Hardback Book Printing (Smyth-Sewn)
Quality hardback book printing by the UK's specialist book printer. Fast turnaround hardback books, printed in the UK delivered to your door.
A hardback book, also known as a hardcover, is characterised by a rigid protective cover. These covers are typically made from thick cardboard and usually covered with cloth, heavy paper, or sometimes leather.
Thread-sewn binding, often called Smyth-sewn or section-sewn, is a technique in which a thread holds the book's pages together. This creates a durable binding suitable for all paper types.
Thread-sewn binding is a technique used to create premium books that open flat. All our hardbacks are sewn together as standard.
Due to the custom setup we use at Imprint Digital, we are able to print and bind any size book within A6 (148x105mm) and A4 (297 x 210mm). We can produce hardback books up to 310 x 310mm but we will have to quote for this size manually.
If your book falls outside of these measurements, please get in touch.
Our selection of paper types for hardback books is extensive, catering to various content needs. Below are our most popular choices:
- 80gsm Bookwove: These papers are excellent for novels providing a premium feel. We have various Bookwove papers from 80gsm to 120gsm in white (off-white) or cream.
- 100gsm Opaque: Perfect for notebooks and journals. This paper is excellent if your hardback book is to be written in.
- 130gsm Coated in Matt or Gloss: Perfect for publications that require a more sophisticated touch, like magazines. The option of a matt or gloss finish allows for customization based on the aesthetic and tactile feel you want.
- 170gsm Coated Matt: This heavier paper is the go-to choice when you need to make an impression, especially for showcasing products. Its substantial feel and excellent print quality make it ideal for high-end booklets.
We provide extensive paper options for our hardback books, catering to novels, journals, cookbooks, photo books and more. Should you seek a particular paper type not featured in our selection, we should be able to order it.
If you're unsure about the most suitable paper choice for your hardback book, feel free to reach out to us for a copy of our sample book.
Our hardback books typically come in two variants:
- PPC - Printed Paper Case - These covers have a laminated printed paper wrapped around the hardback boards.
- Dustjacket - Our dustjacket hardbacks are similar to the PPC options, but instead of a laminated printed paper, we wrap the boards in a Wibalin Buckram material in several colours. We can print on this material, but most people choose to have these covers with foil blocking.
Glossy finishes make colours vibrant and are great for eye-catching designs, while matte finishes offer an elegant, subtle look. We also offer lamination options for added protection. The choice of cover stock depends on your books design, content, and intended use.
We offer various options to add a touch of elegance and professionalism:
- Foiling: Add a metallic or colored foil to your book cover for a luxurious and eye-catching effect. Foiling can be used for logos, titles, or other design elements to make them stand out.
- Embossing: Create a raised or 3D effect on specific areas of your cover. Embossing adds a tactile dimension to your booklet, making it more engaging and visually appealing.
- Shrink Wrapping: Ensure your booklets arrive in pristine condition with shrink wrapping. This protects each booklet during transport and provides a professional finish for distribution or retail display.
These extras can significantly elevate the look and feel of your hardback book, making them stand out and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
Every hardback book we produce comes as a thread-sewn hardback as standard. We can produce them as perfect bound book blocks if you wish, but it is not recommended. Sewn binding is a far superior way of binding a hardback book.
We've taken quality to the next level by offering thread-sewn binding for all our hardback books as standard, even our short-run hardback book printing. This fantastic addition ensures the book opens easily, enhancing the reading experience. Our thread-sewn hardback books promise durability, aesthetic appeal, and unmatched craftsmanship.
Short-run Hardback Book Printing
Whether you're an aspiring novelist, a nonfiction author, or a poet, choosing a hardback binding adds a touch of elegance and durability to your work. All binding is thread-sewn as standard, from as little as 10 copies.
We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, guiding you through every step of the process to bring your vision to life. We have a range of book printing options for you to choose from.
Thread-Sewn Binding (Smyth-Sewn)
Our hardback book binding sets a new standard in durability and quality. All hardback books have thread-sewn binding as standard.
All hardback book binding, even the short runs, will have thread-sewn binding as standard. This process guarantees that each book will withstand years of reading and also provides a much better reading experience.
Specialised in Hardback Book Production
With our extensive industry experience, we excel in producing hardback books. Our commitment to hardback binding is ongoing, and we consistently explore future investment opportunities.
Regardless of the narrative you aim to share, we can create stunning, durable books that adhere to the highest quality standards.
Instant Price Quotes and Quality Samples
Use our instant price calculator for a quick quote or request a sample of our recently printed books.
Our samples and excess prints from customer orders showcase the exceptional quality you can expect for your book. We aim to deliver these samples within a few working days of requesting.
Helpful Links
If you need more details about our hardback printing, please get in touch with us. You can call us at 01392 851550 or drop an email to info@imprintdigital.com.
We are also happy to send you a sample booklet showcasing various papers. To assist you in understanding the benefits of saddle-stitched booklets, we have an informative blog post that explores their advantages. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information or to request samples.