A book signature is a sheet of paper consisting of four or more printed pages and folded one or more times to the approximate size of one page of a future book or other printed product. It folds in a way that puts the pages in the correct order. A whole sheet of paper 70x100cm, 64x90cm, or another size can have a different number of signatures. The number of signatures in a whole sheet is determined by how many pages there are in each signature, and the number of pages depends on the size, type of paper, paperweight, and the type of binding.

Book with 16 signatures with no spine

Also known as a book block, the book body consists of sheets or book signatures that can be bound. This does not include the front and back pages, which are additionally glued to the body, like the endpapers.

The outer part of the book, which surrounds the book block to protect it during use and storage, and, of course, serves as a way to communicate with the client after graphic design, printing, and decoration. The two main types of binding of modern books are hard and softcover:

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Flexible and thick paper (thickness over 0.30 mm) is used to make the cover of a paperback book. The paper body is fastened to the cover by gluing (usually or PUR).

To make the cover of a hardcover book, cardboard with a thickness of 1.5 mm to 3 mm is used. The bulkier the body, the greater the thickness of the cardboard.

The flaps are a continuation of the paperback, folded to the inside of the book. They can perform the same function as the hardcover cover, providing more space for presentation and marketing, a summary or additional layout. Of course, you can leave all this space free or add just a little emphasis. The flaps have a functional value that allows the reader to use them as a divider. You can choose to have two flaps or just one.

Covering/Cloth covering is the material used to cover the cardboard. The cardboard should be covered to have a better aesthetic appearance of the hard cover. It is usually covered in paper, cloth, leather or imitation leather. There is also a possibility for a mixed option: the cover of the cardboard could be made of paper, and only the spine – left as is. Some artists leave the cardboard without covering it in paper or cloth. Between the cardboard and the covering paper/cloth you can add foam, which gives extra volume and softness. Cloth covering does not allow standard offset printing and requires the use of techniques such as embossing, hot stamping or screen printing.

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Cloth

Faux leather

This is the part of the book where the cover material hides the set of book signatures. It is the part that is visible when the book is placed on the shelf. Usually the name of the work is written, and the name of the author, and the number of the book in the series (if it is a part of a series). The spine of the hard cover can be straight or rounded. The rounded back is preferred especially for a larger number of pages of the book, as it gives it elegance.

Spine with cloth and cardboard debossed

Straight spine

Round spine

Spine in blue and chrome paper cover with print

Foam rubber

These are the pages, usually white, that are always glued to a hard cover. Their purpose is to make the binding between the book body and the cover stronger. Usually one endpaper consists of 2 sheets (4 pages). The front endpaper is glued with its first page to the back of the front cover, the back with its fourth page to the inside of the back cover. Logically, the pages of the endpapers, which are glued to the covers, are left white. At your request, the other pages of the endpapers can have a print with text, illustration or image. They can be without printing, but instead with colored paper (such as offset) in different colors to match the design of the book.

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Endpapers with print

Head and tail band is a small piece of canvas added at the top and bottom of the spine of the book, between the body and the cover. It is glued to strengthen the spine and eliminate the gap between the book body and the hardcover, when the book is closed. It also has a decorative, aesthetic significance. It can be in different colors. The head and tail band must be added for spines exceeding 10 mm.

Represents the place where the back passes into the cover. Its shape is not straight, but slightly concave – like a gutter.

It is a more elegant version of the classic paper divider. It is a thin piece of cloth glued under the head-band and serves to mark the pages read. For more sophistication, there may be two bookmarks in different colors instead of one. The rbbon bookmark is completely suitable in works of art, and the possibilities for numerous color shades combine the useful with the sophisticated.

Ribbons in different colours

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I have written articles and have designed my own website. I enjoy writing because it makes me think about what I have written!

The printed word is a permanent reminder of the past, an appraisal of the present and a commitment to the future which allow writers space and time to express their views. Writing makes you think rather than instant speech which is convenient but often hurried.

I did my research and was impressed by Pulsio Print’s focus on authors and the quality of your work.

Competitive pricing, and knowledgeable interface with the account manager Aneta Stareva.

My book ‘it does matter’ is my first book and a memoir of the ups and downs of a busy leader. It demonstrates how I was able to reach a high level within Global Printing, despite little education. The book shows future entrepreneurs that you can build a global business with no capital but lots of courage and determination.

I dedicated the book to the leaders I have been fortunate enough to work with.

About three months after the research period, in total about six months.

I chose hardcover with a matt laminated dust jacket printed in four colours.

130gsm Coated Silk White – the book contains many colour photos – the paper allows for easy reading and is an excellent vehicle for colour printing. My book was expertly printed and hardcover bound. Having been CEO (UK) of the world’s largest printing company, I can honestly say that the quality, production and service from Pulsio Print was excellent.

Set yourself a timeline for research, draft writing and proofreading – and stick to it. Choose a printer like Pulsio Print who do what they say they will do and more.

Business Leadership – we need many more good leaders to help us through these turbulent and ever-changing times.

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Make sure you take into account the type and number of pictures you want to add to your book, besides the written content.

Format

The trim size

Choice of printing paper

The cover

Book binding

Special finishes

And if you want to further increase the quality of your book with exceptional image quality and more vibrant and vivid colours, just read this article on the H-UV Printing technology.

Check the prices while choosing the options and features to see how they change the final price.

You can easily tell what will make your print project expensive by changing the size, the binding and so on.

Make sure you also keep an eye on the price while choosing papers and different book finishes.

Remember, you are in full control of your budget, and you know all the information that can help you to make the right decision.

Watch this VIDEO to find why 20% of the titles in France, Switzerland, and Belgium come from the same press…

Having identified and costed all you need for your project, you can go ahead and start preparing your book for printing.

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