. The results are a book to be proud of, and you’ll enjoy it long after the last page is turned. Getting the right bindery for your project can be like shopping for a new pair of shoes.
