KDP Print Options: A Guide to Designing Your Paperback and Hardcover

When you publish a print book with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you are not just uploading a file; you are making a series of physical design choices. These KDP print options from the size of your book to the finish on its cover will determine the final look, feel, and cost of your printed product.

Understanding these options is a crucial step in the print-on-demand process. The choices you make will affect everything from your book’s printing cost and royalty calculations to its appeal to your target readers. This guide will walk you through the key print options you’ll need to select on the KDP platform for both paperbacks and hardcovers.

Key Takeaways & Summary

  • You are the Designer: As an independent author, you choose the physical specifications for your print-on-demand book.
  • The Three Core Choices: The main print options you will select are Trim Size, Ink & Paper Type, and Cover Finish.
  • Options Affect Printing Cost: Each choice you make impacts the final cost to print your book, which in turn affects your minimum list price and your potential royalties.
  • Paperback Has More Options: KDP currently offers a wider variety of trim sizes for paperbacks than for hardcovers.

Print Option 1: Trim Size

“Trim size” is the industry term for the physical dimensions of your book (width x height). This is one of the first and most important decisions you will make.

  • What it is: The final size of your book after it has been printed and trimmed.

  • Common Choices:

    • Novels (Fiction): The most popular sizes in the US are 5″ x 8″ and 5.5″ x 8.5″.

    • Non-Fiction: 6″ x 9″ is the most common and standard size.

    • Children’s Books & Workbooks: Often use larger sizes, like 8.5″ x 11″.

  • Important Note: Your interior and cover files must be formatted to match your chosen trim size exactly. You can find a complete list of available sizes on KDP’s official help page.

Print Option 2: Ink and Paper Type

This option determines the look of the inside of your book.

  • Ink Type:

    • Black & White: The standard and most cost-effective option for most novels and non-fiction books.

    • Standard Color: A more expensive option, suitable for children’s books or books with a few color images.

    • Premium Color: The highest quality and most expensive ink option, ideal for image-heavy books like photography or art books.

  • Paper Type:

    • Cream Paper: Has a slightly off-white, yellowish tint. It is generally easier on the eyes and is the standard choice for most fiction.

    • White Paper: A bright white paper. It is the standard for non-fiction, technical books, and books with color interiors.

Print Option 3: Cover Finish

This choice determines the texture and appearance of your paperback or hardcover cover.

  • What it is: The type of laminate applied to your printed cover.

  • The Two Choices:

    • Glossy: Has a shiny, reflective finish. It makes colors “pop” and is very durable. It’s a common choice for textbooks, children’s books, and some non-fiction.

    • Matte: Has a smooth, non-reflective, velvety finish. It is currently a very popular and modern choice for fiction, memoirs, and business books, often perceived as having a more “literary” or “premium” feel. The choice between glossy and matte is a key design decision, often discussed in design-focused publications like AIGA Eye on Design.

How These Options Impact Your Book

Every choice you make is a piece of a larger puzzle. For example, a larger trim size or color ink will significantly increase your printing cost, which will require you to set a higher list price. A professional team can help you navigate these decisions to create a cohesive and marketable product. Our Amazon KDP publishing services include expert guidance on all these print options, ensuring your final book is both beautiful and profitable.

Let's Design Your Perfect Print Book

Short FAQ

Q: Can I change my KDP print options after my book is published?
A: No. Your trim size, paper type, and ISBN are permanently locked once you publish. To change these, you would need to unpublish your current version and create a brand new, separate book listing on KDP with a new ISBN.

Q: Which cover finish is more popular, glossy or matte?
A: Both are popular, but the choice is genre-dependent. Currently, a matte finish is very much on-trend and is the preferred choice for most modern fiction and trade non-fiction. Glossy is more common for textbooks, children’s books, and certain high-impact thrillers.

Q: Do these print options apply to KDP hardcovers as well?
A: Yes, you will choose an ink & paper type and a cover finish for your hardcover. However, KDP offers a more limited selection of trim sizes for hardcovers compared to paperbacks.

Visit Bridge Publisher