When self-publishing or working with a publisher, one crucial aspect to consider is the trim size of your book. The trim size is the final size of the book once it has been printed and bound, and it varies by country and region. Knowing the common trim sizes for your target market can help you design a cover that looks professional and appeals to your audience. Here’s a breakdown of the typical book cover trim sizes in the US, the UK, China, Australia, South Africa, and other English-speaking countries.
United States
In the US, the publishing industry offers a variety of standard trim sizes, with different genres often favouring specific dimensions:
– Mass Market Paperback:4.25” x 6.87”
– Trade Paperback:5.5” x 8.5” and 6” x 9”
– Hardcover:6” x 9” and 6.14” x 9.21”
– Non-Fiction: 7” x 10” and 8.5” x 11”
– Novels:5” x 8”, 5.25” x 8”, and 5.5” x 8.5”
United Kingdom
The UK follows similar standards to the US but with some variations that are specific to the market:
– A Format (Mass Market Paperback):110 mm x 178 mm (4.33” x 7.01”)
– B Format (Trade Paperback): 129 mm x 198 mm (5.07” x 7.8”)
– C Format (Larger Trade Paperback):135 mm x 216 mm (5.31” x 8.5”)
– Hardcover: 156 mm x 234 mm (6.14” x 9.21”)
– Non-Fiction: 170 mm x 240 mm (6.69” x 9.45”)
China
China’s book publishing industry has its own set of standard sizes, often influenced by international formats:
– Small Format: 135 mm x 210 mm (5.31” x 8.27”)
– Medium Format: 148 mm x 210 mm (5.83” x 8.27”)
– Large Format: 210 mm x 285 mm (8.27” x 11.22”)
Australia
Australia’s publishing industry closely aligns with both UK and US standards, reflecting its English-speaking market:
– Mass Market Paperback: 110 mm x 178 mm (4.33” x 7.01”)
– Trade Paperback: 129 mm x 198 mm (5.07” x 7.8”) and 135 mm x 216 mm (5.31” x 8.5”)
– Hardcover: 156 mm x 234 mm (6.14” x 9.21”)
– Non-Fiction: 170 mm x 240 mm (6.69” x 9.45”)
South Africa
South African publishing also aligns with international standards, particularly those of the UK and the US:
– Mass Market Paperback: 110 mm x 178 mm (4.33” x 7.01”)
– Trade Paperback: 129 mm x 198 mm (5.07” x 7.8”) and 135 mm x 216 mm (5.31” x 8.5”)
– Hardcover: 156 mm x 234 mm (6.14” x 9.21”)
– Non-Fiction: 170 mm x 240 mm (6.69” x 9.45”)
Other English-Speaking Countries
Other English-speaking countries often adopt a mix of US, UK, and their own local standards:
– Canada: Generally follows US standards, with trade paperbacks commonly at 5.5” x 8.5” and 6” x 9”.
– New Zealand: Similar to Australia, with trade paperbacks at 129 mm x 198 mm and 135 mm x 216 mm.
– India: Often uses UK standards, with B format trade paperbacks at 129 mm x 198 mm.
Amazon KDP Trim Sizes
5″ x 8″ (12.7 x 20.32 cm)
– Commonly used for: Mass market paperbacks, fiction, romance, thrillers, and smaller non-fiction books.
5.25″ x 8″ (13.34 x 20.32 cm)
– Commonly used for: Fiction, memoirs, and general non-fiction. Slightly larger than the mass market paperback, offering a bit more room for text.
5.5″ x 8.5″ (13.97 x 21.59 cm)
– Commonly used for: Trade paperbacks, literary fiction, memoirs, and general non-fiction. This size is popular for a wide range of genres.
6″ x 9″ (15.24 x 22.86 cm)
– Commonly used for: Trade paperbacks, non-fiction, self-help, textbooks, novels, and general fiction. It’s one of the most popular sizes due to its versatility and readability.
6.14″ x 9.21″ (15.6 x 23.39 cm)
– Commonly used for: Trade paperbacks, novels, and non-fiction. Slightly larger than 6″ x 9″, it offers a bit more space for text and images.
6.69″ x 9.61″ (17.0 x 24.4 cm)
– Commonly used for: Non-fiction, academic texts, and technical manuals. This size provides more space for content and is suitable for more detailed works.
7″ x 10″ (17.78 x 25.4 cm)
– Commonly used for: Non-fiction, manuals, and textbooks. It’s a larger format that allows for more detailed information and illustrations.
7.44″ x 9.69″ (18.9 x 24.61 cm)
– Commonly used for: Non-fiction, manuals, technical books, and academic texts. This size is slightly larger, providing ample space for comprehensive content.
7.5″ x 9.25″ (19.05 x 23.5 cm)
– Commonly used for: Manuals, guides, and instructional books. This size is also suitable for educational materials.
8″ x 10″ (20.32 x 25.4 cm)
– Commonly used for: Children’s books, non-fiction, self-help, workbooks, and illustrated books. This larger size is ideal for visual content and detailed explanations.
8.25″ x 6″ (20.96 x 15.24 cm)
– Commonly used for: Fiction, novellas, and smaller non-fiction works. This size is slightly wider and is good for books that require a more compact format.
8.25″ x 11″ (20.96 x 27.94 cm)
– Commonly used for: Academic texts, manuals, workbooks, and comprehensive non-fiction. This larger format is excellent for detailed content and visual materials.
8.5″ x 8.5″ (21.59 x 21.59 cm)
– Commonly used for: Children’s books, art books, cookbooks, and photography books. The square format is perfect for visual storytelling and illustrations.
8.5″ x 11″ (21.59 x 27.94 cm)
– Commonly used for: Textbooks, manuals, workbooks, guides, and detailed non-fiction. This standard letter size is widely used for educational and instructional content.
Key Considerations for Choosing Trim Size
1. Genre: Different genres often have preferred trim sizes. For example, mass-market paperbacks are common for genre fiction like romance and thrillers, while larger trade paperbacks are often used for literary fiction and non-fiction.
2. Audience: Consider the preferences of your target audience. For instance, young adult books often use a slightly larger trim size than adult fiction.
3. Distribution: Some trim sizes may be more readily accepted by certain retailers or more cost-effective to print and distribute.
4. Design: The trim size affects the overall layout and design of your book, including the amount of text on each page and the cover design.
Conclusion
Understanding the common trim sizes in different markets is crucial for creating a book that meets industry standards and appeals to readers. Whether you’re targeting the US, UK, China, Australia, South Africa, or any other English-speaking country, choosing the right trim size can enhance the professional appearance and marketability of your book.