Hardback Book Printing
Quality hardcover printing, thread-sewn as standard, with quick turnaround and UK delivery.
Why Choose Imprint Digital?
At Imprint Digital, we produce thousands of hardback books every month, combining decades of industry experience with a commitment to the highest quality and durability standards.
We Print Your Books In-House in the UK
Unlike many online print services, we’re an actual UK printing company with our own printing and binding factory. We don’t outsource your books, every step from printing to binding to dispatch is done in-house, ensuring full quality control.
Fast Turnaround and Reliable UK Delivery
Because we manage the entire production process, we guarantee rapid turnaround times and dependable UK-wide delivery.
Competitive Pricing
By printing and binding in-house, we eliminate unnecessary middlemen. You get competitive pricing directly from the source without sacrificing quality.
Request a Sample
We understand the importance of evaluating quality firsthand. Since we offer thread-sewn binding whenever you print a book with us, we encourage you to request a sample to experience the quality firsthand.
If you have any special requirements or want to see a full range of services (foil blocking, spot-UV etc), feel free to get in touch for a tailored quote or see our Guide To Case Binding.
Thread-Sewn Hardback Books
Why choose thread-sewn binding?
Thread-sewn binding is a premium method, typically an optional upgrade at most printers but at Imprint Digital, we offer it as standard on every hardback book we print.
Benefits of thread-sewn binding
Thread-sewn books are exceptionally durable, easy to open, and naturally lay flat on any surface. This provides readers with a better reading experience, and enhanced longevity compared to standard glued bindings.
Thread-sewn vs glued hardbacks
Unlike glued hardbacks (EVA or PUR) that can be stiff, hard to open, and may require breaking the spine to lay flat, thread-sewn books open effortlessly. This gives them a superior look, feel, and functionality, ensuring your hardbacks deliver a premium reading experience.
Hardback FAQ
A hardback, or hardcover book features boards wrapped in a printed paper case or cloth-like material. We use 2750-micron boards for a superior feel and durability, and use Wibalin Buckram for our cloth.
Hardback books take more time to produce than paperback books. As such, they do take longer. Our standard turnaround time for hardback books is 3 weeks. However, if you need your books earlier for a book launch, we can produce them within 2 weeks. We don't charge any extra for urgent deliveries, but please contact us before ordering if you need them within 2 weeks.
Yes, this is called a printed proof copy. We produce proof copies either digital or printed for all hardback orders.
Thread-sewn binding, also known as smyth-sewn binding, involves sewing sections of pages together with thread. This method produces a durable book block that opens flat, offering readers improved ease of use and longevity compared to glued bindings.
We can print and bind any size from A6 (148x105mm) to A4 (297x210mm). Larger sizes, such as 310 x 310mm, are also possible - contact us for a custom quote. Our flexible capabilities ensure we can accommodate a wide range of book formats.
We provide a variety of paper options to suit diverse content needs:
- 70gsm–120gsm Bookwove (White or Cream): Ideal for text-heavy publications.
- 100gsm Opaque: Excellent for journals and notebooks that require easy note-taking.
- 130gsm/170gsm Coated (Matt or Gloss): Perfect for image-rich content, such as photobooks.
If you require a specific paper not listed here, contact us, and we will do our best to source it.
We offer two primary cover styles:
- Printed Paper Case (PPC): Laminated printed paper (150gsm) wrapped around the boards (2750micron), ideal for fully custom designs.
- Dustjacket Editions: A cloth-like Wibalin Buckram material, available in various colours, that can be enhanced with foil blocking or printed elements. This option provides a traditional, sophisticated look.
To further enhance the appearance and functionality of your hardback we offer:
- Foiling: Add metallic or coloured foil details to highlight titles or design elements.
- Embossing: Incorporate raised or debossed elements for a tactile, premium finish.
- Shrink Wrapping: Protect each copy during distribution and retail display.
We exclusively use thread-sewn binding as standard for hardbacks. This choice ensures a more durable, high-quality product than lower-cost paperback-style bindings.
The Imprint Digital Difference
We’re Not Just Another Online Printer
Unlike most online book printing companies, we produce all our books in-house in the UK. This gives us complete control, better quality assurance, and quicker turnaround times, without middlemen.
Specialists in Short-Run Printing
From 10 copies upwards, every hardback receives the same premium quality and care typically reserved for larger orders.
No Hidden Costs
What you see is exactly what you’ll pay. Our clear, competitive pricing includes thread-sewn binding as standard, with no hidden extras or surprises.
Exceptional Personalised Service
Our print experts personally manage your project from beginning to end. You're always speaking to someone who understands your book and cares about the results.
Custom Hardback Options
Book Sizes
Our hardback books range from A6 to 310mm Square, including A4 landscape and everything in- between. The most popular hardback size is Royal (234x156mm) or A4 portrait (210x297mm).
Paper Types
We have many different papers available, from bookwove papers in 70gsm to 120gsm in either white or cream, offset papers from 80gsm to 100gsm, recycled papers in 100gsm and coated papers, gloss, silk and matt from 115gsm to 200gsm.
Premium Cover Finishes
We offer various cover finishes for all hardback books, from foil blocking in gold or silver with extra colours available, embossing and debossing, head and tail bands and marker ribbons. Our head and tail bands and marker ribbons come in hundreds of different combinations.
Cover Options and Laminations
We have two main cover options for hardback books - Printed Paper Case (PPC) and Wibalin Cloth. PPC covers are printed on a 150gsm coated paper and then laminated in either, gloss, matt or soft touch. Our Wibalin covers have a cloth material applied to the case and then wrapped in a dustjacket. We can also use faux leather for a traditional hardcover book.
Inserts, Fold-Outs, Endpapers and more
Because our hardback books are created in-house, we have complete control over special features. You can have fold-outs, such as maps or family history hierarchies, special inserts on coated paper, printed endpapers, wallets attached to the inside cover and many more.
Compare Our Thread-Sewn Hardback Prices
See why we're the UK's best choice for sewn hardback books:
PPC Thread-sewn hardback
70gsm Enso Cream
Gloss laminated cover
| 50pp | £820 | £1,067 | £1,562 |
| 100pp | £885 | £1,165 | £1,725 |
| 200pp | £1,015 | £1,360 | £2,050 |
| 300pp | £1,145 | £1,555 | £2,375 |
| 400pp | £1,275 | £1,750 | £2,700 |
