The correct trim size for your books can also change if you write children’s books. Most large print books are printed with a trim size of at least 6” X 9”. If your target reader is sight-challenged, a larger print version might be appropriate. More words per page can result in a book with fewer pages and therefore, a lower print cost.You’ll also need to consider your target reader when determining your trim size. You will want to determine the trim size of your book before you set margins, gutters, etc.One reason is that there are usually more words per page in a 6” X 9” book than a 5” X 8” book. The same book printed by IngramSpark measured 5” X 8”.

The book printed by Amazon KDP actually measured 5” X 7.9375” (7 15/16”). Both books had a chosen trim size of 5” X 8”. For example, I had one of my books in Amazon KDP and IngramSpark at the same time. You may find that the actual size of the finished book is different from your chosen trim size by a tiny bit. or their approximate equivalents in other countries. There are many available trim sizes, but some of the most common are 5” X 8”, 5.5” X 8.5”, and 6” X 9” in the U.S. The exact process for that varies depending on the process and machinery used to print the books.

When print books are produced, the sheets that contain the pages are stacked, then trimmed by knives in a machine. The trim size for a hardcover book is based on the book block, not the cover which may be slighter wider than the pages. If you pick up a paperback book and measure the width and height of the book, the measurements you get will be the trim size for that book. Other articles in this series: What is the trim size in books?Įvery paperback and hardcover book has a trim size.Where to set the margins for a print book in Microsoft Word.Where to set custom page sizes in Word for Windows:.Where to set custom page sizes in Word for Macs:.Set the book trim size and margins in Microsoft Word.Format one file for submission to Amazon KDP and IngramSpark.How to set margins and gutters for Amazon KDP and IngramSpark.What is bleed and how does it affect margins?.Setting margins for print books in MS Word.Choosing a trim size for your indie book.

Microsoft word margins for mac