When choosing the best size for a children’s book, you must consider several factors, including the book’s orientation, the type of illustrations, and the cost of printing. Here’s a breakdown of standard children’s book sizes based on orientation:
What is Book Size?
- Book size, or trim size, defines the final dimensions of a book after printing and trimming it. It’s crucial because it affects everything from the layout and design to printing costs and shipping logistics.
Why is Trim Size Important?
- Trim size is essential, especially for picture books, because the illustrations must fit perfectly within the designated space. Incorrect sizing can lead to parts of the artwork being cut off or unnecessary white space, affecting the book’s overall aesthetic and storytelling.
Book Orientation and Common Sizes
- Portrait Orientation:
- Best For: Books where height is more important, such as those featuring tall objects or characters (e.g., giraffes).
- Common Sizes:
- Picture books: 7 x 9, 7.5 x 9.25, 8 x 10, 8.5 x 11 inches
- Early reader books: 6 x 9 inches
- Chapter books: 5.25 x 7.75, 5.5 x 7.25, 6.5 x 8 inches
- Middle grade: 5.25 x 7.5, 5.25 x 7.75 inches
- Landscape Orientation:
- Best For: Books that showcase wide scenes, such as landscapes or group journeys.
- Common Sizes:
- Picture books: 10 x 8, 11 x 8.5 inches
- Square Orientation:
- It is best for illustrations that don’t need extra height or width and prefer a balanced ratio between height and width.
- Common Sizes:
- Picture books: 8 x 8, 8.5 x 8.5, 9 x 9, 10 x 10 inches
- Print on Demand (POD) Sizes:
- The most common POD square size is 8.5 x 8.5 inches.
Why Do Standard Book Sizes Matter?
- Cost Efficiency: Standard sizes are often more cost-efficient because they minimize paper waste during the printing process.
- Availability: Not all trim sizes are available through all printers, especially with POD services like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark.
Print on Demand Book Sizes
- Amazon KDP: Limited options, with no landscape sizes available.
- IngramSpark: Offers a wider range of sizes, including one landscape option (11.5 x 8 inches).
Conclusion:
When choosing a children’s book size, consider the type of content, how it will look in different orientations, and the printing method. Portrait and square orientations are the most versatile and widely used, while landscape orientation is ideal for specific types of illustrations. Always confirm the availability of your chosen size with your printer before finalizing your book’s design.