How do hardcover cover dimensions differ from paperback?
Hardcover covers are much larger than paperback covers at the same trim size. Hardcovers add wrap area (0.591" per side) and hinge area (0.197" per side) that paperbacks don't have. For example, a 6"×9" book with 200 pages: paperback PDF is ~12.70" × 9.25", while hardcover PDF is ~14.27" × 10.42".
Key Details
- Paperback layout: Back Cover + Spine + Front Cover + 0.125" bleed on all edges
- Hardcover layout: Wrap + Back Cover + Hinge + Spine + Hinge + Front Cover + Wrap
- Paperback bleed: 0.125" on all edges (adds 0.25" to width and height)
- Hardcover wrap: 0.591" per side (15mm)
- Hardcover hinge: 0.197" per side (5mm)
- Hardcover spine includes board thickness: +0.189"
- Hardcover has board overhang: 0.236" total added to height